Love the fact that a younger generation is taking the time to listen to a true legend of country music. Thanks also for knowing the ties it has to Irish and Scottish music. You have a new fan.
Merle was one of a kind. He could tell a story through his songs that made you feel like you were there. Didn’t matter how old he was. When he went low you felt it.
Very nice reaction Beth. Merle was a treasure. Brilliant writer, musician and performer. He was also inspired by seeing Johnny Cash perform while Merle was in the audience (in prison). Merle was called the Poet of the Common Man. There are volumes of Merle's hits. Some of my favorites are Are the Good Times Really Over for Good, The Farmer's Daughter, Daddy Frank (the Guitar Man), and Mama Tried. They say that Country Music is 3 chords and the truth. It's what is missing in so much of the new pop country. Hopefully it will live on forever because of people like Merle.
I’ve been a fan since the late 70s and has the great pleasure of seeing him in concert before he passed. He has an amazing quality to his voice and if you look up some videos of him as a younger artist he also was a good imitator of many of his influences and contemporaries. His collaborations are legendary especially with Willie. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you for this song!!! You can do more country music anytime you like. And it also does my heart good to hear such a respect for age from someone so young! Stay amazing, Beth!!!
I was fortunate to see Merle Haggard live. Such an extraordinary singer-songwriter. His song "Going Where the Lonely Go" never fails to bring tears to my eyes.
Had the joy of getting to see him perform live around 2010 on one of his last tours. Grew up listening to his music in the 60s (was a huge country fan at that time); he was one of the greats. He was beginning to struggle a little with his voice and breath during the concert we attended.. but he still melted all our hearts. Kris Kristofferson joined him for a couple of songs; Kris was really struggling with hitting his notes.. but again, no one cared bc of who they were!! So glad I was alive and listening during his era of greatness! Thanks for your thoughtful, respectful reaction…
He was the real deal. His family was in the same cotton camp mine worked in back in the Thirties. His voice was higher when he was younger, but every version of it was excellent.
Merl’s son keeps the music alive . Two of his sons play a tribute to their dad. The look on the musicians faces in the backing band says it all. 41 million views also says it all. Noel and Ben Haggard singing Running kind and a Lonesome Fugitive
The older I get, the more I enjoy Merle Haggard. Country is the best storytelling genre. He also did great impersonations of his fellow country singers. Fun.
So true to appreciate a voice that has lived accompanied with wonderful story telling. His low notes are caramel that deliciously sticks to your ear. Thanks for sharing this Beth.
So cool that you’re reacting to my favorite Hag song! I play this in my own shows every night. Always brings a tear and reminds me of my own childhood, my rough substance abuse years, and my mom and grandma ❤
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And notice, he didn't run around all over the stage, there were no fireworks, just a singer in front of a microphone, doing what he (or she), does, sing. And the audience is captivated and entertained. That's what a great country artist can do. It's not the theatrics or the spectacle or flashy things that the people are there for, it's the songs.
What a delightful reaction on several levels. I got to see him once from about six feet away and had some vocal interchanges with him and lots of eye contact and he was just amazing. He has got so many good songs it's unbelievable. For another song in this direction, branded man. Check out the audio if you can but he really is a talented performer, he was so good live.
My Dad got to go see him and sat right up front. He was one of his Favorite Singers. I remember when he got back home how he told me He drank a shot on whiskey with Merle and also he signed his hat for him. Gosh I miss my Daddy and Let The Good Times Roll On. With Branded Man
True, old country music. When we were young I did the typical eye-roll grimace listening to this. Then I got older...and these songs were stories worth listening to. His sons do a fine tribute to their dad.
There is a clip from the Glen Campbell show where Merle does an impression of Hank Snow, Marty Robbins, Buck Owens, and Johnny Cash that you might want to check out. I've been a Haggard fan (since I was 3) longer than a Hank, Jr. fan thanks to the TV show "Movin' On" where Merle sang the title song and had a #1 hit with it. 👍👍
I saw Merle in Branson in 1991 at his theater, it's a memory that's still vivid 33 years later. He and Roy Clark had the best shows, nothing fancy, just real music.
