Merle has a great back story. He really did do time in prison. He straightened up his life and his Momma who always prayed for him got to see it before she passed away. 🙏 His song Momma Tried is great! Love y'all 💜 from Texas
Both are great songs, though funnily enough I only know them covered by Joan Baez and Jeffrey Shurtleff in what is one of the most respectful covers I've ever heard. A great song is still a great song.
That’s every ones but I promise he has better songs than those. Merle haggard is my all time favorite singer and is the real country king sorry George strait you ain’t got anything on old Merle
You spoke of the different "registers"" that Merle was singing in. He was an excellent mimic of other singers and you can find examples of him online doing that. My favorite of his is Today I Started Loving You Again.
Yes, today I started loving you, made me a lifelong fan of Merrell Haggard, # 1 actually,, my next favorite is Vince gill,, with , if you ever have forever in mind, such a beautiful song. ENJOY !!
there's a great video on here of Merle imitating Cash, Marty Robins, Buck Owens, and a couple others and it's INCREDIBLE, he could sound exactly like Marty
Merle Haggard definitely sounds similar to Lefty Frizzell, but of course not the same. I feel like Lefty to Merle to George Strait there is a link of evolutionary styles in their vocals. Merle is my favorite of the three because of his ballads.
I am speechless! I would have assumed you'd play Okie From Muskogee since Merle Haggard was a proud resident of Oklahoma (until he passed away)! If you do another Merle song, that is the one you HAVE to choose.
Actually, his parents were from Oklahoma but Merle was a native Californian. He died in Redding in Shasta County where he lived (the far northern part of California).
Merle is a classic. Johnny Cash actually helped Merle come up in the music industry after Merle was released from jail. Up until that point he had been an unknown petty criminal.. Johnny told him to just be honest about his story and tell the people his truth and they would accept him. And the people did. Check out Merle's song MAMA TRIED. And you'll notice the little bit of horns that played at the end of today's song, that kinda reminds me of Johnny Cash's song RING OF FIRE, which has mariachi horns throughout. You should definitely also check that out too!
Seriously? Buck Owens gave Merle his start after Merle was released from Folsom Prison. He even played in the Buckaroos. Funnily enough, Buck even loaned Merle his Cadillac so Merle could drive to Las Vegas to marry Buck's ex-wife, Bonnie Owens.
I’m 77 and grew up with this Classic Country era. Merle’s history was also epic. He was in San Quinton and Governor Ronald Reagan pardoned him. To summarize his voice, it was so sweet.
For a Willie/Merle tune I suggest “Pancho and Lefty” and use the video. It was shot in and around Austin. One of the actors in it is the writer of the song Townes Van Zandt (a legend in his own right). Near the end there is a bar scene, Townes is playing guitar and Willie and Merle are singing. That and the scene where Merle is in a hotel room were shot in the Alamo Hotel which was torn down subsequent to the recording. I used to go to that bar and have a bowl of chili and a beer from time to time. The chili was pretty good. Met Townes and chatted a bit with him there also. Great memories and song.
@@tombombara I agree it is good but they were discussing Willie and Merle together and that is their best offering. Tecumseh Valley was the song that Nanci Griffith(RIP) said was her encouragement to become a singer-songwriter and is a wonderful example of his genius. His second biggest hit was If I Needed You and that song has been covered by many many people but probably best by Emmylou Harris.
It's good to hear someone who can remember old Austin. It's changed so much since then. Fellow Austinite here. Leaving soon though do to the growth. Moved here in 1976. Didn't Townes play one of the police in the also??
@@terrisue4059 I agree about Austin. I’m now in Kerrville myself. Yes he was also one of the police. It’s easier to point him out in the bar scene to those who don’t know what he looks like. Those outdoor scenes, I believe, were shot out near Dripping Springs/Driftwood on some land Willie owned. Good luck in your move and new beginnings.
One of the most beautiful voices to ever sing ! Very talented man. He did some imitations of other entertainers like Johnny Cash, Hank Snow and Marty Robbins. Sounded just like them too. Not many people can do that.
A singer/songwriter you MUST do for Female Friday is Carol King. Her album Tapestry does not have an average song on it. Every song is amazing. Many were number ones for other singers. The song Tapestry is a good beginning.
At 73 I was raised with country music, but when I went out on my own, I fell in love with rock and roll and have loved all music since. It makes me smile to see you love the same music I did, and I love the memories it makes me feel when you rock out to MY music!
My two greatest musical loves are Pink Floyd and Merle Haggard. So different from each other, but both ethereal in their own way, taking you a place outside yourself. It's amazing that you have reacted to and appreciated both of them.
