When Thursday was officially proclaimed as Merle Haggard Day in Nashville, there were only three hours before midnight. But an all-star lineup of musicians and 18,000 fans packed into Bridgestone Arena crammed an entire day’s worth of celebrating into a few hours.
The tribute show and concert taping “Sing Me Back Home: The Music of Merle Haggard” assembled artists from contemporary country star Kacey Musgraves to rock god Keith Richards to honor Haggard’s legacy on what would have been his 80th birthday. The masterful country music songwriter, singer and performer died at his Northern California home on April 6, 2016 – the day he turned 79.