HAGGARD SINGS WOODY GUTHRIE’S “JESUS CHRIST”
Posted on 02. Oct, 2009 by Rick in From Merle & Theresa
MUSIC LEGEND MERLE HAGGARD SINGS WOODY GUTHRIE’S “JESUS CHRIST” OVER CLOSING CREDITS OF MICHAEL MOORE’S ‘CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY’
Merle Haggard
When Michael Moore’s new documentary Capitalism: A Love Story opens nationwide this Friday (October 2), it will be country music legend MERLE HAGGARD that audiences hear closing out the film. MERLE said, “I was proud to sing Woody Guthrie’s ‘Jesus Christ,’” over Capitalism’s end credits.
As author and singer of “Workin’ Man Blues” – and oft-dubbed “The Poet of the Common Man” – it’s only fitting that MERLE would play a part in Moore’s paean to the plight of regular Americans in an economy ruled by big business. Equally fitting is that MERLE, tagged on the cover of Rolling Stone as a “Badass Legend,” and described in a lengthy profile in the October 1 issue as “a rebel icon and folk hero, an inheritor of the traditions of Woody Guthrie,” would revisit one of Guthrie’s protest songs.
A Golden Lion nominee and winner of both the Little Golden Lion and the Open Prize at the 2009 Venice Film Festival, Capitalism: A Love Story opened in New York and Los Angeles on September 23 to box office success and critical praise. Calling it “a genuine and welcome rabble rouser,” Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers says, “Moore’s fireball of a movie could change your life. It had me laughing with tears in my eyes.” Elsewhere, Entertainment Weekly’s Owen Gleiberman calls the film “a searing outcry against the excesses of a cutthroat time,” and Claudia Puig of USA Today calls it “impassioned, informative, and entertaining,” adding that “Moore makes his case with humor, humanity, and outrageous scenarios.” Capitalism: A Love Story hits theaters across America on October 2.
MERLE appears in the current issue of Rolling Stone in a career-defining piece written by Jason Fine. This in-depth look at an American icon has hit a nerve with the public: not only is everyone from John Fogerty to Dog The Bounty Hunter twittering about MERLE, but the magazine has also received overwhelmingly positive responses via old fashioned handwritten letters, email and web comments.
Meanwhile, MERLE was recently honored with the Poet’s Award at the Academy of Country Music’s ACM Honors on September 22 in Nashville – and played a sold-out gig at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium that same night.
janet madison
02. Oct, 2009
THEY COULDNT OF PICKED A BETTER SINGER OR STAR TO COMPLETE THIS FILM.THEY DONT COME ANY BETTER.
Tim W
02. Oct, 2009
I was fortunate enough to be one of those in attendance at the Ryman — awesome show Merle!!! Hope you’ll be back next year and that I’m fortunate to be back as well!!
“Badass Legend” — yeah, that about sums it up.
EILEEN
02. Oct, 2009
Wondering if the song will be available on a future CD?
emilio vaquero
03. Oct, 2009
merle you only one. true from Madrid SPAIN.
Jon
04. Oct, 2009
Loved the movie but the icing on the cake was Merle at the end. Michael Moore, Merle Haggard and Woody Guthrie are three of America’s best.
Bob Lipar
05. Oct, 2009
Can’t wait to see the movie now that Mighty Merle’s a part of it!!! The Rolling Stone article was fantastic and LONG OVERDUE!!!!
Merle’s been my musical hero since I first heard him back in 68!! Merle and Roy Clark were my inspirations for pickin up a guitar and tryin to do what they were doin!! Hope Merle comes to the Chicago area real soon!!! Can’t wait to see him again!!
God Bless Merle and Theresa and Family!!!!!
Forever a Fan!!!
Bob Lipar Crystal Lake,Ill.
dan thompson
05. Oct, 2009
i,ve followed merle,s music for 40 years.couldn,t happen to a better man.
Bruce MacFarlane
08. Oct, 2009
Some things must be expressed, however, few seem to express them but Merle Haggard: Because they’re not popular, because they’re not trendy, because they’re not happy enough. I think Sugarland, Joe Nichols, and a lot of us kids really dig Merle Haggard … BIG TIME! We want the truth, painful and simple. There’s only one Merle Haggard: My favorite singer, probably even my hero of sorts. Its just the beginning. Only a start. I can’t wait to see what Merle has in store for us!!!!