You guys nailed the difference between new country and the older, more traditional stuff. New country is watered down, while the old stuff had more depth and feeling. By the way, in the 1980s there was a resurgence of that traditional style by a group of new young country artists from that era. I'd recommend checking out Ricky Skaggs, Dwight Yoakam, George Straight, John Anderson and Lyle Lovett. Those artists all came up in that era and they made it a lot of fun for someone who loves traditional country.
@@chlorisaann You know, I felt like I was missing someone and it probably was Randy Travis. Thanks for filling out the list. I saw Travis back in the '80s and he was great.
Merle Haggard is LEGEND. He passed away 2016. He toured until he passed. He was a prolific song writer. You cannot go wrong with any of his songs. Okie From Muskogee, Mamma Tried, Today I Started Loving You Again and so many other. The Hag didn't have a bad song. Silver Wings was my mother's favorite song by Haggard.
Merle Haggard was born in Oildale (Bakersfield), California, but his parents were from Oklahoma and moved there during the Great Depression. So did mine - 350,000 "Okies" came to California during those years. Most of them settle in the Central Valley which is a big center of agriculture there. Until about the 1990s they and their children and grandchildren were the dominant group in the San Joaquin Valley - cities like Fresno, Bakersfield, Modesto, Stockton, Merced. During that half century they had a huge influence on the area and Country music was very popular. It was definitely not the stereotypical urban coastal part of California.
Being a teenager in the 80s my dad use to torture us on road trips with old country. Now I hear some of the songs he use to play and I realize how good they were. This is one I recall and think you will enjoy: Marty Robbins - El Paso You guys like songs that tell a story this one is pretty good!
Country isn’t my main jam but ... since you’re doing the classics: WAYLON JENNINGS “Been a Long Time Leaving (but I’ll be a long time gone)” -Studio LP version - hooked me from the first listen. His deep, rich voice that almost yodels when he goes high. Catchy and personal and a great Highway Song! Thanks ✨🤪
He wrote that while waiting to get released from San Quentin prison. His cell mate had escaped with a few others and were caught. He sang it for the first time during his cell mate's final walk to death row.
Merle Haggard covered some of the songs originated by the Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers, aka The Singing Brakeman. Jimmie Rodgers was literally the first country music singer, with the first million selling single and the first country singer to be filmed. He died in 1933 of TB when he was only 36 years old. Merle does a pretty good job with his songs, but he can't touch the awesome uniqueness of the original, especially the yodeling. The only live performance of Jimmie Rodgers is on an old movie reel and would have been seen only at theaters. It's very likely the first music "video" of any kind, filmed shortly after movies went from silent to "talkies". He recorded several albums and was famous during his lifetime, but continued working as a brakeman on the railroad until he became too ill with the tuberculosis that eventually killed him. I'm not sure how well posting a link is received here, but here it is, possibly the world's oldest music "video", especially one of such a legend. ruclips.net/video/iyHulWOZBpk/видео.html
I wouldn’t normally choose this artist to listen to, but I gave him a shot and went in with you guys...I really enjoyed his voice! The topic was hard for me because I don’t believe in the death penalty but overall I really enjoyed the song! Thank you for the opportunity to check out an artist I wouldn’t normally...I really appreciate your channel and all the work you all put into it, no one can possibly know every song, we are learning right along with you so THANK YOU!!! 💜
@@michelemichele3375 exactly, and WAY TOO OFTEN the wrong person is put to death. The system has too many flaws, these are human lives we are talking about! I am completely against it.
Merle was one of the very greatest country singer-songwriters of all time. Check out "If We Make it Through December", "Workin' Man Blues", "Branded Man", the list of his classics is long.
When Merle met Johnny Cash, he talked about the concert Johnny did at Folsom Prison. Johnny said that he didn't remember seeing him and Merle said "I was in the audience. "
Hagg was also good at doing Vocal Impressions. In one HeeHaw, Hagg did Buck Owens, Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash and Charlie Pride. As a surprise to Merely, the joined him on stage. Worth the find. Time frame was late 60s
I was fortunate enough to see Merle Haggard in concert 4 times…My daddy listened to him all the time and that how I grew to love his music…he was the ultimate story teller…my son is 20 and he appreciates Merle’s music as well…so many wonderful Merle songs
I’m so glad you guys really get it! You have taken me back to my youth on several occasions and it keeps me coming back for more. Whether country or rock, it all it’s the job done! Thank you so much❤️
Merle Haggard is one of the best. You guys gotta check out his songs workin man blues, okie from Muskogee, mama tried, I wish a buck was still silver, and silver wings. Those are all my favorite Merle Haggard songs. His songs really tell it like it is.
