Merle Haggard dies today.

[rezman]

Another great one is gone.

[OkieHornet]

today was also his birthday.

[rezman]

^^ Yep... 79 today.

[Bill Robertson]

Sad. I was never a big fan but he was an icon. As I drove home from work I saw a billboard that he was supposed to be the main attraction for a three day concert in Muskogee on Memorial weekend. Maybe they'll turn it into a tribute.

[kevinpate]

Sad this eve. Busy enough today I didn't know until I came here a bit ago.
Last saw him perform in 07 at the zooamp, but do enjoy his music regularly,

Thanks for being there until now.

[MadMonk]

Sad news indeed. His music would be included in the background score of my childhood - not that it was rough just that my parents played it a lot. I heard Okie from Muskogee three times on the radio during my commute home this evening.

[Mel]

I wasn't his biggest fan but his music is part of my life soundtrack. His music would be playing in a dive bar or a greasy spoon or if you were just in the mood to ramp up your redneck. RIP Merle.

[Tritone]

^^^ Hits the nail on the head for me as well. When all the artists you listened to when you were young starting falling out it means something. I'm getting old.

[rezman]

^^^ Same here. I wasn't a huge fan either, but his music fit in with a lot of people and situations of my past. There were times when the likes of Merle Haggard, or George Jones just hit the spot.

[Achilleslastand]

"And I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole"
Mama tried.....
RIP

[OKCisOK4me]

He was also set to perform at a concert in Enid (that of which my mom had purchased tickets for back in December). :-( Rest In Peace, Merle

[sooner88]

Not a huge Mumford and Sons fan, but I saw they played Okie from Muskogee at their Tulsa show in tribute last night which I thought was pretty cool.

[kevinpate]

... There were times when the likes of Merle Haggard, or George Jones just hit the spot.

Also known as days that end in Y

[OKCRT]

Also known as days that end in Y

Was just watching You Tube Prime Time Country with Merle and Bob Eubanks was the host. Eubanks (Newlywed Game host for the youngsters) produced his concerts for many years in the 70s. George Jones is also on this show. Pretty good review of the living legend Merle Haggard.

Search You tube for this if you haven't seen it.

BTW,I am no country western music fan unless we are talking Merle -Johnny Cash - Waylon - D.A.Coe or the likes. These guys are legends no matter what type of music fan you are.

[RadicalModerate]

When it comes down to "The Soundtracks of our Lives (c/o General Public Broadcasting)" . . . Merle Haggard ranks right up there with Dean Martin and Frank Zappa. And Ry Cooder (Into The Purple Valley and Chavez Ravine soundtrack). He may not be sharing our air, Yet he will live forever in our collective memory. He was an Original. (even unto this day, i get a bit nostalgic when I hear his rendition of "The Fightin' Side of Me" and I'm an old semi-peacenik. =~)

[RadicalModerate]

Edited to Add . . . Even my wife was touched by Merle's passing. He was so Original that he could do impressions to be sure he wasn't trying to imitate anyone.