RIP- Merle Haggard

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 6 Apr 2016 1:29 pm

A friend that I go all the way back to Jr. High with, posted this on a Facebook post I have going. This is the best statement I have ever heard about all the deaths of entertainers lately. She says:

We are experiencing the fade out of the sound track to our lives.

Al Vesel · Post by **Al Vesel** » 6 Apr 2016 1:54 pm

One of my favorites has gone home to sing in God's Choir. What a golden voice he had. Us Classic Country folks loved you Merle and will love your music you left forever!!

God Bless you Merle,

A. Vesel

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 6 Apr 2016 2:04 pm

There were two types of singers: Merle Haggard and those who wanted to be, its a sad day.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 6 Apr 2016 2:05 pm

One of the few real country singers that was left is now gone. RIP and condolences to his family.

Ben ODell · Post by **Ben ODell** » 6 Apr 2016 2:17 pm

And he lives, on, and on, and on.
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Ken Lang · Post by **Ken Lang** » 6 Apr 2016 2:35 pm

He will be missed.
God Bless.

Milton C. Willmann · Post by **Milton C. Willmann** » 6 Apr 2016 2:57 pm

As Russ said, my condolences to Mr Hamlet and the band and family. RIP

Donnie Southers · Post by **Donnie Southers** » 6 Apr 2016 3:23 pm

All I can say is "Damn It!"

Sam White · Post by **Sam White** » 6 Apr 2016 4:14 pm

I just lost my favorite Country singer. I have listened to Merle Haggart since the late 50s and I always loved his music and his voice. Rest In Peace my best country singer.
Sam White

Sam White · Post by **Sam White** » 6 Apr 2016 4:14 pm

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 6 Apr 2016 5:09 pm

Jaw hits the floor, just got in from a rough day.

Late 60's, I'm just a teenage punk guitar player from Boston mostly into blues, and some rock and roll. I was hangin' out with a Coast Guard guy I knew from North Carolina stationed locally. He said to me, "You know, Dave, you oughta listen to some country music, you might be surprised.", and put on some Merle Haggard. My jaw hit the floor then too. First tune was "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive", and my jaw slacked with each successive tune. I went out that day and bought every Merle Haggard record I could find. Never been quite the same since.

RIP Merle.

Ron Pruter · Post by **Ron Pruter** » 6 Apr 2016 5:21 pm

Back in the 70's, when I was a nobody, and still am, I was told I could go upstairs in the Sho-Bud Music Store
and try out some steels. I did, and sitting down at one of the steels, I looked to my right and there he was, sitting there all by him self just aimlessly picking away on a mandolin. I just kind of, gave him a nod like he was nobody special then went into shock. I've always regretted being such a weinny. I'll really miss him too. RP

Chris Templeton · Post by **Chris Templeton** » 6 Apr 2016 5:42 pm

Happy Birthday, Merle.

Hiro Keitora · Post by **Hiro Keitora** » 6 Apr 2016 5:54 pm

Can't remember exactly when- but it was priceless moment to
see both Merle and Ray Price at the Radio City music hall...

I don't know what else to say..Thank you--

Ken Brower · Post by **Ken Brower** » 6 Apr 2016 5:57 pm

Saw him for the first time in 1980 in Saratoga Springs, NY. I was 22 and went alone to the concert. He was standing in the door of the bus signing autographs so I got on line. When I got to the door he reached out his hand for the thing he was supposed to sign, but I had nothing. He then looked up at me somewhat puzzled. I said to him "Just a handshake Hag". He gave me a great big smile of appreciation and then a firm shake. What a privilege ... what a loss

Dan Robinson · Post by **Dan Robinson** » 6 Apr 2016 6:14 pm

I had to acquire a taste for Merle. He was an Okie, and didn't care for me and my hippie friends. Over time I learned appreciation for the music, and respect for the man. For a couple of years I always ended the third set with Pancho and Lefty. I think we would have liked one another. I'm singing that to myself today, thinking of The Hag and The Red Headed Stranger, but there is an empty space. He was one of a kind. RIP Merle.

Dan

Jeffrey Smith · Post by **Jeffrey Smith** » 6 Apr 2016 6:53 pm

I saw him at the Ryman back in 2012, I think. He was what... 75 then? So his voice was weak and wobbly and cracked? No way! He flat brought it! It was one of the most amazing shows I've seen. His voice sounded incredible. His band was awesome. He had Marty on guitar and Jeff Cook (Alabama) was with them. Every time I'd think, "I think he's done most of his big hits," there'd be another one... Leaving me to say, "I can't even remember all the country hits he wrote."

It was an amazing show. It was the second time I'd seen him. The first time was in 1984. He brought it then, too. Both shows are performances I will never forget.

He was a hell of a musician and one of the last who truly lived much of what he sang.

The passing of Merle Haggard is just hard to take... there'll never be another who comes close.

Chris Boyd · Post by **Chris Boyd** » 6 Apr 2016 7:00 pm

While listening to Merle and Don Henley sing The Cost Of Living on Don's Cass County cd 3 days ago,my thoughts wandered to just how lucky we all are to have Merle in our lives....and now 3 days later he has passed on his 79th birthday...Thank you Merle and may you rest in peace...

Brint Hannay · Post by **Brint Hannay** » 6 Apr 2016 7:10 pm

Farewell, Merle. Few have given this world as much as you did.

Dustin Kleingartner · Post by **Dustin Kleingartner** » 6 Apr 2016 7:35 pm

I'm so glad I got to see Merle last year at the Minnesota State Fair. A true legend, and a true loss.

Tim Sergent · Post by **Tim Sergent** » 6 Apr 2016 8:12 pm

So I came home today after rehearsal and YouTubed a bunch of Merle. Go check out all of the live performances on there and listen to how good his pitch is on nearly every note he sings. We worked with him in later 2015 and it was exactly the same. As good as anything I've ever heard...and he was 78 years old. One of our crew guys has some video from side stage. I'll try to post it if possible.

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 6 Apr 2016 8:48 pm

RIP Hag...

https://youtu.be/xi3GgoLtlWk

Sonny Curtis · Post by **Sonny Curtis** » 6 Apr 2016 8:55 pm

What a sad day..we will miss you but we will always have your music. Rest in peace

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 7 Apr 2016 1:24 am

Merle Haggard, along with George Jones and Ray Price was the voice of country music in the 20th century. I guess there won't be many forum members here who have never played a Haggard number in their lives. Condolences to his family and friends.

RIP Merle - your work on earth is done and will go down in history.

John Booth · Post by **John Booth** » 7 Apr 2016 1:44 am

I've spent almost 50 years playing Haggard and Jones music. In fact, the first song I ever sang in public was
"Branded Man" because my father threw me up on stage with a band playing at a fishing lake lodge
when I was about 10 years old. I tanked it (i'm sure) but the people applauded me anyway. Haven't been off stage since.

Thank you Mr Haggard. You've been an important part of mine, and all of our lives.

JB

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