I have loved Merle, the Pearl, Haggard for 50 years. May I suggest Swinging Doors, my personal favorite. You might really like Okie from Muskogee, too. Original country is so much better than the pop country we hear nowadays. Merle was a prisoner in San Quentin when Johnny Cash sang there. It inspired him to change his life.
Now you've heard Merle, you have to his song Mama Tried. It is recorded in the National Registry and not just one of his best, but one of the best in all of music.
Finally ya picked up what I was laying down. George Jones, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty..old school country music I grew up on. Ya gotta listen to Mama Tried by Merle. Also the Fightin side of me. Hank Williams is another classic artist.
I've been asking for Johnny Cash for months now. Also Conway Twitty and Waylon Jennings. I am with them, that new country is terrible. I'd also love them to react to Brooks and Dunn, my Maria.
Here's some more that I haven't seen nobody say! Mel Tillis, Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings. And these guys get put on a the list of some of the greatest guitar players. Chet Atkins, Glen Campbell, Roy Clark, Junior Brown. And I love every one of these country Stars!
My folks are from the Dakotas. So a couple of summers in the late 70s I stayed with my aunt and uncle just outside Mitchell South Dakota. I got to see Roy Clark at the Corn Palace. I was front row. He played Orange Blossom Special and I, age 9,was so impressed I jumped up and gave him a 1 kid standing ovation. The rest of the audience followed my lead. He pointed to me and winked. The next summer he was at the SD state fair and I begged my grandpa to take me. The fair was in Huron about an hour away and my uncle was going to go to an auction nearby. So we got to the show a bit late but we got in for free. I was in the front row again, well the dirt in front. Coming in late we must have caught his attention because he whispered to his band then looked at me and said "This one's for you kid" and winked, then played Orange Blossom Special. I stuck around and got to meet him he tussled my hair and with a firm grip on my shoulder he told me to "Never lose that enthusiasm"
@@mattperegrine873 What a treasure you have had in your life! Very cool story! I've been listening to a lot of Chris LeDoux lately! He was from Montana. I only mention him because he's from one of your neighboring states! Hell of a entertainer and rodeo cowboy! He was the real thing!
@@neoncatfish3585 I'm a Washingtonian but I do have an Uncle in Kalispell and I worked in St.Mary and Whitefish for awhile. My wife was just telling me about her experience with Roy when he was in Paint Your Wagon at the 5th Avenue theater in Seattle. She said that he had an after show jam session every night. No audience just the theater staff and local musicians. I'll check out your suggestion thanks.
Many of us from the 60's and 70's loved a variety of genres...country, rock, southern rock, blues, gospel, folk, crooner. We were truly blessed with great music.
For October may I suggest something fun for the whole family? It's always a Halloween go to in my family. *Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett & The Crypt Kickers from 1962*
Let me recommend, Kris Krisstofferson, "Sunday Morning Coming Down". Johnny Cash covered it and made it popular and is very good, but hearing the original, by the writer himself is always good. Plus I don't think you've reacted to him yet. He wrote Me and Bobbie McGee which your girl Janis covered. There are also some country combos you should hear. With Willie, Merle, Waylon Jennings and Kris himself.
I never realized what kind of power Merle had in his voice until I saw him live. His recordings cant even capture that amazing instrument he had in comparison. Resonance just spills over. Merle was an icon now a legend. One of the finest writers and country singers ever. My second favorite next to Hank Williams Sr.
Awesome reaction. Y'all should check out Johnny Paycheck's "Old Violin" and "The Only Hell my Mother Ever Raised ". Y'all should definitely delve into John Anderson's library. Like "Wish I could have been there", "1959", "I just stopped by for the memories ", "Seminole wind", " your lying blue eyes"... and many more. Also Y'all would live the band Alabama.
So you did. Take me back to my childhood. My Dad was a huge Merle fan. I grew up on his music. I lost my Dad when I was 27, and any time I hear him it just feels like my Dad is around.
Merle spent his younger years in prison, so he sings from experience. Johnny Cash’s work with prisons helped Merle build up the courage to let the public know about his past.
You talking about the different levels of Merle’s voice is spot on. It is what really makes him stand out. Also he is a great musician playing guitar & fiddle. A lot if Country artists don’t get the respect they deserve for their musicianship, Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings are two of those types.
This is not the original recording but rerecorded when he was a little bit older. Although still awesome not the Hag that became the favorite singer of so many back in the 60's and 70's and even 80's.
Merle was my wife and I's favorite country singer. He had the smoothest voice of anyone during his time. He had a way to inflect his voice from baritone to high tenor effortlessly. We got to see live in the 80's in Tahoe New Years Eve, and in Tacoma, shortly before he passed.
This was a good version, but doesn’t sound like the original. I always prefer the original studio recording IMO. You should check out Workin’ Man Blues, Branded Man or Footlights next.