I saw Merle in Los Angeles about 1987. It was an amazing performance and hearing this tune reminds me of how much less rich we are since Merle passed. I'm happy to know we can watch these videos, of course. His work continues even at this remove.
Grew up listening to Merle, I saw him in Greenville, SC and after the show, he sat on his tour bus steps and signed autographs and took pictures. I stood in line to see him and when I got to him, I had nothing for him to sign. I had bought a new pair of cowboy boots just to wear to the concert.. they weren’t cheap… I reached down and took my right boot off and asked him to sign it. He smiled and said.. “ be a shame to ruin such a nice pair of boots .” That was over 20 years ago. I still have them.. I don’t wear them. My goodness.. Merle Haggard touched them. The greatest singer ever!❤
Merle Haggard wrote this song in the sixties. He was in prison back then and said this was a true story from his experience there. He was country music's all around best (singer, song writer, instrumentalist) ever. His voice actually improved as he got older, not that anyone could ever believe that it could improve because he was always the best. It was richer, and more soulful. Miss ya man!!
Merle was one of the best there was. He was a poet with his music and an amazing singer. Lived a hell of a life. He did amazing impressions of other artists as well. There’s so much more to this man, hopefully you look into more of his stuff.
I had an opportunity to tour San Quentin State Prison's death chamber where Merle's friend was executed. They said I could sit in the chair; I declined. When I hear this song, it takes me back to the time I saw the chair where lives were ended in the name of justice. Musicians who live a tough life usually write and perform the best songs. Thank you for appreciating and acknowledging the greatest country music song writer of all time. 👍💖🎸😎
Merle was awesome He is hands down my favorite country singer. He was a fabulous songwriter as well. The old country will never be replaced and we will never hear great country music like him again. So sad. Todays country is nothing compared to the old gaurd.
Before this, I listened to Merle’s 1991 performance of “Farmer’s Daughter”. Merle’s voice had developed a slightly lower pitch and some gravel by the time he recorded this. I love it. Makes it sound like aged whiskey. By the way, Beth, I love the respect you give each artist. You are a lovely person and a beautiful woman.❤
I have been a long time fan of Haggs and have seen 4 very distinct changes in his voice. Loved his very first stuff, but his second phase was the absolute best.
Merle was the greatest country music ever had. By the way, I really hope Vince Gill is in the queue. That’s another one of the best country singers of all time and I can’t wait to see you react to him.
If you're a Merle Haggard fan then you have to listen to Marty Haggard, his son! Marty has that smoothe sound and his lower register will give you goosebumps.
If you weren't smitten with Beth before this, you have to be now. Her opening remarks about this artist who most Americans know, but is new to her. And she starts with a riff on older voices, and slides into the importance of valuing every day. Then she dissects what makes Haggard so appealing, using her voice to sweeten his technique. The sort of woman you hope you meet before you die.
Merle Haggard was born in a boxcar, which is a railroad freight car, not an automobile. The band behind him is Asleep At The Wheel, a Western Swing band you should look up.
Saw Merle and Willie Nelson together in Austin, Tx in the late 90's. Fantastic concert. Nice review. If you want a really good laugh, check out Toby Keith & Scott Emerick - I'll Never Smoke Weed With Willie Again
Probably 2 days after my Mommy died my daddy's sister took us to the flower shop took pick out flowers for her casket. Some of the hardest days of my life. She said pick anything you want. This song played as we were on our way. So everytime I hear this song I think of my precious Mommy.
Might I begin by saying your knowledge of Merle is quite complete. I am surprised that anyone from across the pond would care so much about a person and a music style that I hold so dear. I met the "Hag" on a number of occasions and become friends with a few of his most popular band members such as Norm Hamlet and Redd Volkeart. I will like and subscribe! ❤
Thank you for covering the Hag. I lived near the town he lived in during the last couple of decades of his life. He was the real deal. Check the Western Swing album he did and the album of standards from the early twentieth century if you really want to see his range.
