Dang. He was supposed to have a concert here a few weeks ago and it got postponed til May. I didn't know he was on his death bed.
His was a voice unique and pure country, many have tried to copy, but none can ever match Merle's soul.
Hung out with some guys in Texas one time that were in a band. They said they would jam amongst themselves with Haggard music all night. They said they called it, Merle to hurl. That was fun night.
Here is a post from my buddy Trey Hensley, who credits Haggard with being the one who caused him to take up the guitar. The album he refers to was nominated for a Grammy for Bluegrass Album of the Year. "Merle gave a quote for mine and Rob's album, "Before The Sun Goes Down". When the email came in with Merle's quote, I am not ashamed of the fact that I cried. I never thought he would hear my music and I never thought my name would come out of his mouth. He was my ultimate musical hero. My dream was to get to meet him. That didn't happen, but I did get some very kind words from him about my music. Tonight in Copenhagen, we finished out the show with Merle Haggard songs. It was emotional, for sure. Thank God for Merle Haggard. A better singer or songwriter will never grace this Earth." -Trey Hensley
