REQUIRED READING Nov 2, 2008
Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and others have covered his songs. Author Rosen, romantically involved with Foley, shared the title tree house with him in the Georgia woods. (New York Post -- Opinions)
-- Wild Canyon to play Freedom Fest (1) Oct 28, 2008
Saturday, June 19, 2004 Edition. Today's Weather Rockingham, NC Sponsored By: Today's Stocks. (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
Willie Nelson coming to Waterloo Dec. 3 Oct 20, 2008
Last of the Breed, a double disc released in 2007, includes collaborations with Merle Haggard, Ray Price, and Asleep at the Wheel. Moment of Forever, produced by Kenny Chesney, hit store shelves earlier this year. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Country couple: Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton coming to McElroy Oct 17, 2008
Q: The last time we talked you mentioned meeting Merle Haggard, one of your musical heroes. What new memorable experiences have you had in the last three years. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Ocoee to celebrate its 15th Founders' Day this weekend Oct 17, 2008
Conley is also a top-of-the-line country artist, a Grammy winner who was influenced by Merle Haggard, George Jones and Charlie Pride early in his 30-year career. He has posted a bunch of No. 1 singles on the country listings, including "Fire ," "Holding Her and Loving You," Once in a Blue Moon" and "Love Out Loud. (Winter Garden West Orange Times, FL)
Harry Goes Country! Oct 8, 2008
That studio has cranked out hits for the likes of Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, and many others. Among these giants, Smith admits, "I was just a great pretender.". (CBS News -- Early Show)
Legends caught in the act Oct 7, 2008
Next up is a Merle Haggard collection due next month. If you love classic country, then these projects are a motherlode. (Boston Globe)
Carl Jackson concert features new guest Oct 3, 2008
In 2004, Carl received two Grammy s for the album he produced and performed on, entitled, "Livin , Lovin , Losin : The Songs of the Louvin Brothers." The group that Carl assembled to sing on this album is, in itself, astounding: himself,Joe Nichols, Rhonda Vincent, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, James Taylor, Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Terri Clark, Merle Haggard, Ronnie Dunn, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Glen Campbell, Leslie Satcher, Kathy Louvin, Pamela Brown Hayes, Linda Ronstadt, Patty Loveless,... (Louisville Winston County Journal, MS)
New Johnny Cash recording coming with film Sep 25, 2008
The documentary features interviews with Bob Dylan; Al Gore; Snoop Dogg; Sheryl Crow; Steve Earle; Kris Kristofferson; Loretta Lynn; Merle Haggard; U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander; Tim Robbins; Vince Gill; Cash; his sister, Joanne; and his children, John Carter Cash and Cindy Cash. (MSNBC -- News)
New tour, new album for Old 97's Sep 25, 2008
Hamilton's two contributions to the album, "This Beautiful Thing" and "Color of a Lonely Heart is Blue," are straight country tunes that comfortably fit in the band's set with the oft-covered Merle Haggard classic "Mama Tried.". Miller says the band has enjoyed a number of memorable performances at the 40 Watt in previous visits to Athens and adds that R.E.M., the Elephant 6 collective and Neutral Milk Hotel played a pivotal role in his musical awakening. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Something to crow about Sep 24, 2008
Since then, the band has played its finger pickin' country folk with the likes of Dolly Parton and Merle Haggard, had headlining slots at Bonnaroo and Telluride, gone on world tours, sold hundreds of thousands of records, and had a new record produced by Don Was. Either the band is really lucky, or it's just that good. (Boston Globe)
Madison County Fair on through Saturday Sep 24, 2008
"We play things from Merle Haggard to the Rolling Stones. It's a gamut of music that I don't know if you can put in a category," he said. Pritchett, a 1978 graduate of Madison County High School, said the fair is a great venue to play. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Cars, music, bikes to help raise Alzheimer's funds Saturday Sep 23, 2008
Autographed Telecaster Guitar signed by Merle Haggard, John Satriani, Marty Stewart, John Mayhall and the late Jerry Reed. Ron Bentley collected the signers over the past 20 years. (Calhoun Times, GA)
The Mighty 92 going country as The Wolf Sep 18, 2008
The station will call itself The Wolf starting at 6 a.m. Thursday and will play music from artists including Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Ronnie Milsap, Anne Murray and the Oak Ridge Boys. WOKY will retain its on-air lineup including Gregory Jon in the morning, Mark Richards middays and Mitch Morgan afternoons. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
The New Outlaw in Town Sep 9, 2008