Watching others react to a song I love, is almost like hearing the song again for the first time. That's why I watch and wait for all of the many favorites I have from many different genres. Merle and Willie do a great tune called "It's All Goin To Pot" but you need to hear Merles "Okie From Muskogee" first!
Back in the early 2000's I heard him singing from my back yard. Every so often he would sing while visiting an entertainment park, close to where I live.
Jay and Amber, check out FRANKENSTEIN by Edgar Winter group. GET READY by Rare earth (lots of horns too).Last but not least HOCUS POCUS by Focus (Midnight special). Jamming guitars, awesome drumming, flute and yodeling... all in one song.
NOW I AM AN EVEN BIGGER FAN OF YOU GUYS, JAY AND AMBER!! It's so awesome to hear that you guys like the old school country so here's a couple of country artists that you might want to explore!! Of course more Merle Haggard also Marty Robbins, Charley Pride, Waylon Jennings, of course Johnny Cash and a guy that was born right there in your part of the world in central Oklahoma, Mr Roger Miller!! Any song by anyone of these artists would be a great continuance down-the-rabbit-hole of old school country!!!
Merle has a great back story. He really did do time in prison. He straightened up his life and his Momma who always prayed for him got to see it before she passed away. 🙏 His song Momma Tried is great! Love y'all 💜 from Texas
Mamma Tried is sooooo good.
Mama Tried is the next to listen to. A pure perfect song.
He was actually pardoned by the Governor of California at the time, former President Ronald Reagan
Texan right here 🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱
At ya from Fort Worth
"Mama Tried" is my personal favorite song by Merle. He's done two albums with Willie Nelson that are well worth listening to as well.
I love "If We Make It Through December".
Both are great songs, though funnily enough I only know them covered by Joan Baez and Jeffrey Shurtleff in what is one of the most respectful covers I've ever heard. A great song is still a great song.
Yep, Mama Tried then Okie from Muskogee
That’s every ones but I promise he has better songs than those. Merle haggard is my all time favorite singer and is the real country king sorry George strait you ain’t got anything on old Merle
mine was Okie From muskogee and Silver wings
You spoke of the different "registers"" that Merle was singing in. He was an excellent mimic of other singers and you can find examples of him online doing that. My favorite of his is Today I Started Loving You Again.
Yes, today I started loving you, made me a lifelong fan of Merrell Haggard, # 1 actually,, my next favorite is Vince gill,, with , if you ever have forever in mind, such a beautiful song. ENJOY !!
@@raymondhanks9826 I love that song. For a very special reason.
there's a great video on here of Merle imitating Cash, Marty Robins, Buck Owens, and a couple others and it's INCREDIBLE, he could sound exactly like Marty
Merle Haggard definitely sounds similar to Lefty Frizzell, but of course not the same. I feel like Lefty to Merle to George Strait there is a link of evolutionary styles in their vocals. Merle is my favorite of the three because of his ballads.
I am speechless! I would have assumed you'd play Okie From Muskogee since Merle Haggard was a proud resident of Oklahoma (until he passed away)! If you do another Merle song, that is the one you HAVE to choose.
Actually, his parents were from Oklahoma but Merle was a native Californian. He died in Redding in Shasta County where he lived (the far northern part of California).
@@jeffmorse645 Wow! I was unaware! Thanks for educating me...perhaps I should research before commenting next time? LOL
You can still go to his childhood home in Bakersfield.
Merle was born and raised in calif. His family were okies
Merle was from a small town called Oildale, Ca in Kern County Calif. He passed away just outside Redding, Ca.
Merle is a classic. Johnny Cash actually helped Merle come up in the music industry after Merle was released from jail. Up until that point he had been an unknown petty criminal.. Johnny told him to just be honest about his story and tell the people his truth and they would accept him. And the people did. Check out Merle's song MAMA TRIED. And you'll notice the little bit of horns that played at the end of today's song, that kinda reminds me of Johnny Cash's song RING OF FIRE, which has mariachi horns throughout. You should definitely also check that out too!
Seriously? Buck Owens gave Merle his start after Merle was released from Folsom Prison. He even played in the Buckaroos. Funnily enough, Buck even loaned Merle his Cadillac so Merle could drive to Las Vegas to marry Buck's ex-wife, Bonnie Owens.
I’m 77 and grew up with this Classic Country era. Merle’s history was also epic. He was in San Quinton and Governor Ronald Reagan pardoned him. To summarize his voice, it was so sweet.