Rated #1 Country artist off all time. Miss, he had over 600 song credited to writing, over 100 #1 hit. At San Quinten and saw Johnny Cash there. My favorite for sure. 82' saw him in Georgia, back stage pass, shook his hand.
I can't say whether he's the best singer I've ever heard; there have been many others. But he is the clearly most honest.. Everything about him is real.
What's interesting to me is that I commented on this performance 3 months ago. I didn't know that a voice coach (you) had also been enthralled by the sensual interpretation of this song by Hag and his ensemble. His guitar solo complimented the atmosphere of the whole. It was moving and memorable. I find myself similarly transfixed by Luciano performing Core N'grato . I'm 77 years old and my life has been saved by music more times beyond my memory.
If you want a real treat, look up "Merle Haggard If I Could Fly Away." The song is actually "If I Could Only Fly," but they titled it wrong. It's important to look it up that way because it's by far the best version. His performance is truly special. The prime years of his voice and style with the emotion and facial expressions make this one of the greatest traditional country performances of all time. It mesmorizes me. Please listen to it!
For a rough man, Merle had a wonderfully sweet voice, especially on songs such as Pancho & Lefty and Holding Things Together. Vince Gill's, Lost in a World Without Haggard, is a fitting tribute to the man.
It is spiritual like a funeral song for his old friend. His voice aged like fine wine. You should see pictures of Merle from the 1960's and '70's, he was one of the most handsome men you could imagine.
What Merle Haggard had, was not learned, it was a gift! He was born with it, and God intended for it to be shared! Most musicians should do themselves a favor, and study Merle Haggard.
You just got into my neck of the woods with Merle. I've been a fan since I was a child in the 1970s. Plus, Merle is a local to me, being that he did live for years in Palo Cedro, California outside of Redding. Also, on the stage in this video, you have Ray Benson from Asleep at the Wheel, and the fiddle player in the purple coat looks really familiar to me. I think he used to teach at Bernie's Guitar in Redding, CA, but I'm not sure. All that said, I highly recommend checking out Asleep at the Wheel's cover of "Miles and Miles of Texas"
This amazing man was born in my hometown. Many years before me. He was the real deal. People who say they don't "like" country don't like all those stupid pickup truck songs. Merle Haggard is as real as it gets.
Nice job, Beth. I have listened to Merle's voice for over fifty years. Live performances are different from studio but you hardly ever hear a sour note when he's on stage. If you listen to a larger body of his studio work you might be impressed with the subtle use of his melismatic improvisations.
No idea how u ended up on my Playlist but you are great fun and suprisingly deep. I really appreciate your insights on some of my favorite songs of soul. You gotta listen to Don Williams voice it will make you melt. He does a version of this song it is amazing! Thanks for making my day keep doing you!
Merle was always a favorite of mine. You want to hear a voice with a distinctive punch? Give Waylon Jennings a listen. Want to hear someone really unique? Listen to John Anderson, "Seminole wind."
I'm a huge country fan but not a huge fan of reacting to singers past their prime getting reactions..but I'll make an exception since Merle always sounded great no matter how old he got and overall probably the best country musician ever because he could do it all and do it all very well. MORE COUNTRY PLEASE! It's a whole new world of music in the country genre.
The most touching thing about this song is that he was going to accompany his friend in his escape attempt. The guy told him to stay where he was, because he thought Merle could turn his life around. The guy made it out, but then got caught later. So I guess Merle had strong feelings about his friend.
You can’t go wrong with any Merle song at any stage of his life. He used to do great impressions of some of the great country singers as well. If you haven’t looked at the country artist, George Jones, I highly recommend him to you.