In other words, he's an heir to the outlaw country tradition of Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson and, of course, Johnny Cash. Except that Johnson is bleaker and blacker than the Man in Black. (Slate)
Stratham teen performs with Vince Gill Sep 3, 2008
The crowd cheered and applauded as Joyce and Gill performed a haunting version of the famous Willie Nelson tune, "Funny How Time Slips Away." The performance brought the audience back to the days of traditional country music, when the likes of Willie Nelson, Ray Price, and Merle Haggard ruled the country scene. The song was performed in honor of the late country music legend Billy Walker, who was a friend of both Joyce and Gill and who also first brought the song to the top of the country charts... (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Music was the message at rocking DNC show Aug 29, 2008
Gov. Bill Ritter quoted a musical icon Merle Haggard in his speech: If God doesn t live in Colorado, at least that s where he spends most of his time. There was also a tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. 45 years after his I have a dream speech to remind the crowd of the evening s place in history, as the conclusion of the first major-party convention to nominate an African-American. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Old favorites, hot Texas acts take stage Aug 27, 2008
Their music preference is Texas Country along with Traditional Country playing the tunes of Randy Rogers, Pat Green, Kevin Fowler, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Roger Creager, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard. Taking center stage Saturday night will be John Conlee. (Columbus Colorado County Citizen, TX)
A Backstage View Aug 25, 2008
"Russell said he'd probably find it hard to focus if Merle Haggard, another one of his favorites, came to Tupelo.But scheduling is somebody else's responsibility. Russell and his crew have their own duties."Everything needs to be ready when people get to their seats," he said. "They don't need to think about the show we broke down yesterday or the turnaround we have for tomorrow. That's our job. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Campbell covers modern songs in ’60s style Aug 24, 2008
Before he became a star, he was a top session vocalist and guitarist for Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, Jan Merle Haggard, Nat King Cole, the Monkees, Ricky Nelson, Dean Martin and many others. For 18 months in the mid- 60s, he replaced an ailing Brian Wilson in the Beach Boys. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Relax to good music at 12 west Aug 22, 2008
My musical hero is Merle Haggard, he is why I am a musician, singer and songwriter. Another hero is my good friend, Charlie Daniels. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Bikers flood Sturgis for rally Aug 21, 2008
Drawing a huge crowd Saturday night were concerts by country legend Merle Haggard and Crossin Dixon, who features Jason Miller as lead singer. The last event, held Sunday, was the Blessing of the Bikes. (Choctaw Plaindealer, MS)
Saunemin Summer Celebration to run Friday through Sunday Aug 21, 2008
They play works of Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakam, Waylon Jennings, David Allan Coe, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Elvis and The Stray Cats. (Photo provided). (Pontiac Daily Leader, IL)
Desloge singer launches new career Aug 20, 2008
My dad sang with Merle Haggard and Buck Owens years ago and my mom has this audio recording of me sitting on my rocking horse singing, Thumbing My Way To Mexico, she said with a laugh. Because her dad, Vernon Nelson, was a singer, she traveled to Nashville when she was very little and got a peek at the music business. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
'Play it Sam - if she can take it, so can I.' Aug 19, 2008
McCain's list includes "Dancing Queen" (by ABBA), "Blue Bayou" (Roy Orbison) "Take a Chance On Me" (ABBA), "If We Make It Through December" (Merle Haggard), and "As Time Goes By" (Dooley Wilson). First of all, any list with Haggard has got to be pretty good. (Seantobia Democrat, MS)
Rally revelers roar through Starkville Aug 17, 2008
Visitors on Saturday saw everything from a bike show to a burnout contest, then spent the evening watching concerts by Merle Haggard and Crossin Dixon. The event concludes today with a 10 a.m. blessing of the bikes. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Nichols talks about some 'Real Things' Aug 16, 2008
My top five all-time favorites are Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Jr., George Straight, Alan Jackson and Keith Whitley. Those guys just fought in the face of the swing of the pendulum toward pop.. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
US candidates back Sinatra songs Aug 14, 2008
His fourth favourite track is 1973 country hit If We Make It Through December, by Merle Haggard, followed by As Time Goes, recorded in 1942 by Dooley Wilson. The top 10 of 71-year-old Mr McCain is made up exclusively of older tracks. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
