I tend to pay tribute to entertainers who pass away on my blog. On his 79th birthday, April 6, 2016, Country legend Merle Haggard passed away. Haggard is credited along with Buck Owens for creating the Bakersfield sound. He is also known for his Outlaw Country.
His inductions into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame would be enough to call Merle a legend. A Kennedy Center Honors, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and BMI Icon Award was just icing on his cake. To me the numerous artists he influence and his 38 chart topping hits makes him a legend.
His first number one hit "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive"...
One of my favorites "Mama Tried"...
His last number one "Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star"
I could share song after song and they all would be gems. What is your favorite Merle Haggard song? Do you have a great Merle Haggard memory? Feel free to share in the comments. He will be missed by musicians, fans and family may he rest in peace.
Stay tuned for my Battle of the Bands results post on Sunday and on Monday the A to Z Challenge continues.
His inductions into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame would be enough to call Merle a legend. A Kennedy Center Honors, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and BMI Icon Award was just icing on his cake. To me the numerous artists he influence and his 38 chart topping hits makes him a legend.
His first number one hit "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive"...
One of my favorites "Mama Tried"...
His last number one "Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star"
I could share song after song and they all would be gems. What is your favorite Merle Haggard song? Do you have a great Merle Haggard memory? Feel free to share in the comments. He will be missed by musicians, fans and family may he rest in peace.
Stay tuned for my Battle of the Bands results post on Sunday and on Monday the A to Z Challenge continues.
9 comments:
Hi, Mike!
One by one, we are losing many great ones this year. It's alarming. I didn't pay much attention to country music over the years, but I vividly recall the impact of Merle's crossover hit "Okie from Muskogee" during my junior year of college in late 1969. I admired Merle Haggard's sincere, earthy, organic vocals and enjoy his recordings much more than the smooth, slick, pop style country of recent decades.
Thanks, Mike!
I connect him with "Pancho and Lefty", a duet he did with Willie Nelson.
Loved his voice, and his songs. Mama tried - perfect. That he was an Aries too, special! LOL
Happy A to Z ing! Yay, the weekend's here! :)
Ninga Minion @YolandaRenee from
Defending The Pen
Parallels
Murderous Imaginings
We have finally reached the times when "celebrities" are simply dying of old age. It's beginning to feel like a snowball rolling down a mountain.
That was so sad that Merle died, and on his birthday no less! A great loss to the Country music Greats.
I like the songs you picked to showcase here...
RIP Merle!
Michele at Angels Bark
We have lost too many greats. Mama tried. RIP.
Excellent take on H and a wonderful tribute!
Best wishes,
Nilanjana.
Ninja Minion, A-Z 2016
Madly-in-Verse
I've never been much into country music, but there have been a few artists over the years that I have liked to listen to. Though I was unfamiliar with this guy, I like his singing and could easily pick up an album from him and listen to it.
I've never heard of him, great to learn a little about him and hear his music
Debbie
Great artist. Sad so to see him go.
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