Merle Haggard

Willie Nelson, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpon and others have all expressed their sorrow over the loss of the country icon.

Best known for his 1969 hit, "Okie From Muskogee," Haggard was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994.

If we’re honest, we’ve probably all caught ourselves bemoaning the future of this or that, whether our critiques are directed at a genre of music, politics or even an entire generation.

Haggard's father died when Merle was nine years old. He soon began committing petty crimes and truancy. Due to shoplifting in 1950 (aged thirteen), Merle was sent to a juvenile detention center.

“Hello Twitter. #FirstTweet.” That’s how Merle Haggard kicked off his new Twitter account yesterday afternoon — but after his inaugural greet tweet, things just got, well, kind of weird.

On Tuesday night Keith Urban was asked to be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill popped the question during his annual benefit show for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum — could there be a more fitting place to reward an artist for his or her commitment to country music?

I believe that Merle Haggard is one of Country Music's greatest ever! Without a doubt, 'The Hag' is a perfect example of a red blooded, American Country Music Living Legend! Take a look at this video of Merle being honored less than two years ago in Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center Honors.

Merle Haggard attempted to go home to Northern California last week, following treatment for double pneumonia. However, he returned to the hospital partway through the bus ride, realizing something still wasn’t right.

Merle Haggard will be be on his way home to California soon. WMAZ in Macon, Ga. reports that the Hag’s condition is much better and he’ll be released from the hospital shortly.

Country legend Merle Haggard has canceled four remaining January tour dates to recover from pneumonia. It’s not clear when, if at all, the 74-year-old will reschedule shows originally planned for Paducah, Ky., Lula, Miss., Ft. Worth, Texas and Tulsa, Okla.

Country legend Merle Haggard hadn’t been feeling well in recent days, but chose to press on with a run of tour stops across the south. The illness caught up with him on Tuesday night, however, as Haggard was hospitalized for pneumonia just minutes before he was scheduled to begin a set in Macon, Ga.

The word “legend” usually makes an appearance at some point when discussing Merle Haggard. It’s an acknowledgment of his artistry and his standing as “the poet of the common man.” It’s a tribute to his incredible commercial success and to the lasting mark he has made, not just on country music, but on American music as a whole. It’s apt in every way but one. The term ... Read More ...