Singer merle haggard biography singing
Home / Celebrity Biographies / Singer merle haggard biography singing
But most of all, it has become an extension of my feelings, allowing me that little piece of immortality everybody dreams about.”
His mother started him on violin at an early age, but Haggard, being as opinionated as he was, insisted upon learning the fiddle. Though his musical output has waned over the years, he has continued to find success with albums such as If I Could Fly (2000), Haggard Like Never Before (2003) and his 2015 reunion album with Willie Nelson, Djano & Jimmie, which landed Haggard atop the country music charts one more time.
We have worked as daily newspaper reporters, major national magazine editors, and as editors-in-chief of regional media publications. That didn’t last very long as Merle’s musical talents began to shine through very quickly.
An opportunity to play at one of the premier local clubs, the Lucky Spot, not only liberated Haggard from his day job, but also united him in a band with Fuzzy Owen who co-owned the small record label Tally Records along with Lewis Talley.
He began playing music at local events when a teenager. I will miss him."
Quotes from Merle Haggard:
- “I was raised in a freight car.”
- “A house without love ain't a home.”
Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. He cleaned up his act quickly and applied for the toughest job in the prison – at the textile mill – and he was granted parole the next time.
Released in 1960, Haggard immediately went to work for his brother Lowell, digging ditches and wiring houses.
Left to his own devices, Haggard developed into a rebellious teen, compiling a criminal record that included such offenses as truancy, passing phony checks and grand theft auto.
In the last year of his life he was also able to enjoy his grandchild Delaney from Jenessa, his daughter with Theresa.
By the time of his death at age 79 on his birthday, April 6, 2016, Haggard had recorded more than 100 albums, had a star on Hollywood Blvd., had been on the cover of Time Magazine and even received an honorary doctorate in fine arts from California State University of Bakersfield.
He spent more than two-and-a-half years in San Quentin State Prison for attempted burglary in the late 1950s.
Above and beyond his real-world hardships and artistic authenticity, Haggard will forever stand as one of the greatest vocalists, one of the most influential stylists, and one of the most perceptive writers in the history of country music.
Troubled youth
Merle Ronald Haggard was born on April 6, 1937, in Oildale, California—just outside Bakersfield.
"Okie from Muskogee" crossed over to the pop charts and in 1970 earned Haggard the Country Music Association's Awards for Single, Entertainer and Top Male Vocalist of Year. His friend and longtime collaborator Willie Nelson posted a picture of the two of them together, accompanied by the simple message: "He was my brother, my friend.
He had been suffering from double pneumonia and had to cancel a string of scheduled concerts with Willie Nelson. He has four children from his first marriage to Hobbs and two children with Lane.
Sing Me Back Home
Haggard died at home on his Northern California Ranch on April 6, 2016, his 79th birthday. Among his most memorable albums were The Fightin' Side of Me (1970), Someday We'll Look Back (1971), If We Make It Through December (1974) and A Working Man Can't Get Nowhere Today (1977).
“The route my life took was meant to be that way in order for it to be the way it is now. He also was a member of the audience when Johnny Cash made his legendary 1959 performance at the prison. He never let stop signs of any kind get in the way of what he wanted to do.
Moreover, unlike virtually all of the singers labeled as “outlaws” in the 1970s, “Hag” was a genuine outlaw.
He was well on his way.
It was that same year Haggard formed his band, calling them The Strangers, a nod to the previous hit he had had. Like a good woman, it’s given me comfort and pleasure, and asked only respect and attention in return. I could have done without it, for damn sure, but for all it gave me and all it took away, I believe the score was on the plus side…”
Music was always the silver lining.
In Haggard’s book, his mother Flossie described Merle as unpredictable, but he was always a music lover.
in 1966.