Biography:
Merle Ronald Haggard was born in Oildale, California, near Bakersfield, during the heart of the Great Depression. His parents, James and Flossie Haggard, were “Okies” who had migrated from Oklahoma after their barn burned down. Haggard’s early life was marked by poverty, especially after his father’s death when Merle was only nine years old. He developed a rebellious streak early on, frequently running away from home and getting into trouble with the law for petty crimes, leading to several stays in juvenile facilities. His life took a more serious turn when, at the age of 20, he was incarcerated in San Quentin State Prison for burglary. It was during this time, witnessing Johnny Cash perform for the inmates, that Haggard found a new direction through music.
Career:
- The Bakersfield Sound: Upon his parole in 1960, Haggard immersed himself in the burgeoning country music scene of Bakersfield, which was developing a raw, honky-tonk sound as a reaction against the slicker Nashville style. He started playing local clubs and eventually landed a regular gig playing bass for Wynn Stewart in Las Vegas.
- Early Recordings and Breakthrough: In 1962, Haggard signed with Tally Records, a small local label. His fourth single for Tally, a cover of Wynn Stewart’s “Sing a Sad Song” (1964), became his first national hit, reaching the Top 20 on the country charts. This success led to a contract with Capitol Records.
- String of Hits: The mid-to-late 1960s saw Haggard release a remarkable string of hit singles that defined his career and solidified his place in country music. These included “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive” (1966), his first No. 1 hit, “Branded Man” (1967), “Sing Me Back Home” (1968), and “Mama Tried” (1968), many of which drew from his own experiences with the law and his hard-living past.
- “Okie From Muskogee”: In 1969, Haggard released what would become his signature song and most controversial recording, “Okie From Muskogee.” Written as a reflection of the values of working-class Americans during a time of social upheaval and anti-war sentiment, the song became a massive hit and sparked considerable debate.
- Working Man’s Poet: Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Haggard continued to release hit after hit, often focusing on themes of working-class struggles, patriotism, and personal hardship. Notable songs from this period include “Workin’ Man Blues” (1969), “The Fightin’ Side of Me” (1970), “If We Make It Through December” (1973), and “Are the Good Times Really Over (I Wish a Buck Was Still Silver)” (1981).
- Collaborations and Later Career: Haggard collaborated with numerous artists throughout his career, most notably with Willie Nelson on albums like “Pancho & Lefty” (1983), which featured the iconic title track. He continued to record and tour prolifically until his death in 2016, remaining a vital and respected figure in country music.
Achievements:
Merle Haggard’s impact on country music is undeniable, earning him numerous accolades and honors:
- Awards:
- 3 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
- 19 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, including the prestigious Artist of the Decade for the 1970s and multiple Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist awards.
- 9 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, including Entertainer of the Year (1970), Album of the Year for “Okie From Muskogee” (1970), and multiple Male Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year awards.
- Kennedy Center Honors (2010) for his lifetime contribution to American culture.
- Chart Success:
- 38 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, one of the highest totals in country music history.
- Numerous gold and platinum-selling albums.
- Hall of Fame Inductions:
- Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (1977).
- Country Music Hall of Fame (1994).
- Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame (1997).
- Other Recognition:
- BMI Icon Award (2006) for his significant impact on songwriting.
- His music influenced countless artists across various genres.
- He was known as “The Poet of the Common Man” for his ability to articulate the experiences and emotions of working-class Americans.
Merle Haggard’s authentic voice, compelling songwriting rooted in his own experiences, and his crucial role in shaping the “Bakersfield Sound” cemented his legacy as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of country music.
Kennedy Center Honors Merle Haggard Dec 28,2010