If you are a George Jones fan you HAVE to listen to the entirety of season 2 of the podcast “Cocaine and Rhinestones”. The whole season is about the life and careers of George and Tammy and some of the other industry types that were part of the scene with them. It’s THE definitive history of those 2.
He had a great duet with Willie Nelson back in the 1990's called The Balled of Poncho and Lefty that got airplay on MTV. In the 70's and before he was as famous for his stutter as his singing. He sang amazingly well, but normal talking was hard for him. Fellow country Artist Hoyt Axton (Amazing deep voice) told a story about being on a road tour with Mel and a bunch of other performers when they were all fairly unknown. As Hoyt tells it (paraphrased, but close)... Someone slipped into the hotel room by the fire escape, gonna steal our hats, and you can't be a cowboy singer without a hat. Mel wakes up and sees him, but he cant' shout a warning because of the stutter, but he could always singe, so he goes "H-h-h-h-h-ey th-th-th-th, (Sings) Hey there's a man going out the window with our clothes." I always thought it was fascinating that his stutter was so dominant back then, but his singing voice had no trace of it. Another great deep voice in country music was Waylon Jennings. I'm not sure if would be a bass or Baritone, but it was low and rich.
Beth, you could do worse than to listen to all of Merle Haggard's works over the years .... as a side note: there were a lot of country stars on the stage during this song. The tall fellow to the Merle's right is Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel (a very distinct baritone voice) ..... I strongly suggest you listen to them for some classic Country Swing ... My favorite song of theirs is "I Saw Miles and Miles of Texas". Enjoy your journey .... LufYa
I live in North Caroline Beth. Bluegrass music is very big in this area and all areas of the Appalachian mountains. The coal mines brought a lot of Welsh, Irish, and Scottish immigrants because they all knew mining. They brought their music with them and eventually it evolved.
You should compare his voice to when this song first came out when he was younger. Both younger and older versions of Merle’s voice are top notch I might give his older voice a slight edge because he developed so much control but he has one of the top country voices of all time. I actually just finished learning how to play this song on the guitar.
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Merle Haggard was the best singer and songwriter at that time. No one comes even close to his style. Most of his songs are life experiences
Some consider him the father of outlaw country because he was cutting music from Bakersfield instead of Nashville
Not a fucking chance
Still the man
Still the best
One of the greatest country artists of all time.
There never will be another like him.
Love the fact that a younger generation is taking the time to listen to a true legend of country music. Thanks also for knowing the ties it has to Irish and Scottish music. You have a new fan.
Merle was one of a kind. He could tell a story through his songs that made you feel like you were there. Didn’t matter how old he was. When he went low you felt it.
Very nice reaction Beth. Merle was a treasure. Brilliant writer, musician and performer. He was also inspired by seeing Johnny Cash perform while Merle was in the audience (in prison). Merle was called the Poet of the Common Man. There are volumes of Merle's hits. Some of my favorites are Are the Good Times Really Over for Good, The Farmer's Daughter, Daddy Frank (the Guitar Man), and Mama Tried. They say that Country Music is 3 chords and the truth. It's what is missing in so much of the new pop country. Hopefully it will live on forever because of people like Merle.
I’ve been a fan since the late 70s and has the great pleasure of seeing him in concert before he passed.
He has an amazing quality to his voice and if you look up some videos of him as a younger artist he also was a good imitator of many of his influences and contemporaries.
His collaborations are legendary especially with Willie.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you for this song!!! You can do more country music anytime you like.
And it also does my heart good to hear such a respect for age from someone so young!
Stay amazing, Beth!!!
I was fortunate to see Merle Haggard live. Such an extraordinary singer-songwriter. His song "Going Where the Lonely Go" never fails to bring tears to my eyes.
