Merle Haggard: Celebrating his 81st Birthday and Song’s that We Love 2

by

Arden Lambert

Updated

April 6, 2018

Updated

April 6, 2018

Updated

April 6, 2018

merle haggard birthday

Today we remember the legendary country musician Merle Haggard as we celebrate his 81st birthday and his 2nd year of death. In honor of today’s occasion, we will feature his best song, the first song he ever recorded and the last song he recorded.

His birth: the beginnings

Merle Haggard, born on April 6, 1937, at Bakersfield, California. He was born from a poor family. When his father died, Haggard’s mother was left to take care of the family. He was a rebellious teen back then. He committed offenses such as writing phony checks and theft. Resulting to being in county jails for numerous times. However, he also started developing his talent as a musician. He learned to play the guitar all by himself.

His very first song recorded

Haggard’s first ever recording after he was released from San Quentin Prison was “Singin’ My Heart Out.” He was signed under Tally Records, in 1962. The song didn’t gave Haggard the success he was hoping for. It was actually a failure for him, since his single only sold few copies. Despite that, the song wasn’t a huge success Haggard still manage to release a song the same year that peaked at No. 19 on the country charts, “Sing a Sad Song.”

His best song

It is difficult to decide which one is Haggard’s best song since he recorded a lot of No. 1 singles. We let you be the judge of it, but for now, we choose Haggard’s best song based on how long his number one song stayed on the chart. According to the billboard chart file, “Mama Tried,” “Okie From Muskogee,” and “If We Make It Through December,” all remained on the No. 1 spot for 4 consecutive weeks. Thus we have 3 songs of Merle Haggard to be the best of all his singles. But whatever you think is the best, it depends on you.

His Last Song Recorded

It’s sad that we have said goodbye to a legendary country musician, that not just inspired other people to reach their dream but to everyone out there. He inspired people not only with his music, but his life in general.

Kern River Blues was the final song Merle Haggard ever recorded. The song was released a month after his death (May 12). He wrote the song while he was in the hospital, battling pneumonia. His song was recorded in February.  The song is about Haggard’s reflection in life, when he was young as he left Bakersfield and he even mentioned the Kern River, which is seen in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains (Northeast of Bakersfield). It seems to be that “Kern River Blues” was his farewell song.

In honor of country music legendary singer, Merle Haggard, we remember him on this day, as we celebrate his 81st birthday and 2nd death anniversary.


Tags

kern river blues, mama tried, merle haggard


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