For a Willie/Merle tune I suggest “Pancho and Lefty” and use the video. It was shot in and around Austin. One of the actors in it is the writer of the song Townes Van Zandt (a legend in his own right). Near the end there is a bar scene, Townes is playing guitar and Willie and Merle are singing. That and the scene where Merle is in a hotel room were shot in the Alamo Hotel which was torn down subsequent to the recording. I used to go to that bar and have a bowl of chili and a beer from time to time. The chili was pretty good. Met Townes and chatted a bit with him there also. Great memories and song.
The incredible live version by Townes easily found on RUclips is an absolute must. He introduces it as a medley of his greatest hit.
@@tombombara I agree it is good but they were discussing Willie and Merle together and that is their best offering. Tecumseh Valley was the song that Nanci Griffith(RIP) said was her encouragement to become a singer-songwriter and is a wonderful example of his genius. His second biggest hit was If I Needed You and that song has been covered by many many people but probably best by Emmylou Harris.
It's good to hear someone who can remember old Austin. It's changed so much since then. Fellow Austinite here. Leaving soon though do to the growth. Moved here in 1976.
Didn't Townes play one of the police in the also??
@@terrisue4059 I agree about Austin. I’m now in Kerrville myself. Yes he was also one of the police. It’s easier to point him out in the bar scene to those who don’t know what he looks like. Those outdoor scenes, I believe, were shot out near Dripping Springs/Driftwood on some land Willie owned. Good luck in your move and new beginnings.
Please check out Willie Nelson's Angels flying too close to the ground! It is my favorite of his!!
One of the most beautiful voices to ever sing ! Very talented man. He did some imitations of other entertainers like Johnny Cash, Hank Snow and Marty Robbins. Sounded just like them too. Not many people can do that.
A singer/songwriter you MUST do for Female Friday is Carol King. Her album Tapestry does not have an average song on it. Every song is amazing. Many were number ones for other singers. The song Tapestry is a good beginning.
Carole King is awesome. She wrote so many songs for other artists, too.
I have been posting Carole for weeks
One of my all-time favorite albums.
Absolutely! That album is fabulous!
This!!! Must do Carole King 👆👆👆
Every song on the Tapestry album is a winner. They'd love the piano on I Feel the Earth Move.
Love Merle Haggard since the 70's. Don Williams is another oldie but goodie. His voice is smooth as butter.
Yes I absolutely love his songs, his voice is so soft, gentle and beautiful, he has so so many beautiful songs & I wish they would react to him more
At 73 I was raised with country music, but when I went out on my own, I fell in love with rock and roll and have loved all music since. It makes me smile to see you love the same music I did, and I love the memories it makes me feel when you rock out to MY music!
Love Merle. All his songs are great. Mama Tried and Swinging Doors are great. R.I.P
The greatness about “real country” is that they lived it. Hey guys, next Merle reaction that you need to do is “Mama Tried”.
My two greatest musical loves are Pink Floyd and Merle Haggard. So different from each other, but both ethereal in their own way, taking you a place outside yourself. It's amazing that you have reacted to and appreciated both of them.
You guys nailed the difference between new country and the older, more traditional stuff. New country is watered down, while the old stuff had more depth and feeling. By the way, in the 1980s there was a resurgence of that traditional style by a group of new young country artists from that era. I'd recommend checking out Ricky Skaggs, Dwight Yoakam, George Straight, John Anderson and Lyle Lovett. Those artists all came up in that era and they made it a lot of fun for someone who loves traditional country.
and Randy Travis!
@@chlorisaann You know, I felt like I was missing someone and it probably was Randy Travis. Thanks for filling out the list. I saw Travis back in the '80s and he was great.
New country is pure trash.
Merle Haggard is a staple and pillar of country music.... His catalog could be a channel of it's own
Merle Haggard is LEGEND. He passed away 2016. He toured until he passed. He was a prolific song writer. You cannot go wrong with any of his songs.
Okie From Muskogee, Mamma Tried, Today I Started Loving You Again and so many other. The Hag didn't have a bad song. Silver Wings was my mother's favorite song by Haggard.
Merle was first a guitar player but his voice could not be hidden forever.
Merle Haggard was born in Oildale (Bakersfield), California, but his parents were from Oklahoma and moved there during the Great Depression. So did mine - 350,000 "Okies" came to California during those years. Most of them settle in the Central Valley which is a big center of agriculture there. Until about the 1990s they and their children and grandchildren were the dominant group in the San Joaquin Valley - cities like Fresno, Bakersfield, Modesto, Stockton, Merced. During that half century they had a huge influence on the area and Country music was very popular. It was definitely not the stereotypical urban coastal part of California.
Always fun watching someone hear the best damn country singer who ever walked the planet for the first time.
It's kind of like listening to the music I grew up with through someone else's ears and seeing them respond .