Great song,would love to see Beths reaction
Had the joy of getting to see him perform live around 2010 on one of his last tours. Grew up listening to his music in the 60s (was a huge country fan at that time); he was one of the greats. He was beginning to struggle a little with his voice and breath during the concert we attended.. but he still melted all our hearts. Kris Kristofferson joined him for a couple of songs; Kris was really struggling with hitting his notes.. but again, no one cared bc of who they were!! So glad I was alive and listening during his era of greatness! Thanks for your thoughtful, respectful reaction…
Cris never has had a voice, he SUCKS as a singer !
He was the real deal. His family was in the same cotton camp mine worked in back in the Thirties. His voice was higher when he was younger, but every version of it was excellent.
Merl’s son keeps the music alive . Two of his sons play a tribute to their dad. The look on the musicians faces in the backing band says it all. 41 million views also says it all. Noel and Ben Haggard singing Running kind and a Lonesome Fugitive
The older I get, the more I enjoy Merle Haggard. Country is the best storytelling genre. He also did great impersonations of his fellow country singers. Fun.
So true to appreciate a voice that has lived accompanied with wonderful story telling. His low notes are caramel that deliciously sticks to your ear. Thanks for sharing this Beth.
I love Merle and he was a GREAT songwriter. His voice was killer.😎
So cool that you’re reacting to my favorite Hag song! I play this in my own shows every night. Always brings a tear and reminds me of my own childhood, my rough substance abuse years, and my mom and grandma ❤
Asleep at the Wheel as your backup band...yea!
Love that band too.
One of the Very Best Country Singers I first heard him when I was a Freshman in High School!!! Love Merle RIP my brother!!!!!!
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Congratulations!
Looking forward to hearing it!
What a performance! Really, I've got tears in my eyes.
My great Uncle was Merle Haggard cellmate back in 1958 in San Quentin.
And notice, he didn't run around all over the stage, there were no fireworks, just a singer in front of a microphone, doing what he (or she), does, sing. And the audience is captivated and entertained. That's what a great country artist can do. It's not the theatrics or the spectacle or flashy things that the people are there for, it's the songs.
What a delightful reaction on several levels. I got to see him once from about six feet away and had some vocal interchanges with him and lots of eye contact and he was just amazing. He has got so many good songs it's unbelievable. For another song in this direction, branded man. Check out the audio if you can but he really is a talented performer, he was so good live.
My Dad got to go see him and sat right up front. He was one of his Favorite Singers.
I remember when he got back home how he told me He drank a shot on whiskey with Merle and also he signed his hat for him.
Gosh I miss my Daddy and Let The Good Times Roll On. With Branded Man
An absolute icon in music!! such an outstanding one of a kind voice! he is missed..
Awesome! Thank you for giving Haggard some props. You are the best!
True, old country music. When we were young I did the typical eye-roll grimace listening to this. Then I got older...and these songs were stories worth listening to. His sons do a fine tribute to their dad.
It's nice to hear from someone that can actually SING! and this women can SING!!!
There is a clip from the Glen Campbell show where Merle does an impression of Hank Snow, Marty Robbins, Buck Owens, and Johnny Cash that you might want to check out. I've been a Haggard fan (since I was 3) longer than a Hank, Jr. fan thanks to the TV show "Movin' On" where Merle sang the title song and had a #1 hit with it. 👍👍
I saw Merle in Branson in 1991 at his theater, it's a memory that's still vivid 33 years later. He and Roy Clark had the best shows, nothing fancy, just real music.
I saw Merle in Los Angeles about 1987. It was an amazing performance and hearing this tune reminds me of how much less rich we are since Merle passed.
I'm happy to know we can watch these videos, of course. His work continues even at this remove.
Not to mention his beautifully understated guitar solo.
Grew up listening to Merle, I saw him in Greenville, SC and after the show, he sat on his tour bus steps and signed autographs and took pictures. I stood in line to see him and when I got to him, I had nothing for him to sign. I had bought a new pair of cowboy boots just to wear to the concert.. they weren’t cheap… I reached down and took my right boot off and asked him to sign it. He smiled and said.. “ be a shame to ruin such a nice pair of boots .” That was over 20 years ago. I still have them.. I don’t wear them. My goodness.. Merle Haggard touched them. The greatest singer ever!❤
I love your comments about respecting and appreciating older voices.
