httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGU2GkomuqQ
Now comes word that Merle Haggard has died Wednesday – his 79th birthday.
As recently as 2010, Haggard used the word to describe himself, saying in an interview on NPR’s Fresh Air: “I was probably the most incorrigible child you could ever meet. I was already on the way to prison before I realized it, actually. I was really kind of a screw-up.”
The Outlaw: For much of his career, Haggard operated outside of the Nashville system that generated smooth – some would say too-smooth – country music.
The Songs: Haggard became known as a supremely talented songwriter, and his songs such as “Mama Tried,” “Okie From Muskogee,” “Today I Started Loving You Again,” and “If We’re Not Back In Love By Monday” have been covered by other artists countless times.
Legacy: Haggard never stopped making music, and although he often complained about life on the road, he was doing his best to tour in recent months, as he fought off serious health problems.
Even back in 2009, Haggard’s longevity was already being noticed by Will Oldham, an acclaimed songwriter who has called Haggard one of his idols.
After hearing of his death, Dolly Parton said of Haggard today, “We’ve lost one of the greatest writers and singers of all time. His heart was as tender as his love ballads. I loved him like a brother. Rest easy, Merle.”