Being a teenager in the 80s my dad use to torture us on road trips with old country. Now I hear some of the songs he use to play and I realize how good they were. This is one I recall and think you will enjoy: Marty Robbins - El Paso
You guys like songs that tell a story this one is pretty good!
Country isn’t my main jam but ... since you’re doing the classics: WAYLON JENNINGS “Been a Long Time Leaving (but I’ll be a long time gone)” -Studio LP version - hooked me from the first listen. His deep, rich voice that almost yodels when he goes high. Catchy and personal and a great Highway Song! Thanks ✨🤪
Totally agree. Love Waylon!
Waylon's "Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line" I also great!
Waylon was the man! I have sent a request for Waylon a few times.
Anything waylon jennings but especially Amanda
I just discovered this song today. It's June 22,2022.
I love country music. It brings me back to my childhood
“Mama Tried” is my favorite Merle song.
He wrote that while waiting to get released from San Quentin prison. His cell mate had escaped with a few others and were caught. He sang it for the first time during his cell mate's final walk to death row.
Merle Haggard covered some of the songs originated by the Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers, aka The Singing Brakeman. Jimmie Rodgers was literally the first country music singer, with the first million selling single and the first country singer to be filmed. He died in 1933 of TB when he was only 36 years old. Merle does a pretty good job with his songs, but he can't touch the awesome uniqueness of the original, especially the yodeling. The only live performance of Jimmie Rodgers is on an old movie reel and would have been seen only at theaters. It's very likely the first music "video" of any kind, filmed shortly after movies went from silent to "talkies". He recorded several albums and was famous during his lifetime, but continued working as a brakeman on the railroad until he became too ill with the tuberculosis that eventually killed him. I'm not sure how well posting a link is received here, but here it is, possibly the world's oldest music "video", especially one of such a legend.
ruclips.net/video/iyHulWOZBpk/видео.html
Yes you understand completely...a moment in time...precious
I wouldn’t normally choose this artist to listen to, but I gave him a shot and went in with you guys...I really enjoyed his voice! The topic was hard for me because I don’t believe in the death penalty but overall I really enjoyed the song! Thank you for the opportunity to check out an artist I wouldn’t normally...I really appreciate your channel and all the work you all put into it, no one can possibly know every song, we are learning right along with you so THANK YOU!!! 💜
Yes and yes. We need to abolish the death penalty- so barbaric and unevenly handed down. Thanks ✨🤪
@@michelemichele3375 exactly, and WAY TOO OFTEN the wrong person is put to death. The system has too many flaws, these are human lives we are talking about! I am completely against it.
Okie from Muskogee, Mama Tried, Big City, The Fightin' Side of Me. All Haggard classics.
Merle was one of the very greatest country singer-songwriters of all time. Check out "If We Make it Through December", "Workin' Man Blues", "Branded Man", the list of his classics is long.
I was fortunate to see Merle Haggard, Alabama, and George Strait in one concert in San Diego in 1985
When Merle met Johnny Cash, he talked about the concert Johnny did at Folsom Prison. Johnny said that he didn't remember seeing him and Merle said "I was in the audience. "
Merle Haggard was 100% country it was a very sad day when he passed he has so many albums and so many hits
Hagg was also good at doing Vocal Impressions. In one HeeHaw, Hagg did Buck Owens, Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash and Charlie Pride. As a surprise to Merely, the joined him on stage.
Worth the find. Time frame was late 60s
I was fortunate enough to see Merle Haggard in concert 4 times…My daddy listened to him all the time and that how I grew to love his music…he was the ultimate story teller…my son is 20 and he appreciates Merle’s music as well…so many wonderful Merle songs
I’m so glad you guys really get it! You have taken me back to my youth on several occasions and it keeps me coming back for more. Whether country or rock, it all it’s the job done! Thank you so much❤️
This man is my favorite country artist of all time his voice is definitely what a country boy sound.
Give Mary Chapin Carpenter's "He Thinks He'll Keep Her" a listen. Great 90's country.
Merle wrote a lot of his own material as well...so he not only has a great voice but one of the best country songwriters ever.
Wow, first time hearing ole Merle. He is country for sure. Lots of other good songs like My Favorite Memory and Daddy Frank. Great show.
Definitely Daddy Frank.
merle has one of the greatest voices I have ever heard!! Definetly a legend, and in my top three!! RIP to the hag
Merle Haggard is one of the best. You guys gotta check out his songs workin man blues, okie from Muskogee, mama tried, I wish a buck was still silver, and silver wings. Those are all my favorite Merle Haggard songs. His songs really tell it like it is.
Silver Wings for sure... So good. And Amber would love It's All In The Movies! Merle had one of the best voices in the business..Country Crooner!😉
I absolutely love y’all’s appreciation of older music. Music is very powerful
I have loved Merle, the Pearl, Haggard for 50 years. May I suggest Swinging Doors, my personal favorite. You might really like Okie from Muskogee, too. Original country is so much better than the pop country we hear nowadays.