I could've listened to Merle sing the phone book
Thanks for your appreciation of Merle's mature voice!
I love his singing. I would sit with my dad and listen
Merle Haggard wrote this song in the sixties. He was in prison back then and said this was a true story from his experience there. He was country music's all around best (singer, song writer, instrumentalist) ever. His voice actually improved as he got older, not that anyone could ever believe that it could improve because he was always the best. It was richer, and more soulful. Miss ya man!!
Merle was one of the best there was. He was a poet with his music and an amazing singer. Lived a hell of a life. He did amazing impressions of other artists as well. There’s so much more to this man, hopefully you look into more of his stuff.
I had an opportunity to tour San Quentin State Prison's death chamber where Merle's friend was executed. They said I could sit in the chair; I declined. When I hear this song, it takes me back to the time I saw the chair where lives were ended in the name of justice. Musicians who live a tough life usually write and perform the best songs. Thank you for appreciating and acknowledging the greatest country music song writer of all time. 👍💖🎸😎
Merle is a legend. GOAT status. His catalog of music is epic. My fav Haggard song is Silver Wings.
Beautiful harmony. Love this song. The speed is great.
Merle is the greatest male country singer ever. His poetry and story telling is superb.
Merle was awesome He is hands down my favorite country singer. He was a fabulous songwriter as well. The old country will never be replaced and we will never hear great country music like him again. So sad. Todays country is nothing compared to the old gaurd.
Before this, I listened to Merle’s 1991 performance of “Farmer’s Daughter”. Merle’s voice had developed a slightly lower pitch and some gravel by the time he recorded this. I love it. Makes it sound like aged whiskey.
By the way, Beth, I love the respect you give each artist. You are a lovely person and a beautiful woman.❤
I have been a long time fan of Haggs and have seen 4 very distinct changes in his voice. Loved his very first stuff, but his second phase was the absolute best.
He was one of our greatest. RIP Merle and thank you.
Love Merle's music. RIP Hag.
Every ounce of pain, turmoil, and conflict you hear in his voice.
Merle Haggard is the KING!!
Merle was the greatest country music ever had. By the way, I really hope Vince Gill is in the queue. That’s another one of the best country singers of all time and I can’t wait to see you react to him.
I got the privilege of seeing him live twice before he died.
His singing was effortless but amazing in person.
If you're a Merle Haggard fan then you have to listen to Marty Haggard, his son! Marty has that smoothe sound and his lower register will give you goosebumps.
A true legend of country music.
If you weren't smitten with Beth before this, you have to be now. Her opening remarks about this artist who most Americans know, but is new to her. And she starts with a riff on older voices, and slides into the importance of valuing every day. Then she dissects what makes Haggard so appealing, using her voice to sweeten his technique. The sort of woman you hope you meet before you die.
The greatest country music artist ever. Only a handful of others could come close.
WOW WHAT A VOICE
Love that you're doing some more country reactions lately. Please do more!
It’s the stories, the sounds of the instruments. The voice when it sings with real feeling. And it’s the minds eye playing these as well.
Merle Haggard was born in a boxcar, which is a railroad freight car, not an automobile.
The band behind him is Asleep At The Wheel, a Western Swing band you should look up.
So much agreement.
Saw Merle and Willie Nelson together in Austin, Tx in the late 90's. Fantastic concert. Nice review. If you want a really good laugh, check out Toby Keith & Scott Emerick - I'll Never Smoke Weed With Willie Again
Probably 2 days after my Mommy died my daddy's sister took us to the flower shop took pick out flowers for her casket. Some of the hardest days of my life. She said pick anything you want. This song played as we were on our way. So everytime I hear this song I think of my precious Mommy.
