Merle Haggard

12 Incredible Merle Haggard Facts

Country music pioneer Merle Haggard (April 6, 1937 – April 6, 2016) and his band the Strangers helped create the Bakersfield sound, which touted a rougher edge not heard on the more refined Nashville recordings of the same time period. After the death of his .. Read More

The Story Behind Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard's "Pancho and Lefty"

“Pancho and Lefty” was penned by country music artist Townes Van Zandt who first recorded it for his 1972 The Late Great Townes Van Zandt album. Country icons Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard covered the song in 1983 and used it as the title track of their .. Read More

First-Ever 'Now That’s What I Call Music Outlaw Country' Debuts

NOW That’s What I Call Music, Universal Music Group Nashville, and Sony Music Nashville have joined forces to create Now That’s What I Call Music Outlaw Country. This is the first installment of special Outlaw Country brand under the popular NOW series. Country music .. Read More

A Look Back at Country Music Icon Merle Haggard's Marriages

Country music icon Merle Haggard married five times before deciding his last wife, Theresa Ann Lane, was the perfect one. In fact, he said marrying her was the best decision he made. Learn more about Merle Haggard’s marriages below! Merle Haggard’s Marriages Leona Hobbs: Merle Haggard .. Read More

The Story Behind Merle Haggard's 'Presidential' Pardon

During his youth and into early adulthood Merle Haggard had wracked up quite the rap sheet. The singer-songwriter even served time at San Quentin Prison for attempting to rob a Bakersfield roadhouse and trying to escape the local jail. While behind bars, Merle earned his high school equivalency .. Read More

Country Music Artists' Nicknames: The Good, The Bad, & The Hilarious

Country music stars aren’t immune to having unusual nicknames! Some you can probably name quickly— but others may surprise you! Take a look at this roundup of country music artists’ nicknames below. Country Music Artists’ Nicknames Blake Shelton aka “Toad” Blake’s mother, Dorothy, is responsible for .. Read More

10 Country Singers with the Most Marriages

Here are 10 Country Singers with the most marriages starting at 3 marriages and ending with two country music artists that had 5 marriages.  There are three country music singers that have been married 3 times, five country artists have been married 4 .. Read More

7 Intriguing Alabama Band Facts

True to their namesake, the Country Alabama Band was formed by Randy Owen and his cousins Jeff Cook and Teddy Gentry during the late 1960s in Fort Payne, Alabama.  The band Alabama had seven multi-platinum albums, 27 number one hits, and received many accolades for their music. Check .. Read More

Ben Haggard Covers Merle Haggard's "Troubadour" [Video]

Ben Haggard, 25, is the youngest of all Merle Haggard’s children and is helping to keep his father’s incredible legacy alive. His love for country music really ignited at the age of 15, when his father asked him to accompany him and his live .. Read More

Joey + Rory Cover "If We Make It Through December" [Video]

Country music legend Merle Haggard‘s 1973 hit “If We Make It Through December” tells the story of economic hardship and a father’s desire to provide his daughter with a proper Christmas. Not exactly your standard holiday-themed tune. The song can be found on the country .. Read More