Been a Merle fan since I first learned to string words together into song. Hand me a guitar and I can probably play upwards of 50 Haggard tunes. If the boys get together and jam we usually do a good 10 Haggard tunes between us.
It’s just a matter of time before a screenwriter pens his life story for the movies. His story has it all. From a delinquent to the prison system of San Quentin to becoming one of the most influential singers in not only country music but music in general.
With both Haggard and Jones no longer among us, country radio will no longer have to make excuses for not playing any new music they bless us with.
Mike's Take On the Movies 
Sad news. He was one of my father’s favorites and I grew up with his music being played all the time.
His music has long played in my home from childhood up to now. Lately I’ve been playing his recent CD release with Willie Nelson regularly in the car.
Big loss for music. One of the greats.
For sure. Just the other day I happened to see a clip of Vince Gill picking Merle as the greatest of all.
“One of the greats.” Absolutely. He did real country music. And his impressions of other country music legends were great, my favorite being his Marty Robbins. Love this clip of him and Marty together, just foolin’ around: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng5bPhCHAIs
I too love that clip. I have often gone on youtube running thru many Haggard clips. I’ll miss knowing he’s still around and hanging out in the studio.