Watch Toby Keith’s Touching Tribute to Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard has been an inspiration to many singers from different genres. Aside from being an inspiration to singers, he also inspired many people and he is loved by many. Moreover, he was a great country singer and songwriter. Among the many artists who look up to Haggard is the country singer Toby Keith.

Toby Keith and Merle Haggard Friendship

Before the death of Haggard, Keith and Haggard shared some memories together. On Haggard’s last concert, Keith stepped in to help him. Keith said in an interview with The Boot that,

“Merle’s the kind of guy who would call you up and go, ‘You wanna go fishing?’ I’d go, ‘Yeah. Let me know, and we’ll go fishing.”

Haggard not only became a mentor to Keith but he had also been his friend. Therefore, the passing of Haggard was a painful event for Keith. When Haggard died, Keith tweeted that Haggard is the “Greatest Singer and Songwriter of my lifetime.”

We can all definitely agree with Keith. Haggard is truly a great country artist.

Tribute at Grand Ole Opry

A month after the death of Haggard, Keith was scheduled to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. He put together six of Haggard’s well-known songs. Keith performed a medley of “Mama Tried,” “Today I Started Loving You Again,” “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink,” “Workin’ Man Blues,” “Silver Wings,” and “ Okie From Muskogee.”

Keith said at the beginning of the show,

“We got a little medley worked up for some of the Hags greatest hits, and we liked to do a tribute for our friend.”

Keith performed Haggard’s song well on his touching performance to his friend and mentor.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Country Photos (@countryphotos17)

Merle Haggard’s Death

Merle died on the morning of his birthday April 6, 2016. He was supposed to be celebrating his 79th birthday that day. Merle died from complications of pneumonia which he had been diagnosed since 2015.

Here is the amazing performance of Toby Keith. Watch as he performs a medley of Hags greatest songs.

If you enjoy reading this you can find more country-related articles on our website. You can also like us on our Facebook page.