RIP- Merle Haggard

Ron Page · Post by **Ron Page** » 7 Apr 2016 2:25 am

His legacy will be everlasting.

Sincere condolences to Norm Hamlet and others who knew him well.

Godfrey Arthur · Post by **Godfrey Arthur** » 7 Apr 2016 2:28 am

Merle as he got older got braver and wiser.

Singing songs like Where Did America Go, What I Hate and Politically Uncorrect just put him out there in the realm of reality.

When was the last time an artist had this much fun?

Godfrey Arthur · Post by **Godfrey Arthur** » 7 Apr 2016 3:23 am

Jim Cohen wrote:His son posted the following on Facebook about an hour ago...

What a brave and poetic capture. We were there!

Roger Kelly · Post by **Roger Kelly** » 7 Apr 2016 5:30 am

It's been said that "It's not what you take with you It's what you leave behind."

Merle left a Legacy that will long be remembered by those who loved his music and took with him a little bit of all of us who Loved and Admired him.

May God Bless his family and friends.

Craig Stock · Post by **Craig Stock** » 7 Apr 2016 6:15 am

So sad to hear this news, I love Merle and his music!

I am fortunate to have seen him many times with my wife who is a big fan of his as well. The last time was this past summer at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Band, Nj, and was hoping that he made it through here again this year, but here is in a better place now.

My condolences to his family, friends and his band members, especially the gracious Norm Hamlett and Floyd Domino.

RIP Merle!

P.S. Hiro, that was the 'Last of the Breed' tour, with Wille also and Asleep at the Wheel.

I was there too, and just watched a video from Netflix from that tour. It's worth getting and the best part is the extras where they interview all 3 on the bus after the show, really funny and informative.

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 7 Apr 2016 7:39 am

I found this to be a great read..
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1990/02/12/ornery

james sluder · Post by **james sluder** » 7 Apr 2016 7:52 am

from the first time i heard ''swinging doors'' i was locked on to the Merle Haggard song's..Spent many hours listning and learning the lead guitar part's that created the ''Hag''sound .Then about 10 years ago i got a pedal steel and went after the Norm Hamlet sound ..

Merle has a beautiful song ''When my last song is sung" on u-tube ..

My prayer's go out to the family and the band !

R.I.P Merle !!!!

Craig Stock · Post by **Craig Stock** » 7 Apr 2016 8:00 am

James,

Thanks for that link, I don't think there could be a better song than that today

Jay Dee Maness · Post by **Jay Dee Maness** » 7 Apr 2016 8:39 am

So very sad indeed.

Larry Bales · Post by **Larry Bales** » 7 Apr 2016 9:09 am

Sad news for all country fans.

Billy McCombs · Post by **Billy McCombs** » 7 Apr 2016 9:39 am

James here's that song. RIP Merle.https://youtu.be/zFDZ1aePL_U?list=RDzFDZ1aePL_U

Mickey Adams · Post by **Mickey Adams** » 7 Apr 2016 9:47 am

Well said Roger Kelly!

Walter Stettner · Post by **Walter Stettner** » 7 Apr 2016 10:13 am

Had tears in my eyes when I heard the news earlier today. What a giant this man was. Not enough words to describe it. My condolences go out to his family.

RIP, Merle and Thanks from the bottom of my heart for all the great music you gave us.

Walter Stettner
Vienna, Austria

Bob Ritter · Post by **Bob Ritter** » 7 Apr 2016 12:02 pm

I loved that man and his music too. It gave a voice in this world to a lot of what I feel. I would be nice if we knew how Norm Hamlet is doing and if he would give us all a word at this time, I am sure Norm could relate to Merle and his music like none of us can.

John Booth · Post by **John Booth** » 7 Apr 2016 12:54 pm

So Sad.
I feel a Haggard and Jones kind-o-night coming on.
JB

Mark Eaton · Post by **Mark Eaton** » 7 Apr 2016 1:18 pm

I was curious about the funeral arrangements, was wondering if it would be a public deal like for George Jones in Nashville. I was thinking there was an outside shot that I could sort of swing it combined with some nursery/agriculture business stuff I have coming up in the Central Valley. Merle lived about a 3 1/2 hour drive north of me outside of Redding.

Looks like it will be a smaller private event, I just read this on the Music Row news website. One of my other big favorites and his equally famous wife will be there:

The funeral service for Merle Haggard will be held at his home in Palo Cedro, California, on Saturday, April 9. Marty Stuart will officiate and sing, along with his wife, Connie Smith.

Spencer Scott · Post by **Spencer Scott** » 7 Apr 2016 1:45 pm

He was for me the greatest performer of country music, he and Willie Nelson said it all" Every things gone to pot" A safe journey Merle RIP.
Spence.

Mike Archer · Post by **Mike Archer** » 7 Apr 2016 2:01 pm

the Hag was the real deal period

he is and will be missed

have a good trip mr Hag

sing um back home.....

mike

Fred Rogan · Post by **Fred Rogan** » 7 Apr 2016 3:32 pm

If you don't have it get Cass Country, Don Henley's latest release. He and Merle sing The Cost of Living with Milo Deering on steel. If you ain't bawling now you will be...

J.C. Norris · Post by **J.C. Norris** » 7 Apr 2016 10:41 pm

The greatest country singer, song writer ever to grace a stage. Saw Merle many times, I listen to him almost every day. My condolences to Norm( one of the finest steel players ever) & the family And all the Strangers. Our music will never be the same. J.C. Norris

Tom Wolverton · Post by **Tom Wolverton** » 8 Apr 2016 4:49 am

Paul Wade · Post by **Paul Wade** » 8 Apr 2016 5:18 am

he will be missed . my fav singer of all time.
R.I.P Merle...

p.w

Joe Breeden · Post by **Joe Breeden** » 8 Apr 2016 6:25 am

There ain't no more. Sad, sad.

Mike Wheeler · Post by **Mike Wheeler** » 8 Apr 2016 6:28 pm

Took me a couple days to post about this. My heart was so heavy when Big E passed on, now the Hag has gone to join him on that big stage in the sky. I miss those two so much. May the Lord grant them peace and joy.

Bobby D. Jones · Post by **Bobby D. Jones** » 8 Apr 2016 8:16 pm

RIP Merle, Condolences to your family and friends.
You left many memories with your Family, Fans and Friends. Your music will endure.

The Steel Guitar Forum

RIP- Merle Haggard

What a sad time !

Merle

Merle

hag

Merle; The greatest

Merle; The greatest