Merle Haggard * The Interview * by Rock Cellar Magazine

“The Hag” Looks Back June 2013 by Marshall Ward – Rock Cellar Magazine As part of a vanishing breed that included Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and George Jones, Merle Haggard is one of the last true outlaws of American music. Haggard is a survivor who, at age 20, began serving a three-year sentence in California’s San Quentin maximum security prison, having previously escaped jails and reform schools 17 times. “They couldn’t really hold me anywhere, so they considered me an escape risk,” says Haggard. “I don’t think I was really all that bad of a guy, and eventually I turned things around.” Indeed he did, as Haggard would go on to write and record some of the most timeless classics, from Okie From Muskogee to Mama Tried to If We Make... Read More ››

The gospel of Merle Haggard

If you don’t know what to ask a country-music god, start with his boots By Seth Combs @ www.sdcitybeat.com I’d just hit the “call” button on my cell phone. The number was Merle Haggardís office line. I’d prepared questions for almost a week, but as the phone began to ring, I suddenly realized I had no icebreaker—an opening question that would prove to this country-music god that he was safe in my hands. “Hello,” says a voice on the other line. “Is this, uh, Mr. Haggard?” “Why, yes it is.” Holy shit! I think. What do I ask?! This is Merle. Fucking. Haggard! Haggard, 75, has 50-plus years experience playing country music. He’s got more than 38 No. 1 hits, and so many albums... Read More ››

75 and still riding bikes

Join Merle Haggard on Twitter for more updates!

CSUB TO HONOR MERLE HAGGARD AND BUCK OWENS

NEWS FROM CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, BAKERSFIELD Honorary Doctorate and President’s Medal are Pinnacle of University’s Awards March 1, 2013 — CSU Bakersfield today announced that it will award its highest honors to Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. Haggard will receive the tenth honorary doctorate to be awarded by the university, and the first Doctor of Fine Arts in its history. Owens joins an elite list of honorees to receive the venerated President’s Medal. He is the first to be so awarded posthumously. The distinguished honors will be presented at the Spring 2013 commencement ceremony for the School of Arts & Humanities on June 14, 2013. Alvis “Buddy” Owens will accept the President’s Medal on his father’s behalf. “We consider these honors as equivalent, although... Read More ››

Playing ROMP in Owensboro, KY!

Merle Haggard is excited to be playing ROMP in Owensboro, KY! The line-up has been announced and tickets are now on sale. Click on over to www.rompfest.com to see the line-up and purchase tickets. ROMP is produced by the International Bluegrass Music Museum and operates as the museum’s largest annual fundraiser. The ROMP Venue Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival Yellow Creek Park 5710 Highway 155 Owensboro KY TIME: 8:30 pm TICKETS: www.rompfest.ticketleap.com Read More ››