Editorial: Merle Haggard told stories with a guitar
By Becky Holland, editor@pineywoods.news
The Internet became silent for a few moments yesterday as images of country music legend Merle Haggard hit screens all across the world. On Wednesday, April 6, Haggard’s 79th birthday, he died, family said of complications from pneumonia at his home in northern California.
Fans of all ages just paused in sadness and melancholy as memories of more than three dozen number one country hits from Haggard came alive. From “Okie from Muskogee” to “Fightin’ Side of Me,” Haggard’s songs have touched generations for nearly six decades.
Haggard’s early life wasn’t easy, and it included a prison stint in San Quentin. From battling financial insecurity and living in freight-cars to the youthful endeavors he had in petty crime, Merle Haggard amazingly survived.
It was those very hard times- which the singer himself blamed on poor life choices – that helped develop Haggard into the country music hero he became, and allowed his lyrics to become the method of telling stories that made him the “everyman’s” singer.
In fact, it was while Haggard was in prison that he heard Johnny Cash in concert. Prior to his time at San Quentin, Merle Haggard had done like most California youth did during the 1950s-60s and had played some music. After hearing Cash’s concert, though, he picked it up again, and when he was released from prison, Haggard focused on a musical career. What a musical career it was.
His career garnered him much recognition and partnered him with many greats like George Jones, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.
People say that his music made him a star. No, Merle Haggard made the music come alive. His music was more than just a “picking” and “strumming” and “singing.” Merle Haggard told stories with a guitar.
Rest in peace, Merle Haggard, and Happy Birthday!
Now retrieving an image set.
HONEY CARE All-Absorb A26 Male Dog Wrap, 50 Count, Small
$14.38 (as of December 10, 2024 14:46 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
CESAR Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Grilled Chicken, Filet Mignon, Porterhouse Steak, Beef, Chicken & Liver and Turkey Variety Pack, 3.5 oz. Easy Peel Trays, Pack of 36
$39.97 (as of December 10, 2024 14:46 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags, Guaranteed Leak Proof and Extra Thick Waste Bag Refill Rolls For Dogs, Lavender Scented, 270 Count
$13.99 (as of December 10, 2024 14:46 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Dr. Elsey's Cat Litter - Premium Unscented Cat Litter w/ Natural Ingredients - Low Dust Superior Odor Control Cat Litter - Hard Clumping Moisture Absorbing Clay Multi Cat Litter (For All Cats - 40lbs)
$20.56 (as of December 10, 2024 14:46 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Mini Dog Biscuits, Flavored Crunchy Dog Treats, 36 Ounce Container
$11.48 (as of December 10, 2024 14:46 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food, Helps Build and Maintain Strong Muscles, Made with Natural Ingredients, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, 30-lb. Bag
$64.98 (as of December 10, 2024 14:46 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
PEDIGREE DENTASTIX Large Dog Dental Care Treats Original, Beef & Fresh Variety Pack, 2.73 lb.Pack (51 Treats)
$23.98 (as of December 10, 2024 14:46 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Wet Cat Food Seafood Collection in Wet Cat Food Variety Pack - (Pack of 24) 3 oz. Cans
$17.31 (as of December 10, 2024 14:46 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Supplement, Canine Nutritional Supplement - 30 Ct. Box
$30.99 (as of December 10, 2024 14:46 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.