Mary Ann Jones
09. Oct, 2009
Merle Haggard is truly a great american. He tells it like it is, even when its not popular. He once said “It;s a free country if you can afford it”. I’ve known Merle since he first played music with my husband at the “Say When” club in Daly City Ca. in 1964, he is the greatest singer to have ever lived, I loved him then and I love him now. God Bless you Merle and your family.
Ellen Kaye
10. Oct, 2009
when i saw the film i was delighted to hear merle over the closing credits, with his kind of song. always loved merle but am learning to appreciate more and more his versatility in style, his unvarying caring for the downtrodden. roots volume ! is one of the best cd’s ever (how come there’s no vol 2), i bought 6 and have given it to friends. and his later bluegrass album tho not as consistently perfect is absolutely wonderful. this is a man who keeps on keeping on, and learning, and evolving. merle you’re the greatest!
Geir Hansen
12. Oct, 2009
Don’t know much about mr. Moore, but oh yeah, – I’m going to see that movie..! How can I not, knowing that Merle is doing this song at the end. Hope to visit the U.S. some day and see this truly exceptional, one-of-a-kind performer and poet live on stage. I just love your music Merle, down to the bottom of my heart, and have been doing so for thirty-some years now. All the best to you and your family from a devoted fan in Norway.
Jay
12. Oct, 2009
Merle has been my favorite country singer for many many years. Only Marty Robbins shared top honors in talent, as far as I am concerned. However, I will definitely pass on this “opportunity” for hearing Merle.
Pierre Vanheers
13. Oct, 2009
I hope this movie will be seen in Belgium too. Merle is my musical hero since the late sixties and I was glad to meet him one time in London. Every day I’m listening to one of Merle’s cd’s and every time he brighten my days. What a singing talent and what a poet ! Just like good wine he’s getting better every year. Merle, all the best to you and your family, from a Belgian adorer.
Phil Riches
15. Oct, 2009
What can I say, read all the above, how true, without doubt Merle is the best going around.Saw you in Perth Western Australia Merle, just great,
Toni Jean Bentley
17. Oct, 2009
Merle Haggard has been #1 with me since the first time I saw him. My dad took me to a concert, I believe it was in 1963-64?, in Buffalo, NY when & where Merle happened to be playing bass for Buck Owens. Buck was featuring Merle as an, ‘up & coming star, ‘ & gave him room to show his wares. He is as captivating today as he was then, when I was 8yrs. old. In my mind’s eye I can still see the dress Bonnie Owens was wearing &how
sweetly she & Merle flirted as she twirled his guitar cord behind him as he sang. I wouldn’t trade those memories for a free pass to any show, to see any, ‘ACT,’ today. Merle never had to act , as he is, “the Real Deal.”
eric
18. Oct, 2009
what a wonderful way to grow old/ older-
better every comming day
eric
K.Briggs
18. Oct, 2009
Mr. Haggard, I’m sure Chester is looking down on you with a smile from Heaven for providing such a inspirational voice to Michael Moore’s new documentary Capitalism: A Love Story. Take care and many Thanks for a job well done.
fuzzdixon
20. Oct, 2009
Was this the first time Merle’s done Woody?
“The Okie from Muskogee’s coming home.. home.. home..”
Rob Griffith
26. Oct, 2009
I don’t think it is the first time Merle recorded Woody. I think he recorded ‘Philadelphia Lawyer’, or maybe it was ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’.
HELEN-A.K.A.OKIEFAN
28. Oct, 2009
SHOW EM HOW IT’S DONE MERLE…AND DON’T HURT EM TOO MUCH.HA-HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Jay
29. Oct, 2009
Awesome, way to go Merle!!!
Alan
29. Oct, 2009
God only knows how much Michael Moore’s audience needs to hear and apply Jesus Christ’s teachings. Our country has turned its back on God and we are paying the price for that. Christ is the only one who can help our fallen nation! See You in Bakersfield @ Buck’s Palace in January!!
Forever a Mr. Haggard fan!!!!
Alan Fountain Valley CA
james barrett
02. Nov, 2009
way to go Merle.all the best from st johns newfoundland eastern canada..
johnny k
02. Nov, 2009
Merle….If you weren’t the “Ambassador of Truth Music”, we wouldn’t have one. Thanks a million. Stay healthy ‘n happy and keep bringin it!
