How Mo Pitney Met Merle Haggard In “I Met Merle Haggard Today”

If given a chance, which country artist would you like to meet? Is it Don Williams, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton or perhaps, Alan Jackson? How about George Strait? There are a bunch of legends and artists that you’d like to meet and have a small talk with. Isn’t it just so great to meet someone who has influenced you?

Lucky for the old soul Mo Pitney, he had the chance to meet his ultimate idol, Merle Haggard. He considers him as his most significant country music influence, and it was his dream to meet him. Listen, folks, to “I Met Merle Haggard Today,” Mo Pitney will tell you how he met the country legend. Also, he will show you how Haggard influenced him.

The Story…

Exactly on February 4, 2013, Pitney attended the “Marty Stuart Show” for a taping. It was at North Star Studio, in the North of Downtown Nashville. Little did Pitney know it will be his luckiest day? At that time, he was so surprised and mesmerized because Merle Haggard was there for the particular event, too. Pitney was starstruck and was petrified. Because of excitement, he wasn’t able to take a picture. Pitney said:

“What was I thinking? Shoulda took a picture with my phone, or at least record him sayin’, ‘Pleasure to meet you, Mo”.

But Pitney recalled precisely what happened that day, and he was just so happy he met his ultimate idol.

Furthermore, his excitement and memories of meeting Merle Haggard were penned in a song. “I Met Merle Haggard Today.” It is perhaps one of the most memorable singles of Pitney then.

The Song…

Donald R. Sampson and Mo Pitney himself are the songwriters of “I Met Merle Haggard Today.” It was released in 2016 under Pitney’s album “Behind This Guitar.”

The Lyrics…

I spent the morning pouring concrete

I had a good hot plate of chicken for lunch

Filled the tank cause it was empty

Had a few errands to run

And I know what your thinking

That sounds a little bit mundane

But just wait… I met Merle Haggard Today

My buddy called and said Haggard’s in town to tape the Marty Stuart show

So meet me at the back door down in NorthStar studios

2/4 2013 4:45 was the time and date

Hey I met Merle Haggard today

Oh what was I thinking

Should have took a picture with my phone

Or a least record him singing ‘pleasure to meet you Mo’

But it was over in a second

Then he strolled down to the stage

But it’s ok, ’cause I met Merle Haggard today

At least I can say, I met Merle Haggard today

Moreover, “I Met Merle Haggard Today” is one of Mo Pitney’s songs that show how true country he is. He’s the rising star to look forward to. There are a lot of new artists right now, but Pitney has the exact color of country. Indeed, he is an old soul and can be realized through his singles.

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