McMinn to perform at Sturgis South Aug 14, 2008
Kylee along with Lauren Pinnix will be the opening performers for country music legend Merle Haggard, who will be performing at 8 p.m. on City Park stage. Following Haggard will be country-recording group Crossin Dixon. (Webster Progress-Times, MS)
Cash 'Folsom' Box Loaded With Unreleased Tracks Aug 13, 2008
The DVD component of "Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison: Legacy Edition" reveals footage from inside Folsom Prison, and contains interviews from country acts as Merle Haggard, Rosanne Cash and Marty Stuart, as well as former Folsom Prison inmates who witnessed the legendary concerts. The DVD also features unpublished photographs by Jim Marshall. (Billboard.com)
Obama, McCain List Favorite Songs Aug 13, 2008
McCain's top 10 also included songs by Merle Haggard, Dooley Wilson, Louis Armstrong, Neil Diamond and The Platters. Copyright 2008 by. (Click2Houston, TX)
COLUMN: Big festival can bring thousands to small communities Aug 11, 2008
What would you think of bringing in performers like Jo Dee Messina, Trisha Yearwood, Randy Travis, Gretchen Wilson, Charley Pride, Carrie Underwood, Merle Haggard, SheDaisy, Sawyer Brown, Travis Tritt, Lonestar, Clint Black, Brad Paisley, Pam Tillis, Martina McBride, Sammy Kershaw, Sara Evans, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, Toby Keith, Bill Engvall, Tanya Tucker, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Louise Mandrell, Kentucky Headhunters, Marshall Tucker, Lee Greenwood, Diamond Rio, Nitty... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Modesto-area based country singer, media mogul Smith dies Aug 11, 2008
He died Friday at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, according to the tour manager of his longtime friend, country music star Merle Haggard. The Modesto Radio Museum said Mr. Smith was 78. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Star singer, media man Chester Smith of Modesto dies in Bay Area Aug 9, 2008
He died Friday at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, according to the tour manager of his longtime friend, country music star Merle Haggard. Smith became a country music star with his hit song "Wait a Little Longer, Please, Jesus" and his Northern California radio and television shows in the 1950s. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Country Chart-Topper Coming to Fair Aug 2, 2008
He moved to Nashville in 1990 in a 10-year-old Toyota Corolla that had, he says, "about 250,000 miles on it, expired tags, no insurance, only three cylinders and a fan with a piece of wire around it to cool the car." He was a huge fan of Keith Whitley, Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard, and he idolized George Strait, complementing those influences with an appreciation for Southern rock, which he knew held a special place in the hearts of his honky-tonk audiences. He was also taken by a country... (Missourian Publishing, MO)
'I'm a storyteller' Aug 1, 2008
I have to be drawn to the lyrics or I'm completely uninterested, said Harris, whose new album features several original songs and gems by Merle Haggard, Patty Griffin, Tracy Chapman and others. I'm a storyteller. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Heritage Days is this weekend Jul 31, 2008
The 6-to-7 p.m. performers will be The Tonsil Klackers, a self-described "zany foursome" who have been performing for 30 years, including at last year"s Heritage Days. The quartet, based in Lafayette, Ind., turns familiar songs into jokes with "Klacker" lyrics and routines. The 7-to-9 p.m. entertainment will be from The Hillbilly Jones, who describe themselves as a "Honky Tonkin' Hillbilly Rock 'n' Roll" group. Performing from 9 to 11 p,m. will be High Maintainance, a classic rock group.Both... (Pontiac Daily Leader, IL)
On the road: Cost of fueling RAGBRAI not cheap Jul 26, 2008
They finished a whole set of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, blues and jazz before I got up off the curb. Threw a dollar in their hat and thanked them for the day. (Ames Daily Tribune, IA)
Hoping for message and music Jul 24, 2008
Tomorrow it will be two weeks since I put a duffel bag in my Subaru and grabbed a stack of CDs so I'd have Sheryl Crow and Merle Haggard for company as I drove for two days from Haines to Anchorage to attend college for the first time in 27 years ... I don't share that I feel like I'm singing a duet with Merle Haggard, "throwing horseshoes over my left shoulder" and searching for that four-leaf clover, or that I'm back in college at 49 because I want to write words that dance and learn that it... (Anchorage Daily News)
Kalispell man pleads not guilty to identity theft Jul 24, 2008
- A Kalispell man has been accused of chartering a private jet to Mexico while impersonating the son of country music legend Merle Haggard and then charging the $61,000 bill to a companion's credit card. Mark G. Sams, 49, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to one count of access device fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. (Montana Standard, MT)