That was LIVE when he was almost 70 after a lifetime of hard living, you should have heard his voice in the 1970s and 80s. AMAZING
I was lucky enough to see The "Hag" live later in his career, in Texas! You should do..."Mama Tried"!
Yes he was a great legand from my home town
Might I begin by saying your knowledge of Merle is quite complete. I am surprised that anyone from across the pond would care so much about a person and a music style that I hold so dear. I met the "Hag" on a number of occasions and become friends with a few of his most popular band members such as Norm Hamlet and Redd Volkeart.
I will like and subscribe! ❤
.. I was lucky to have seen MrHaggard at the Township Auditorium in Columbia, SC on two separate occasions.. One word: A GiantOfGiants
Thank you for covering the Hag. I lived near the town he lived in during the last couple of decades of his life. He was the real deal. Check the Western Swing album he did and the album of standards from the early twentieth century if you really want to see his range.
One of the great great singers and voices regardless of genre
Rated #1 Country artist off all time. Miss, he had over 600 song credited to writing, over 100 #1 hit. At San Quinten and saw Johnny Cash there. My favorite for sure. 82' saw him in Georgia, back stage pass, shook his hand.
I can't say whether he's the best singer I've ever heard; there have been many others. But he is the clearly most honest.. Everything about him is real.
You are so right
Thankyou for that. A Country Music Legend. The Statler brothers did a similar song like that. "Carry me back Lord while I still got the Time."
I live in Bakersfield where Merle is from, thank you for showcasing our artist.
What's interesting to me is that I commented on this performance 3 months ago. I didn't know that a voice coach (you) had also been enthralled by the sensual interpretation of this song by Hag and his ensemble. His guitar solo complimented the atmosphere of the whole. It was moving and memorable. I find myself similarly transfixed by Luciano performing Core N'grato . I'm 77 years old and my life has been saved by music more times beyond my memory.
The backup band and harmonies are from a band called Asleep At The Wheel
If you want a real treat, look up "Merle Haggard If I Could Fly Away." The song is actually "If I Could Only Fly," but they titled it wrong. It's important to look it up that way because it's by far the best version. His performance is truly special. The prime years of his voice and style with the emotion and facial expressions make this one of the greatest traditional country performances of all time. It mesmorizes me. Please listen to it!
For a rough man, Merle had a wonderfully sweet voice, especially on songs such as Pancho & Lefty and Holding Things Together. Vince Gill's, Lost in a World Without Haggard, is a fitting tribute to the man.
No one better then and no one better now! Mighty Merle!
It is spiritual like a funeral song for his old friend. His voice aged like fine wine. You should see pictures of Merle from the 1960's and '70's, he was one of the most handsome men you could imagine.
Love Merle “Hag” Haggard. Country music perfection.
Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead covered this song in concert for years! Wonderful tune!
Gram Parsons did a fantastic cover of this song. IMO even better than the original.
What Merle Haggard had, was not learned, it was a gift! He was born with it, and God intended for it to be shared! Most musicians should do themselves a favor, and study Merle Haggard.
Merle had 37 # 1 hits in country music. His voice was mature when he was young. Be sure to try some of the original studio versions as well.
You just got into my neck of the woods with Merle. I've been a fan since I was a child in the 1970s. Plus, Merle is a local to me, being that he did live for years in Palo Cedro, California outside of Redding. Also, on the stage in this video, you have Ray Benson from Asleep at the Wheel, and the fiddle player in the purple coat looks really familiar to me. I think he used to teach at Bernie's Guitar in Redding, CA, but I'm not sure. All that said, I highly recommend checking out Asleep at the Wheel's cover of "Miles and Miles of Texas"
This amazing man was born in my hometown. Many years before me. He was the real deal. People who say they don't "like" country don't like all those stupid pickup truck songs. Merle Haggard is as real as it gets.
Check him out before he was 65 years old.
