From 1984. This is still my favorite version of this song. (and I LOVE Porter's reaction!).
Пікірлер: 343
@hunt4one13 жыл бұрын
Look at them, no fancy clothes, no smoke, no bright lights, no machines to make them sound good.......just them and their music, we need more of this today.
@valientevaliente94733 жыл бұрын
yeah that the real talent pure talent given by GOD.
@robertmcginness4610 Жыл бұрын
Beautifully put. Thanks. Song reminds me of my teenybobbers love affair we had. Once in teen years we spent night together @ a party fully clothed face to face. Not even a single kiss in our hx. She died few weeks back. Though totally different situations, this song is now mine & Janet's. We never married, but married others and I moved away. Nice comment.
@robm321 Жыл бұрын
No rap either
@jim5746 Жыл бұрын
Talent.
@virginiadavis771311 ай бұрын
No loud drum banging. All of that noise hides lack of talent.
@matildaharden10642 жыл бұрын
The greatest country music singer to ever hit a note or write a lyric
@bigmike11676 Жыл бұрын
Yesss!!!
@charliekucharski20796 ай бұрын
Merle is pretty amazing. On my cd of his 20 greatest hits he wrote 18 of the songs. What a gift.
@alanmcneill24073 жыл бұрын
Even if there were a million country western singers to come in the future, no one will ever equal his unique talents and sound, not in 10 million.......not in a hundred million......never. So lucky to have lived to hear this phenomenon. Thank you Merle for singing everything I have ever felt.
@morganspector51613 жыл бұрын
Merle was always a working man's poet. He never strayed from his roots
@errol-ih4jy5 жыл бұрын
we are looking at the best there ever was in Country.
@kennymartin34163 жыл бұрын
100%
@trufflehound3 жыл бұрын
And the best there ever will be.
@jakestokes3983 жыл бұрын
One of them for sure
@joeholtster18913 жыл бұрын
Hank Williams
@luthermoore29693 жыл бұрын
Completely valid yet arguable statement. I would agree but also disagree.
@pamelapettit-holt15205 жыл бұрын
I found a friend in this song. I love the mighty kern, my own brother is buried along the waters edge. I never got to shake hags hand yet I knew him through his music. Merle belonged to us all, the same way we all own Mount Rushmore, and the Vietnam memorial, he was ours like the Pacific Ocean and Times Square. Each time I visit the kern valley I visit my brothers grave. But no matter where I go I always hum this beautiful song. Was a sad sad day when Merle died, yet we all are better Americans, better fathers, and better men for knowing him.
@robertstroud75615 жыл бұрын
What Merle and everyone else from that time in space stood for is long dead and gone. You are watching the crumbling of usa right in front of your eyes. It is over. Been goin' on forever. The late 80s, seat belt laws, then smoking laws ( I'm a non smoker), everything a caucasion does is a hate crime, search and seizure rights LONG GONE, raiding homes with no warrant, murdering people, it goes on. Merle, Waylon, Willie, Johnny Paycheck, Joe Stampley, Freddie Fender, hell, remember when everything wasn't a police state? Remember when you could dance at a concert without being kicked out for dancing?
@haroldhumerickhouse79044 жыл бұрын
Pamela Pettit-holt ...Beautifully expressed.
@brianb76863 жыл бұрын
You, madame, are a poet.
@chelsabrinkman40763 жыл бұрын
Beautifully said, and so true. ❤️
@sooz94332 жыл бұрын
This is a beautiful tribute to Merle Haggard on it's own. Perfectly expressed and 100% true.
@trufflehound7 жыл бұрын
Merle Haggard is the greatest country singing star that ever was.
@wendellstafford84475 жыл бұрын
Only Merle could sit down with a guitar and sing such beautiful song.
@pgmerkle12 жыл бұрын
Heard this song for the first time driving over the ridge from Reno, NV looking into Lake Tahoe, which I'd never seen before. Met a woman there the next day I fell in love with, and this became our song. Lost her in a plane crash 7 years later. This song just means so much to me and is so beautiful, and this version is the best I've heard. RIP Cheryl, I'll always love you.
@brianb76868 жыл бұрын
Buck and Merle put the Western back in Country and Western. I'm the west coast descendant of a Dust Bowl Oakie, and I love the Bakersfield Sound. Rest in Peace, Hag, and say hello to Buck for us.
@Patriot7514 жыл бұрын
I'm a Bakersfield boy until I moved to Nevada. This song is beautiful, live and just cut. He had a beautiful voice !!
@Danimal15777 жыл бұрын
One of the saddest songs ever. And what is even more touching is the humbleness of Merle that we see at the end of this clip, when Porter gives him that huge compliment. That probably meant a lot to him. You were one of the great ones Merle. Your songs will always touch all the restless and hurt souls out there.
@ajarriaga5812 Жыл бұрын
Agreed. Mr. Wagoner gave an extreme honest heartfelt compliment. Only Ralph Edwards could host a show and give inclusion to Porter in such a way that Porter felt so comfortable to give Merle a kind reverent compliment. The entire room had greatness. TNN was a superior station. The 80’s saw all our music heroes alive and healthy.
@isaacortega87064 жыл бұрын
I was born and raised in southern California and climbed Mt. Whitney 30-plus years ago. A beautiful song by one of my all-time favorite country western singers.
@bigj234522 күн бұрын
This is the greatest live performance of any country song in the history of music. Signed, a guy from Bakersfield.
@sandraworthington77439 ай бұрын
Porter. Wagner’ nailed it. He is very dangerous with a song he’s one of the greatest singers in the world Mr. Merle Haggard. ❤
@allenmaliniemi7291 Жыл бұрын
My mothers ashes are spread across lake Isabella & this mans amazing lyrics will always bring a joy to my heart❤ Love you brother❤🌹
@mr.b7586 Жыл бұрын
Only those who have had that valley dirt on them will understand. God bless you.
