Merle Haggard -Riding A Big Wheel ( High As A Kite )
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- Опубликовано: 10 фев 2025
- Jim Herrington tells the story behind his iconic photograph of Merle Haggard.
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Merle Haggard
Jim Herrington
#MerleHaggard
I became a Merle fan while reading an interview article in a Playboy magazine he did and in it he spoke about a burn victim boy who was set on fire by his father and he was asked in an interview how he spent all those days recovering in the hospital and the boy had a simple reply and it was "thank God for radio".
When Merle told that story about the boy replying "thank God for radio" Merle had tears in his eyes.
It was at that moment I became a Merle Haggard fan and after THAT I went searching for his music.
He was the greatest there ever was and the greatest there ever will be!
This was one of the best of Jim’s stories so far. “don’t fuckin move, I’m going away for a while under this blanket”. Classic.
As someone who shot with a view camera, I am impressed with this shoot. I can't imagine trying to remember all of the technical things while, at the same time, dealing with a person as your subject. Oh, and the person is Merle Haggard, and you don't have much time, and you and the Merle are both stoned.
You can check out more of Jim's photographs at these links. Tell him Otis sent ya!
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That's a pretty amazing and impressive body of work. Much like Merle Haggard's music. No way am I able to pick just one favorite
Wow 👌
💗
As a former photographer I’m impressed with your work. Nothing better than 4x5 black and white. All the best Jim.
I swear, Otis, you know some of the best storytellers in the world!
Thanks, Joe!
Fascinating! This is so important for the future 'cause this kind of skill is dying off. :)
"Remember Parade magazine, kids?" Indeed I do. Great interview!
Thanks, Chris!
I can never get enough of Jim love the guy I love his work to stories!
Finest male vocalist in country music of all time.
Ne Heard of it his Magazine The Depression but would love to know more about it from any one willing to share it with me Tons of Gratefullness ss I sure ly would so truly be
Heavenly
his freedom
God's men
Dedicated To America's God Given Loveing Land of the Free Nation
Working mans blues and Ottis thanks for bringing us Jims work and great Merle story..
Thanks, Gene!
What a beautiful story.
Hit hit me like a stone when Kodachrome disappeared for the face of the Earth.
I knew it could do and what it couldn't do and it was comfortable with it.
My biggest regret in life is not going to a larger format regardless of the film media. My pictures of our local Coast and close ups of miscellaneous things like sand dunes and plants. Looking back 30 years, everything I did would have been ideal for a larger format.
No, I cannot go back and we live my times but I totally enjoy listening to another photographer describing his life and times. Such a wonderful depiction and description of a personal relationship of a man that he people ever we're able to meet, greet, and spend time with.
Fantastic stories and thank you for sharing.
Amazing stories. I love that he’s shooting large format and all the idiosyncrasies and magic that come along with it. The only proper way to take portraits IMO.
Daddy took me to see Merle Haggard My favorit is Twinkles Twinkle little⭐ Star This Was Dad's favorite Country Artists as A Male His Fav Woman Artist Was Tanya Tucker he took me to see her too he loved th Go Go boots And sure enough she wore them when we seen her as Daughter And Dad He made me dance with him right up front so he could be even closer to her Lol Memories l cherish for I would loose My Dad Bill Urness Best Dad And Trucker on the planet We share d so much family time After we lost My My Mom His X In Ninty Eight Daddy ne ver stop loveing Mama As A Trucker Made a Route To Dalhart all right to jus see her Again I put their Wedding picture from Aunt Jean Mom SiSter In my Daddy's ☕ n he kept that picture by his Bed Side for Twenty years told MamA Good Night We he wasn't on the Road Merle haggard and Jimmy Saggert went ever where by Satalightl Radio that Daddy And His Truck Did I Miss Him And nowHe watches Over me Hope MyMom isn't picking on him too much in God's Hevenly 🏠 Home ❣️❣️❣️ lol
picture was 🦋Put 😍i n Daddy's Coffin of Him and Mama on their Wedding Day tho they Divorced He never married again She came with Four kids His Kids he'd always Say proudly he Slept with that picture at his bed side Nearly twenty years Never stopping loveing her and always made a point to wish her Good Night They don't make Men like Daddy Any More He Broke The Mold of A Wonderful One of a kind Manly Soul With PAPa ❤️❤️❤️ we shall me up yonder and we shall Never Ever Grow Old Merle Haggard You and Dad Are Sing i ng with Lots of Other Country Legends play A Song For Me and And my Country Tis a Thee Amen For I know We Hav A Jesus And He Carethes For All For You For Me Amen Let the Singing And Loveing Praises Delight the Kings of Kings Let His Angel's rejoice And Celebrate with Great Praise's For The Father's Love Has Prepar d many Manstions And Restoration For His Chosen people Were we will Never more Sorrow More Never More Die But Share his Eternal Kingdom Set Up on his Heavens on High Thank you Jesus Just For💕 Dieing For Your People so That you WeCould be saved And Share Salvation and Undiieing Love For All Eternity's
Fantastic interview, i love photography so i totally geeked out on his descriptions of the shoot. Merle HAGGARD taught us how to write songs and was a genuine legend. Is it possible that this man also shot the iconic photo of Willie NELSON that appears on Texas Monthly ? Excellent.
