Merle Haggard died of pneumonia on April 6, the date was also his 79th birthday. Haggard recorded more than 30 number one country hits in a musical career that spanned six decades, from the 1960s into the 2010s.
The Hag was one of country music’s most influential writers and voices, he was also one of the artists that defined the Bakersfield country sound. Merle was born in California in 1937, living in a converted boxcar with his family. He overcame an early life of petty crime and a three years in prison in San Quentin and he used these experiences to create a rugged, outlaw image that helped sell millions of records. Haggard wrote, sang and played fiddle and guitar, telling tales of the American folk and outlaws that he had met along the way.
A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, he is best known for hits like Mama Tried, The Fugitive, If We Make It Through December and Okie from Muskogee. He was an inspiration to many of country music’s biggest names at present, many of whom took to twitter straight after the sad news was reported, to give their tributes and share their loss.
Willie Nelson tweeted a simple black-and-white photo with the lines, “He was my brother, my friend. I will miss him.” “Country music has suffered one of the greatest losses it will ever experience,” said country star Charlie Daniels on Twitter. “Rest in peace Merle Haggard.”
The legend had battled lung cancer in 2008 and recently cancelled his April tour dates due to illness but had said that he hoped to be back on the road in May. He died of complications from pneumonia at his home in Northern California.
The new issue of Maverick Magazine will feature our full obituary of Merle Haggard.