Simply one of the Best of all TIME
Nice job, Beth. I have listened to Merle's voice for over fifty years. Live performances are different from studio but you hardly ever hear a sour note when he's on stage. If you listen
to a larger body of his studio work you might be impressed with the subtle use of his melismatic improvisations.
My favorite Merle song
As you get older and all of your memories and Life experiences the highs and the lows songs like this mean more
No idea how u ended up on my Playlist but you are great fun and suprisingly deep. I really appreciate your insights on some of my favorite songs of soul. You gotta listen to Don Williams voice it will make you melt. He does a version of this song it is amazing! Thanks for making my day keep doing you!
Merle was always a favorite of mine. You want to hear a voice with a distinctive punch? Give Waylon Jennings a listen. Want to hear someone really unique? Listen to John Anderson, "Seminole wind."
I'm a huge country fan but not a huge fan of reacting to singers past their prime getting reactions..but I'll make an exception since Merle always sounded great no matter how old he got and overall probably the best country musician ever because he could do it all and do it all very well. MORE COUNTRY PLEASE! It's a whole new world of music in the country genre.
The most touching thing about this song is that he was going to accompany his friend in his escape attempt. The guy told him to stay where he was, because he thought Merle could turn his life around. The guy made it out, but then got caught later. So I guess Merle had strong feelings about his friend.
You can’t go wrong with any Merle song at any stage of his life. He used to do great impressions of some of the great country singers as well. If you haven’t looked at the country artist, George Jones, I highly recommend him to you.
If you are a George Jones fan you HAVE to listen to the entirety of season 2 of the podcast “Cocaine and Rhinestones”. The whole season is about the life and careers of George and Tammy and some of the other industry types that were part of the scene with them. It’s THE definitive history of those 2.
@@johngage856 thank you for that recommendation. I’ll certainly check it out.
His voice was so much more life in his as he aged😊
He had a great duet with Willie Nelson back in the 1990's called The Balled of Poncho and Lefty that got airplay on MTV.
In the 70's and before he was as famous for his stutter as his singing. He sang amazingly well, but normal talking was hard for him. Fellow country Artist Hoyt Axton (Amazing deep voice) told a story about being on a road tour with Mel and a bunch of other performers when they were all fairly unknown. As Hoyt tells it (paraphrased, but close)...
Someone slipped into the hotel room by the fire escape, gonna steal our hats, and you can't be a cowboy singer without a hat. Mel wakes up and sees him, but he cant' shout a warning because of the stutter, but he could always singe, so he goes "H-h-h-h-h-ey th-th-th-th, (Sings) Hey there's a man going out the window with our clothes."
I always thought it was fascinating that his stutter was so dominant back then, but his singing voice had no trace of it.
Another great deep voice in country music was Waylon Jennings. I'm not sure if would be a bass or Baritone, but it was low and rich.
Mel Tilles.
He is an American treasure and he is truly missed he's part of my dad's generation but I listen to him as a now that I'm 50 I listen to him more
You hit the nail on the head! The word is WISDOM, BTW! You need to listen to his song, " The fighting side of me", just sayin'. 👀😉
Probably my favorite
Beth, you could do worse than to listen to all of Merle Haggard's works over the years .... as a side note: there were a lot of country stars on the stage during this song. The tall fellow to the Merle's right is Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel (a very distinct baritone voice) ..... I strongly suggest you listen to them for some classic Country Swing ... My favorite song of theirs is "I Saw Miles and Miles of Texas". Enjoy your journey .... LufYa
Another vote for Asleep At The Wheel!
I live in North Caroline Beth. Bluegrass music is very big in this area and all areas of the Appalachian mountains. The coal mines brought a lot of Welsh, Irish, and Scottish immigrants because they all knew mining. They brought their music with them and eventually it evolved.
You should compare his voice to when this song first came out when he was younger. Both younger and older versions of Merle’s voice are top notch I might give his older voice a slight edge because he developed so much control but he has one of the top country voices of all time. I actually just finished learning how to play this song on the guitar.