This dude is super cool! Love his dedication to the craft.
Got to see Merle not long before he passed. Saw him at Renfro Valley in Kentucky. He looked frail, but he was amazing that day. Only time I ever saw him. I got to see him play momma tried.
Awesome! The Running Kind 🎸🚂🥁🎙🖤
What a great interview..an artist talking of his passion...keep em coming Otis you've got a fan..by the way Momma Tried
Thanks, Max!
Otis Thanks man, great interview I am really enjoying the stories of getting the picture of music icons. The Hagg was an awesome musician, and singer. I suppose Working Man Blues is my favorite song by him. I'm trying to remember that story Willie used to tell of calling Haggard to come check out Pauncho and Lefty . Haggard showed up in his tour bus,and all came that happens. Willie tells it really well , do you recall that one Otis? Thanks again for the stories and all the music you have given us friend, 😃🥃🤪🎸😎. Keep on rocking brothers and sisters ✌️🤘.
Brother Gary
This was great! Laughed my ass off at 11:05 !!
For me, it's probably Looking For A Place To Fall Apart. Such a wonderful song.
You did it again, capturing moments in musicians lives that fascinate us fans
Thank you for introducing me to so many amazing individuals. Your channel is fantastic. It's like you plant rabbit holes in my mind!!!
Thank you, Clinton!
You can really tell Mr. Harrington loves his art. That’s so cool Naming my fav Merle Haggard song is difficult. Too many. Some that come to mind first is Running Kind, I Take A Lot Of Pride, if I Could Only Fly Thank you Otis for all you have done in letting people learn about the hard
Oops. Hard working artist behind the scenes.
Thank you, Teesee!
Favorite Merle song: Today I Started Loving You Again. The man was a poet, tapping into normal everyday strife, struggles, and opportunities missed and taken.
Rambling fever. My favorite Merle song my Mom played his records when I was in high school.. 70-73
Thanks, Scotty!
Otis, your posts on YT are beautiful. Love the stories.
Favorite Haggard tune
“I Can’t Hold Myself in Line”
Love this, thank you otis. Love Merle as well, saw him at bonnaroo 09 and even then, what a showman. Lucked up recently and bought Merle plays Bob Wills. What a classic album for $1.50
Thanks, Matt!
Thank you, Otis, for capturing and sharing Jim’s great stories about Merle. Much love ❤️
So many Merle songs but I love Mama Tried, If We Make it Thru December and I’m Leaving Now with Johnny . Thanks for another great history lesson.
What a great interview. Totally love this. As far as my favorite Merle Haggard tune, it’s nearly impossible to say since he is one of my absolute favorite artists. Maybe Misery and Gin, When Times Were Good, Footlights, Rainbow Stew, Working Man, Rambling Fever, I’m a Good Loser, Living with Shades pulled Down, anything he covers from Jimmy Rodgers would at least be a start to my favorites. Thanks for sharing such a cool story. Looking forward to seeing the photos
My favorite Merle Haggard song is Today I started loving you again.
Sometimes our country artists were better rockstars than our rockstars. Great content, Otis!
Thank you, Michael!
Otis it's hard to name one song 23 + years ago I was working in Hollywierd new phone came out a cool feature you could buy a ringtone and I looked up Merle there it was one of my favorite Okie from Muskogee that has been my ringtone ever since people still look at me weird when my phone rings Otis thank you for doing your no BS interviews 👍👍
These interviews are wonderful.. You guys are as important as the artist. The ying to the yang. Just outstanding
This Town’s Not Big Enough is a great album track. And Honky Tonk Nighttime Man, just for Roy Nichols’ insane guitar break. Thanks for the video!
Such a wonderful photo and great story-telling by Jim! Shooting with a large format camera on film is indeed a challenge. Jim is a true artist. Thanks a lot for posting!
From a songwriter's perspective I have always loved Every Fool Has a Rainbow. Total economy of words. One verse, refrain and done. Said it all (quite poetically, too)--didn't need no more.
I'm not sure I can pick a favorite Haggard song, but the one that should be more popular than it is is "Got Lonely Too Early (This Morning)" from the "Serving 190 Proof" album. It's a total romp of a tune. I absolutely love it.
Did Merle write that one.. the title just has a Haggard ring to it
@@scotttracy2110 He did.
