Merle Haggard’s youngest son, Ben Haggard, revived his 1967 chart-topping single “Sing Me Back Home,” and it didn’t disappoint. As expected from the son of the legendary singer himself.
Ben Haggard’s Version
“Sing Me Back Home” was written and recorded by Merle Haggard and The Strangers as the first single and title track of his same-titled album in 1967.
It earned them their third number-one hit, spending two weeks at the top in its 17-week chart run. Rolling Stone also included it in its 40 Saddest Country Songs of All Time. And it has since been covered by a number of artists, including The Everly Brothers, Alabama, and Don Williams, and his very own son and the youngest of his six children, Ben Haggard.
Ben released it in 2014 for his album Working Man’s Poet: A Tribute to Merle Haggard – two years before Merle passed away.
For You
The young Haggard’s rendition was definitely a memorable one for fans because he sounded so much like his father. That is, if you close your eyes and just listen to him, you will hear the soul of Merle Haggard’s singing come through him – from his tone and style down to his delivery. But while the influence was undeniable, Ben was no copycat. He brought his own unique sound to the song.
Seven years after recording it, he performed it live at the Bob Wills Fiddle Festival held in Greenville, Texas. His brother Noel joined him on the guitar along with guitarist James Mitchell. He also had with him on stage Scott Joss on fiddle and Joe Reed on bass. It was a short performance, but definitely a good one.
Check out Ben Haggard’s rendition of his dad’s chart-topping track “Sing Me Back Home” below.
