"The Hag" passed away on April 6, 2016, on his 79th birthday, yet another legendary musician lost this year. Merle was born in California, a son of Oklahoma migrants looking for a better life amidst the Great Depression. This connection to Oklahoma would bring about his biggest hit, "Okie from Muskogee," but he kept true to his California roots as well, as he, along with Buck Owens, helped establish the "Bakersfield Sound," which artists like Dwight Yoakam have helped keep alive. Haggard, after struggling to get a music career going, spent time at San Quentin Prison, where he joined the prison band after Johnny Cash put on a concert at the prison. It didn't take long for Haggard to become a star after his release.
This album has some of his biggest hits, including "Okie from Muskogee," "Mama Tried," and "The Fightin' Side of Me." This is real country music. In an era where country has strayed from its roots, you could always count on Haggard to keep it true. His last album was another collaboration with Willie Nelson, "Django & Jimmie." Not a bad way to end a legendary career.
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