Merle was a prisoner in San Quentin when Johnny Cash sang there. It inspired him to change his life.
there are many songs that sing me back home especially old hymns thanks Merle
Being from Oklahoma you've got to react to "Okie from Muskogee" by Merle Haggard.
Truth about that song is that line "We don't smoke Marijuana in Muskogee" .. it was widely known Merle smoked weed. Lol
MERLE HAGGARD was and is one greatest country artist of all time !!! Don't worry he in great company !!👏😇
Now you've heard Merle, you have to his song Mama Tried. It is recorded in the National Registry and not just one of his best, but one of the best in all of music.
I grew up listening to these old greats. My sister and I would sit in front of that old phonaragh and play all these old records.
Oh man, Amber needs to pick Barbara Mandrell - I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool for a female Friday song!!!!!!!
I love Barbara but her best is "Midnight Oil".
Great song but it wasn't live and the george jones part was dubed in he didn't sing on that was all studio.
That little bit of gospel piano when he mentioned the visiting gospel singers... wonderful touch.
Finally ya picked up what I was laying down. George Jones, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty..old school country music I grew up on. Ya gotta listen to Mama Tried by Merle. Also the Fightin side of me. Hank Williams is another classic artist.
I've been asking for Johnny Cash for months now. Also Conway Twitty and Waylon Jennings. I am with them, that new country is terrible. I'd also love them to react to Brooks and Dunn, my Maria.
No comparison, I agree with you two old country, a new country, old country, artist, or classic country artist I should say absolutely the best
Mama Tried should be next, also you being from Oklahoma you may like okie from Muskogee
Merle the goat!!
Here's some more that I haven't seen nobody say! Mel Tillis, Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings. And these guys get put on a the list of some of the greatest guitar players. Chet Atkins, Glen Campbell, Roy Clark, Junior Brown. And I love every one of these country Stars!
Waylon. Been a Long Time Leaving (but I’ll be a long time gone) LP version. Great highway 🛣 song!
Glen Campbell “Wichita Lineman”
My folks are from the Dakotas. So a couple of summers in the late 70s I stayed with my aunt and uncle just outside Mitchell South Dakota. I got to see Roy Clark at the Corn Palace. I was front row. He played Orange Blossom Special and I, age 9,was so impressed I jumped up and gave him a 1 kid standing ovation. The rest of the audience followed my lead. He pointed to me and winked. The next summer he was at the SD state fair and I begged my grandpa to take me. The fair was in Huron about an hour away and my uncle was going to go to an auction nearby. So we got to the show a bit late but we got in for free. I was in the front row again, well the dirt in front. Coming in late we must have caught his attention because he whispered to his band then looked at me and said "This one's for you kid" and winked, then played Orange Blossom Special. I stuck around and got to meet him he tussled my hair and with a firm grip on my shoulder he told me to "Never lose that enthusiasm"
@@mattperegrine873 What a treasure you have had in your life! Very cool story! I've been listening to a lot of Chris LeDoux lately! He was from Montana. I only mention him because he's from one of your neighboring states! Hell of a entertainer and rodeo cowboy! He was the real thing!
@@neoncatfish3585 I'm a Washingtonian but I do have an Uncle in Kalispell and I worked in St.Mary and Whitefish for awhile. My wife was just telling me about her experience with Roy when he was in Paint Your Wagon at the 5th Avenue theater in Seattle. She said that he had an after show jam session every night. No audience just the theater staff and local musicians. I'll check out your suggestion thanks.
Merle has so many great songs...yall could really go down a rabbit hole with him.
Y'all need to hear his song, "The Fightin' Side of Me".
Many of us from the 60's and 70's loved a variety of genres...country, rock, southern rock, blues, gospel, folk, crooner. We were truly blessed with great music.
For October may I suggest something fun for the whole family? It's always a Halloween go to in my family.
*Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett & The Crypt Kickers from 1962*
And add Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs " Little Red Riding Hood"
His intros were always recognizable!! His voice gives me chills, but I've been listening to him for 50+ years.
You need to listen to Willie Nelson and Ray Charles singing Seven Spanish Angels together. One of my favorites!
Merle Haggard had an awesome voice. I think the older he got, the smoother his voice got.
Who else has respect for the old country songs cause their parents listened to them when you were growing up
Not only could Merle sing, but he was one of Country's greatest songwriters
Let me recommend, Kris Krisstofferson, "Sunday Morning Coming Down". Johnny Cash covered it and made it popular and is very good, but hearing the original, by the writer himself is always good. Plus I don't think you've reacted to him yet. He wrote Me and Bobbie McGee which your girl Janis covered. There are also some country combos you should hear. With Willie, Merle, Waylon Jennings and Kris himself.