Beck, G-Unit have new CDs Jul 13, 2008
While many of the cuts have appeared elsewhere Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Marty Stuart and Patty Loveless are among those tapped McCourys contributions create a proper bridge between old and new. His take on the Lennon/McCartney classic When Im 64 has new meaning as a bluegrass tune, and 40 Acres and a Fool is a clever look at how money transforms rural life. (MSNBC -- Music)
HD Radio sends strong signal, but audience weak Jul 8, 2008
5, whose Mother Trucker pairs classic country such as Merle Haggard with rockers such as ZZ Top. "This is unique content you wouldn't get anywhere else," says Jeff Littlejohn of Clear Channel, with 800-plus HD stations broadcasting in its markets. (USA Today -- Life)
Music is a family affair for festival performers Jul 2, 2008
Their song list includes tunes from Merle Haggard, Blake Shelton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ray Vaughan, Charlie Daniels, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and much more. Sawyer said he and his fellow musicians are no strangers to being the opening act. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Fresno beat cop had passion for police work Jul 2, 2008
He was a favorite of colleagues who dubbed him "Worker Bee."Away from his beat, Mr. Bridges enjoyed going to casinos with his wife, and he would tell her, "We do better together." He loved country music: Johnny Cash, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn, vinyl records better than CDs and the original country better than glitzier newcomers. Laurie Bridges said the family never knew how any day's work had gone, good or bad, on her husband's shift. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Schlitz Creek debuts Thursday Jul 2, 2008
Schlitz Creek pulls material from such legends as the Dillards, the Monkees, Bob Seger, Lennon and McCartney, Kenny Rogers, Bill Monroe and Merle Haggard. Their high-energy stage show has quickly made Schlitz Creek a crowd favorite on the local bluegrass festival circuit. (Dowagiac News, MI)
WE Fest at Detroit Lakes, Minnesota Jun 29, 2008
Stars of the inaugural year 1983 -- included Merle Haggard, The Sons of the Pioneers and Tammy Wynette. Johnny and June Carter Cash appeared in 1984 and Roy Orbison, three years later. (Suite101.com)
Richard Thompson Jun 28, 2008
Opening for Thompson will be Bob Martin, a folk-rocker from Lowell, who played at Club Passim in the 1960s (it was called Club 47 back then) and has opened for Merle Haggard. 7:30 p.m. $25. (Boston Globe)
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Fogerty and Larry The Cable Guy to Headline Rock'n the Rally Lineup at 68th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Jun 25, 2008
Rozone has worked with a who's who list of talent including Tori Amos, Chuck Berry, Harry Connick, Jr., Ghostland Observatory, Merle Haggard, B.B. King, Metallica, Michael Martin Murphy, Little Richard, Sting, Randy Travis and Weezer, to name just a few. Rozone shows scheduled for 2008 include Terry Fator, Merle Haggard and Brian Setzer. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
LLOYD GRAY:He's still a kid at heart after all these years Jun 22, 2008
I reminded him recently that being the pop and rock guy he was back then, he made fun of me when we lived together because I liked Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard and would play their records in our house. Maybe I had something to do with broadening his musical horizons. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Randall Franks: Leona Williams -- Pen, paper and a guitar Jun 21, 2008
I do some of (Merle Haggard s) stuff that I ve written such as our The Bull and the Beaver ... Like Johnny Cash did, she broke historical ground for female artists at San Quentin State Prison on Jan. 1, 1976, performing 10 songs with Merle Haggard s Strangers live before a prison audience. (Catoosa County News, GA)
A Guide to Minnesota's Casinos Jun 21, 2008
For example, Bill Cosby, Montgomery Gentry Randy Travis and Merle Haggard are among the names on the showroom marquee for summer 2008. Ticket prices range from $25 to $60. (Suite101.com)
Emmylou Harris Explains What She 'Intended' Jun 17, 2008
"It used to be if you heard Buck Owens or Johnny Cash or Merle Haggard on the radio, nobody had to tell you who it was," she says, quickly adding, "I shouldn't just pick on country music.". People who knew Harris as a teen would be amazed that she's even weighing in on the subject of authentic country music. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
'The Arm' points way for Thorburn Jun 9, 2008
Last year, Islands put the cap on a string of positive notices (which put the group near the vortex of fellow Montreal indie all-stars Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade) by signing on to label Anti-Records, home to Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Merle Haggard. The label released Arm's Way on Tuesday. (The Province)
