Birthday Giveaway: Merle Haggard
What can we say about Merle Haggard that hasn’t been said before? The man, the legend…the Hag was born on April 6, 1937, became one of the most prolific singer/songwriters of his era, helped usher in the sound in country music known as The Bakersfield Sound, and he’s still not done. He recently wrapped up the much acclaimed Last of the Breed tour with Willie Nelson, Ray Price, and Asleep at the Wheel and recorded an album with them. He also recorded an album with George Jones, and plans on putting out a bluegrass album in the near future. Needless to say, he’s had an illustrious career.
Leave a comment below with two songs of your choosing and we’ll send you those two songs. As long as you leave a comment before April 7th you’ll get your two free songs.
- Branded Man
- Mama Tried
- Silver Wings
- Are the Good Times Really Over
- Sweet Jesus
- My Life’s Been a Pleasure
- Today I Started Loving You Again
- Hungry Eyes
- If I Could Only Fly
- The Bottle Let Me Down
Go spread the Merle Haggard love.
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10 Comments
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April 6, 2007 at 5:39 pm Permalink
I dont need any of the songs (got ‘em all) but I could’nt let Hags birthday go without a hats off!
April 6, 2007 at 5:51 pm Permalink
Sweet! It’s mildly depressing to offer free music and still not have anyone comment. I’m officially blaming it on being a Friday.
April 6, 2007 at 11:51 pm Permalink
Merle rules. I’d love “If Only I Could Fly” and “Sweet Jesus.”
April 7, 2007 at 7:03 am Permalink
And a goog Friday at that. People are probably on the road.
April 7, 2007 at 9:21 am Permalink
Happy birthday Merle!
I would love Sweet Jesus and If I Could Only Fly. Thanks so much.
April 7, 2007 at 8:56 pm Permalink
My two favorites from your list are “Silver Wings” and “Today I Started Loving You Again.” I didn’t realize it was the Hag’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Merle! One of my all-time favorites is “The Farmer’s Daughter.” I don’t think I’ve ever heard “Sweet Jesus” or “If I Could Only Fly.” Of course, I don’t listen to radio. Maybe that’s why? :)
My uncle and my father used to sing country music in the local bars. I have an old reel-to-reel tape of Daddy singing “Branded Man” and the two of them doing “Swinging Doors.” Memories….
April 7, 2007 at 9:35 pm Permalink
Awesome site. Doing my part to spread the Haggard love…I request “If I Could Only Fly” & “Sweet Jesus.”
But where’s the love for Yoakum?
April 9, 2007 at 7:37 am Permalink
RedHead – “If I Could Only Fly” is the title track to an album that Merle released in 2000 and “Sweet Jesus” is from the latest Last of the Breed collaboration with Willie Nelson and Ray Price. As far as I now neither one of them received any radio play, but they’re both excellent songs.
Aunt P – I’ll bring the CDs by sometime. As for Yoakum, he’s still working on me, I’ll let you know if there’s ever a breakthrough ;)
May 8, 2007 at 3:48 pm Permalink
My favorite Hag moment on vinyl is the live recording where he does impersonations of Buck Owens, Marty Robins, Johnny Cash, and more. He introduced Harold’s Super Service on it as well. The Strangers are maybe the best live band ever in country music.
Send me Silver Wings and Today I Started Lovin You Again
September 1, 2007 at 1:10 pm Permalink
The Hag is the best . I have travelled from the UK to see his shows in the USA . Just hope he comes over to the UK for a visit. The man and his music can only be described as fantastic. A rare one of a kind .
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