There is also a video where they sing it together on the Johnny Cash Show.
I never realized what kind of power Merle had in his voice until I saw him live. His recordings cant even capture that amazing instrument he had in comparison. Resonance just spills over. Merle was an icon now a legend. One of the finest writers and country singers ever. My second favorite next to Hank Williams Sr.
Merle Haggard!!! Yay!!
My dad used to play and sing this song when I was young. R.I.P dad. Miss you.
Awesome reaction. Y'all should check out Johnny Paycheck's "Old Violin" and "The Only Hell my Mother Ever Raised ". Y'all should definitely delve into John Anderson's library. Like "Wish I could have been there", "1959", "I just stopped by for the memories ", "Seminole wind", " your lying blue eyes"... and many more. Also Y'all would live the band Alabama.
So you did. Take me back to my childhood. My Dad was a huge Merle fan. I grew up on his music. I lost my Dad when I was 27, and any time I hear him it just feels like my Dad is around.
You’ve tried Merle, now you need to try Waylon Jennings! He’s the singer of the Dukes of Hazard t.v. theme song!
Merle Haggard was in Folsom Prison when Johnny Cash did his performance there.
I've always loved that story.
listen to the feels by twice!!!
Silver wings and that's the way love goes. Both worth listening to
Merle has so many great hits. Give Waylon Jennings a listen too.
Ahh love me some Waylon.
Don't forget Willie and the boys.
That was my late step dad's favorite singer and one of his favorite songs so I really appreciate it the reaction
Merle spent his younger years in prison, so he sings from experience. Johnny Cash’s work with prisons helped Merle build up the courage to let the public know about his past.
You talking about the different levels of Merle’s voice is spot on. It is what really makes him stand out. Also he is a great musician playing guitar & fiddle. A lot if Country artists don’t get the respect they deserve for their musicianship, Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings are two of those types.
This is not the original recording but rerecorded when he was a little bit older. Although still awesome not the Hag that became the favorite singer of so many back in the 60's and 70's and even 80's.
Merle was my wife and I's favorite country singer. He had the smoothest voice of anyone during his time. He had a way to inflect his voice from baritone to high tenor effortlessly. We got to see live in the 80's in Tahoe New Years Eve, and in Tacoma, shortly before he passed.
One of the legends, you can’t ever go wrong with Merle, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jerry Jeff Walker, and George Jones, real country music.
A calm place to put his thoughts so he can go forward.
This was a good version, but doesn’t sound like the original. I always prefer the original studio recording IMO. You should check out Workin’ Man Blues, Branded Man or Footlights next.
Music does leave a permanent impression on our soul!
Watching others react to a song I love, is almost like hearing the song again for the first time. That's why I watch and wait for all of the many favorites I have from many different genres.
Merle and Willie do a great tune called "It's All Goin To Pot" but you need to hear Merles "Okie From Muskogee" first!
Back in the early 2000's I heard him singing from my back yard. Every so often he would sing while visiting an entertainment park, close to where I live.
you gotta review Mama Tried by Merle…!
Saw this guy live.......perfection and his band was incredible.
Jay and Amber, check out FRANKENSTEIN by Edgar Winter group. GET READY by Rare earth (lots of horns too).Last but not least HOCUS POCUS by Focus (Midnight special). Jamming guitars, awesome drumming, flute and yodeling... all in one song.
Terrible song. One of the few songs that come on that make me change the channel.
@@KWayne6756 It's a generation thing, but I feel the same about other songs, so I get it
Haggard and Jones, country legends. They can make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel. Legends.
If you want to hear some truly old school country listen to May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose by Little Jimmy Dickens
My daddy use to sing all these old songs. Thanks for the memory boost.
I like how you keep your reactions so diverse! A Merle Haggard song I would recommend is "Mama Tried".
Bless you guys. I love seeing young people discover old music for the first time. It just goes to how music brings us all together. One love.
If you want Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard listen to Lefty and Pancho.
NOW I AM AN EVEN BIGGER FAN OF YOU GUYS, JAY AND AMBER!! It's so awesome to hear that you guys like the old school country so here's a couple of country artists that you might want to explore!! Of course more Merle Haggard also Marty Robbins, Charley Pride, Waylon Jennings, of course Johnny Cash and a guy that was born right there in your part of the world in central Oklahoma, Mr Roger Miller!! Any song by anyone of these artists would be a great continuance down-the-rabbit-hole of old school country!!!
gotta review Mama Tried…!
David Allen Coe - You never even called me by my name (the best country and western song ever)