Hill, Yoakam return to CMA Festival after absence Jun 6, 2008
Except for Merle Haggard, no active country singer is so closely identified with the West Coast. Yoakam broke out of the Los Angeles rock clubs playing revved up Bakersfield, Calif. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Schools seek to secure sacred songs; G-E-T board to vote on music policy, classical works at heart of discussion Jun 4, 2008
hardworker wrote on Jun 4, 2008 7:05 AM:" One parent complained, well, I guess I would say: IF YOU DON'T LOVE IT, LEAVE IT, LET THIS SONG THAT I'M SINGING BE A WARNING, WHEN YOU'RE RUNNING DOWN OUR COUNTRY BOY, YOU'RE WALKING ON THE FIGHTING SIDE OF LIFE. (In case you didn't know - these lyrics are from a Merle Haggard song.) ". Casual Observer wrote on Jun 4, 2008 7:04 AM:" Nikki: I'm not sure if I understand what you're saying. The article states "The G-E-T school board is scheduled to vote... (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Must hear/do Jun 3, 2008
On an average night, you'll find a mix of tourists and locals, all intent on sipping something cold and singing the likes of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Jones and George Strait. 7245 E. Main St., Scottsdale, 480-425-7787, rustyspursaloon. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
"SING ME BACK HOME" Jun 1, 2008
"Sing Me Back Home," a title taken from a Merle Haggard hit, is part tribute, part memoir. Jennings marries country's history to his own hardscrabble New Hampshire childhood. (New York Post -- Opinions)
'The Strangers' a must-see for horror fans Jun 1, 2008
And while it's believable that the Hoyt family getaway would have an old record player and a Merle Haggard album on the shelf, would they really have contemporary vinyl recordings by Richard Buckner and Joanna Newsom. That last point may be a little nitpicky, sure, but this is what happens when the fear factor evaporates and your brain starts working again. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Portland band to perform May 31, 2008
Redefining "roots", Scotland Barr & The Slow Drags draw inspiration from The Beach Boys and Warren Zevon as much as they do from Merle Haggard or Gram Parsons. Jangly-pop, gutbucket country, urban-folk, 601s psychedelia, and straight-up rock all meet in a sound that has been called "West Coast Roots". (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Merle Haggard cancels Riverfest appearance May 22, 2008
LITTLE ROCK (AP) - Country singer Merle Haggard has canceled his Friday night performance at the opening day of Arkansas Riverfest. Haggard was scheduled to perform at the Budweiser Stage, a venue on the North Little Rock side of the Arkansas River that accommodates large crowds. (WREG.com, TN)
Eric Durrance came to Augusta with some surprising career help May 22, 2008
"My grandfather, James Mayo, was a big gospel singer around that area, and both of my grandparents were old-time country musicians. We listened to a lot of George Jones, Hank Williams, Marty Robbins, Conway Twitty and Merle Haggard. My grandmother loved Hank (Williams) Jr. in his early days.". Through his teens, Mr. Durrance also loved the big-hair rock bands and had photos of Mtley Cre plastered on his bedroom walls. (The Augusta Chronicle)
The Showgrounds provides new entertainment options May 21, 2008
The 36th annual event will include performances from Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Asleep at the Wheel, David Allen Coe, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Billy Joe Shaver and Los Lonely Boys. Country music icon Willie Nelson s career has spanned 50 years and is one of the most successful singer-songwriters in the business. (Conroe Courier, TX)
'Time' is now for 'American Idol' Songwriter winner May 21, 2008
Influenced by Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Don Henley, Merle Haggard, Randy Newman and the Gershwins, he switched to piano and enjoyed some success writing and recording. On Thursday, his gospel/country Starlight EP hits iTunes. (USA Today)
Muskogee, Okla., teen ready for mayoral challenge May 16, 2008
The University of Oklahoma freshman is moving out of a dorm and back in with his parents as he gets ready to be sworn in next week as mayor of this 38,000-person city made famous by the Merle Haggard song "Okie From Muskogee.". Eventually, he plans to rent an apartment or house with a friend and transfer to Northeastern State University, which has a local branch campus. (International Herald Tribune)
Community Notes May 10, 2008
Covering hits from timeless artists such as Merle Haggard, George Strait and Alan Jackson, they only play the best selection of classic country music with sounds of today and a few of their own mixed in as well. This free concert will take place at the Joe Farmer Recreation Center Amphitheater, 1201 East Bethany Drive. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