Susan King
03. Nov, 2009
I just saw “Capitalism: A Love Story” and have been trying to locate Merle’s version of Jesus Christ ever since. Where can I get it? It is a perfect rendition. Thanks.
Linda J. Monts
08. Nov, 2009
I have not had the opportunity to see “Capitalism” yet, but once I read that Merle had a part, my mind was made up to see it as soon as possible. I have always put Merle right at the very top….. no one else is even in the same category. I look forward to seeing you Merle when you are back in Northeast Texas. We have always loved your music and your talent is unbelievable!!! Best wishes to you, Theresa, and family. See you on the road!! Stay healthy and take care of yourself.
Linda J. Monts
Pittsburg, Texas
Jackie Hyatt
15. Nov, 2009
Merle you are the greatest singer of country music I have ever heard,I have been following you sence you first started,I will be in Modesto on January 3rd, Can’t wait to hear the greatest again. Love you and what you stand for.
Bill Alexander
17. Nov, 2009
Merle haggard is Americas treasure…………………..See you down the road. Please do more venues that the poor people can come to see you..
BOBBY ADKINS
19. Nov, 2009
I WAS LUCKEY ENOUGH TO LOOK LIKE MERLE AND DID MERLE HAGGARD IMPERSONATIONS IN LAS VEGAS AND THE BATON ROUGE AREA ALSO WAS LUCKEY ENOUGH TO MEET HIM SEVERAL TIMES. I WILL VENTURE TO SAY IF HE WERE TO SEE ME HE WOULD KNOW MY NAME AS I HAVE THE SAME NAME AS ONE OF HIS CLOSE FRIENDS AND COLLABRATORS WITH HIS MUSIC. I AM WRITING A BOOK ON MY EXPEARINCES BECAUSE PEOPLE THOUGHT I WAS HIM A LOT OF HUMOR, NO SEX. HAD TO MUCH RESPECT FOR HIM AND MY SELF. BUT EVEN SO IT WAS A WILD RIDE . HUNDREDS 0F STORIES ALL TRUE. CASINO SECURITY CAME TO ME AND ASKED TO SPEAK TO ME, SAID THEY DIDN`T KNOW WHO i WAS BUT KNEW WHO I WASN`T, KNEW MERKE WAS PLAYING A GIG AT A CASINO IN RENO SAID ALL CASINOS COMMUNICATED. BUT HE SAID HE WOULD LEAVE THE SECURITY WITH ME ANY WAY THEY ALWAYS WATCHED ME TO MAKE SURE I WAS OK SAID THEY KNEW I DIDN`T PANHANDLE FOR DRINKS OR MONEY AND THEY LIKED THE PUBLICITY THANX MERLE FOR YOUR DAMN GOOD LOOKS AND FOR THE TALENT YOU HAVE, BUT STILL WISH I HAD YOUR MONEY. YEAH I KNOW YOU SAID I`D BE BROKE THEN. THANX MERLE FOR THE GREAT RIDE HEARD YOU WERE UNDER THE WEATHER AGAIN GET WELL SOON. THANX LOVE YOU AND THE FAMILY ALTHOUGH YOU ARE NOT MY TYPE………. BOBBY ADKINS
Susie Q
29. Nov, 2009
Where can I purchase Merle’s recording of Jesus Christ? Is there a sound track to Michael Moore’s Capitolism? I want to get my hands on this song asap! Could someone please email me and tell me how and where I can get a recording of the song, please? Thanks in advance…..a loyal Hag fan for over 40 years, Susie Q
john coughlan
30. Dec, 2009
Saw you Merle, in Sydney Australia some years ago and can’t believe how lucky I was . I saw the Highwaymen around the same time, how fortunate was I?
Currently, I am sitting here in Five Dock Sydney, listening to Back to the Barrooms Again.
John and Denyse.
Old Soldier
31. Dec, 2009
It’s a cold night here in Afghanistan as we get ready for a New Year and another “surge” of troops. I’m listening to Merle sing “My Favorite Memory” and thinking how I will miss, again, kissing my wife at midnight. That’s one of my favorite memories.
I’ll leave it to the historians to decide whether what has happened here is worth remembering.