My most memorable Merle song is not one of his best, but a song from my youth. My father was huge Merle fan and I grew up listening to the albums he played . There was a song "Shade Tree Fix It Man" and I loved that song. Perhaps it came from being an "Okie" and hearing so many similar stories as the lyrics as a child but it still rings as my most memorable Merle song.
Stan
What's your favorite Merle Haggard song?
Mama tried today maybe working man's blues tomorrow or maybe Are the good times really over!
Almost every song by Merle Haggard is a classic. Kind of like every Clint Eastwood movie is for cinema. But my personal favorites are "Sing Me Back Home", "Mama's Hungry Eyes", and "Mama Tried".
White Line Fever. Especially as presented on "Live in Muskogee OK album..
I am a woodworker. I love my tools and know them better than people. He talks about his camera like I talk about them. I can literally feel his expertise by watching him talk.
That’s some great stories!!
Great shot of Merle…..thank you man. Big City always makes me smile.
Thanks Otis we have a great artist interviewing another great artist about a Great artist! Thanks
Thanks, Randy!
Too many favorites to pick just one. Have a shared history with Merle, first my dad then my friends. Those long stony nights when we would "put on some Merle" and everything else paled in comparison. I think the studio version of You Don't Have Very Far To Go is one of the great country vocals of all time. If I were teaching Songwriting 101 then I would teach Kern River. Some might find it hokey and I'm not a farmer but I have a daughter and Farmer's Daughter gets to me every time ( Vince Gill does a great cover ). And Merle's last recording - Kern River Blues shows us that from his death bed Merle was better than 99.9 percent of what passes as country music these days. Just 3 songs that come to me, so many more worth mentioning. Won't see the likes of him again and we were lucky to have him. May he rest in peace.
Just listened to this again. Such a terrific interview. They all are. I can’t tell you how I appreciate your work. Amy’s too! I’ll need to order more cards soon. The guitar is my main, long standing obsession (60 years of playing; started when I was 13.). But started messing with cameras and darkrooms even younger. Just the creative wellspring. These cats you interview are just the best. Nice deep dive into that well.
This Channel is so great. Thanks for getting all these guest on here, Otis!
Thank you, Jason!
Loved No Depression magazine. Got it for a number of years. Unfortunately, lost most of them when Baton Rouge flooded in 2016. Still have a few issues
Parade Magazine! I wonder if he shot the beautiful photo of Eustace Conway? I cut it out of the paper and kept it for years, because I knew Eustace would be a legend. I love this interview! Thank you!
Great video wow! So Many great ones to choose from but one that I always find myself coming back to is Kern River. Thank you Otis
I think one of my favourite Merle songs is " if I Could Only Fly, ...a Blaze Foley song . I like a lot of Merle's stuff, but he really did justice to that particular song .
Wonderful! Cheers! :) MU
Great interview fantastic story. I would love to hear more stories from Jim I'm sure he has many more. Favorite Hagg song to many great one to pick one, but in honor of my mother who passed back on 15th of June her fav Marle song Silver Wings. Love you mom.
Thank you, Frank!
Well Otis one of your Great videos and so interesting as we almost never think about what it takes to get a good good photograph of somebody and in this case one of my very favourite singers Merle Haggard.Thank you so much for your lovely video and hopefully I’ll see you in your next one.
Thank you, Brian!
My Own Kind of Hat. And I miss old school photography too! ;)
What 3340steve said. I’m geeking on this. He’s right- using a 4x5 camera changes the subject’s approach to the process. The formality of it brings a kind of seriousness to the interaction that seldom happens with smaller format. Great piece Otis and Harrington is a legend indeed.
Merle fan since I could walk. Work in printing. In the 90's, worked for a company that did color separations running a drum scanner. Went to school for it.
Then came DESK TOP PUBLISHING for psyyys LMFAO!!!
Otis, I just wanted to say thank you for all that you do! I love your channel! I’ve discovered people I’d never heard of thanks to you! And Kenny? I will pray to the Lord tonight to give me 21 days in Willie Nelson’s bus with The Fabulous Superlatives! Kenny and Marty? Wow! God Bless you! And your family!
Thank you! : )
Right now ALWAYS LOVING YOU, and that is an incredible photo!
Merle, to me, is the best American artist there ever was ir will be, for many personal reasons.
Thanks, Roger!
cool man. i've see so many of jim's photographs and never realized they were all his. i bet he's got a bunch of cool stories. thanks for sharing
It is hard to pick a favorite. Perhaps "Hungry Eyes" then "Fugitive" and "Mama Tried."
My favorite Haggard song is a not very well-known song that my step father introduced me to. Shellys Winter Love and A Walk on the Outside.
Great interview. I bet he has some great stories of his adventures. Perhaps another is coming later?
Mama tried comes to mind . Merle was a pretty good guitar player as well as fiddle .
Never had a Polaroid back. Always shot negatives, processed and printed my own as I was a pro lab technician for many years. My last shot with my 4x5 was of my daughter at maybe 3 or 4 years old. She's now 36. Don't blink. Life goes by pretty darned fast...
Another great story, Otis. Ask me on a different day and you’ll probably get a different answer, but for now I’ll say Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star is my favorite. In what other country song do you get a killer trombone solo? There is a great live version on RUclips of Merle opening his show with this song.
Fountain Square checking in. I guess it's time to start a pot of coffee.
I work in Fountain Square. That neighborhood has become really trendy in the last few years. There’s a lot of good food there.
This is wonderful pop culture course material.
I’d love to hear more stories from Jim! What a funny, interesting guy! Have a swell day, all. Silver Wings is my favorite Hag jam.🕊
Thanks, Andy!
Love this !!!
Thank you, Catheryn!
i shot dozens of bands back in the black hills. 70's, see in facebook an my custodialmark chanel here. i got 1 35mm left to finish roll if fixed. dozens of other cameras for repair etc. even bot instant pack for 4x5 graflex i need set up, but could shoot & develop in field if able. Augustana college shot, Michel Johnson, Mel Blanc, for school, as in BHSC yearbook, Love this. budy took to concert with the Hiwaymen in 77...
Favorite song(s)..... Kern River and Ramblin' Fever.
My favorite song by Merle Haggard is Way I am
My favorite song has always been Kern River.
Jim seems like someone I'd like to talk with about photography and his experiences over a drink for a couple hours.
I remember that No Depression issue. I will have to dig that one out.
Peter Murphy is a name I haven’t heard of in quite some time.
Favorite Hag song is Workin’ Man Blues.
I enjoyed this interview.
Thanks, John!
Well, my favorite is Okie from Muskogee.. and well, there’s a story, of coarse, 😆 yep…it starts about 7/years old…yep that song played over and over on my parents turntable
Thank you, Kimberly!
Kern River was definitely my favorite Merle tune
He’s right about Temecula…..a hell hole but full of light bouncing all around with the Pacific off to the west. Bright as!
We need to get back to our tools that were meant to take pictures. We lost something we will never get back. I can’t tell you how much time I’ve spent looking at strangers pictures.
I’d have to say ‘Big City’ because I’m from and of Montana. Now I regret a mention but I used to have a lot of pride in it. It has changed in ways it will never recover.
It's hard to pick just one song... There's so many to chose from...
So I'm just gonna say just about all of them!!!
i lernted 4x5 graflex in college photo course. bot used one to restart. i luv this. an wanna re do shots like this, develop an contact print in an hour . frin did ol west studio at western fort replica in sewer falls, SD. i have one gud shot of me in costume garb.
My favorite Haggard song? That's a tough one! Roots Of My Raising because it reminds me of a time past. Or perhaps Grandma Harp because it's about his real-life maternal grandmother!
"If We Make It Through December" the bridge construction is as much a surprise as it is the obvious.
Lonesome Fugitive/California Cotton Fields. Depends on the way the wind blows on that specific day, as to which is my favorite.
Every mile he went is etched on his face.
Great story(ies) (as always...thanks Otis!)Favorite Merle track?: Mama Tried.
Thank you!
Otis, great video but it's impossible to pick a favorite Haggard song. I will say Serving 190 Proof is my favorite album.
Finally out of f/b jail!!! ( I guess l shouldn't love AMERICA, being from Conn.)
He mentioned Peter Murphy. Is that the guy that sang, "CUTS YOU UP"??
I seem to recall, both Haggard tribute albums, were released in a similar time frame. I've only heard the Nashville version. I believe Steve Wariner, LeRoy Parnell & Diamond Rio did Workin' Man Blues & it was cool. Radney Foster tore up the Runnin' Kind & I mean tore up, in a good way.😊
My mother worked security at a casino in washinton state she met merle and i could have met him too i was ten years old and didnt realize at the time who he was i should have went
My favorite Hag song is, THE WAY I AM.
When you’re too stoned to flinch.😵💫
Workin' Man Blues
Big city.
Clayton DeLaney, All of Jimmie Rodgers tunes on that album!
BTW. Something on Ray Benson would be hugely appreciated.
Big City.
Can't pick one: Love Me When You Can, I'm Always on a Mountain, Today I Started Loving You, and Silver Wings.
So much for not smoking marijuana in Muskogee…
The interpretation must have been “we smoke marijuana everywhere BUT Muskogee” 😊
Ah, yes. I missed the poetic irony.
I saw a video, where Merle addressed that. He basically said, he wrote that song, through his Dad's perspective. What he pictured as his Dad's view of the world. It wasn't a "Merle" opinion song, like most would think.
Now that you say that I think I actually remember that. Or it’s just deja vu. But I think I remember it.
Sing me back home
Peter Murphy of Bauhaus?