@franklimper2677 Жыл бұрын
🙏🏼
@franklimper2677 Жыл бұрын
@@mr.b7586 The Great San Joaquin Valley.. got to love it
@jackreeves46855 жыл бұрын
One of the best versions of one of his best songs ever!!!
@Smootman16 жыл бұрын
Merle didn't need a band to be amazing.
@LetsRideMen11 жыл бұрын
"He's a dangerous man with a song." Great line. So true.
@karenjones23818 жыл бұрын
RIP Freddy and Merle. Such a humble man, Merle was.....his good friend Freddy looked over at Merle after Porter gave him a wonderful compliment,,,just Freddy's look tells you how Merle still has trouble accepting such accolades,,,,I don't think Merle knew just how awesome he was,,,he dang sure didn't go around acting like it as so many others have and do now! Freddy was extremely talented himself!
@nealhitchcock3519 Жыл бұрын
Freddy was a singer at the Eldorado Casino in Reno for years. He held a jazz festival periodically and hosted Jethro Burns and Tiny Moore among others. Some of his band played on the Friend in California record that Haggard put out about this time. Grat artists and great music!
@edhathaway98444 жыл бұрын
That voice! Think a part of my soul was just tugged out.
@mr.wizard29745 жыл бұрын
Merle sings in such a relaxed manner its almost as if he is chatting with you!
@young1939 Жыл бұрын
I grew up in the country he was singing about. He brings back so many memories. He is always missed by this fan. 👍
@pgtcf780610 жыл бұрын
Merle Haggard, Ralph Emery, and Porter Wagoner are all three national treasures...Porter's gone already but when we lose Ralph and Merle we will have lost a TON of country music history.
@Howieman638 жыл бұрын
A few days in my life that I will willingly admit i cried openly. When my son was born, my wedding day, the day Dale Earnhardt died. Now I will add the day I heard Mr.. Haggard passed away. My dad is in an Alzhiemers care facility & he is the one I can credit with turning me to the country side as a young man. One of the artists he always played in his freight truck was Merle Haggard. Whenever I hear his voice today I think of my dad. Mr. Haggard, thank you for the memories of both you & my dad. May you rest in peace sir. Kern River is the song I always go to in my mind when I think of Mr. Haggard and it will be the song that takes me to my dad once he is gone.
@everettcardinal3318 жыл бұрын
+Lance Bishop man that's a lot of life in your comment..one of my faves as well..
@thelmathelma4617 жыл бұрын
Lance Bishop o
@LambertIsGod587 жыл бұрын
very nice commentary Lance. I have the similar feelings about Merle's music. Reminds me of my Grandfather, ironically Merle was his name too. Such special music. The world will miss Merle, but his music is forever timeless.
@zigzag22566 жыл бұрын
Lance Bishop Man i grew up with this song the last time I heard it was on an 8 track tape in my daddy's pick up truck on our way to a rodeo. I never knew who sang it and the first time I heard turned 21 in prison was when me and my mom was catching a greyhound bus on my way to see my father sitting in Raleigh central prison with a 15 year bid. And the day old merle died broke my heart. I feel like that is a piece of Americana that we will never get back again. So I am saying goodbye pancho and ol lefty is waiting to be rolled up and smoked. You are missed by all your fans and thanks for the memories.
@realist-20246 жыл бұрын
zig zag Same here bud I grew up listening to mearle with my dad, my dad is really sick and 78 now, and I thank him for showing me what real music is, and mearle is a personal idol of mine, mamma tried, really hits home, sing me back home, kern river, mearle is just the man. And I miss him and I feel great sadness that he and so many of the true country greats are gone, really makes a guy sad. R.I.P. Hag
@melvetaseely44859 жыл бұрын
Love this song...and love Merle Haggard.... One of a kind...and will never replace that beautiful voice... the delivery ....nothing like it. Awesome.
@elibaker69047 жыл бұрын
I became a big Merle Haggard fan, when he first came out with, Strangers and Swingin' Doors. Back then, I told my friend that Merle was going to be the greatest country singer, ever, and I still say the same thing now. God Bless The Hag.
@jodydeboer79276 жыл бұрын
I love Merle's music..always have and always will..but I take comfort in knowing his son Ben is coming up to take his place because he is also fantastic!
@gingersilvers18369 жыл бұрын
Merle is the Icon of country, they don't come any better, never has and never will, Merle your THE best, I would love to meet you in person God Bless !!!
@williamjarman9076 Жыл бұрын
The Hag really appreciated what Porter said. You could tell Mearle was humbled and lowered his head not in shame but he was very proud that coming from a great entertainer like Porter Wagner. Freddie and Mearle wrote many songs together.
@MrJCIRELAND11 жыл бұрын
Thanks Merle for all the great songs and voice that reaches so many.
@johnellis62075 жыл бұрын
That is the most powerful song ever performed at any talk show i have ever heard . Merle you are on top of a mountain all by yourself when it comes to writing music . The good Lord gave us a masterpiece and now he gets to enjoy his fine work of art R. I . P.
@donfawcett84607 жыл бұрын
Man is a complete musical genius. Very few people in the world could write a song that good .
@sooz94332 жыл бұрын
Merle Haggard could put words we didn't even know fit our feelings to music. He expressed my emotions and hopes and so much more far better than I could ever do. This is a phenomenal song. God Bless the memory of Merle Haggard. 🎼🖤
@gregmirr8 жыл бұрын
"A mean piece of water my friend" ...merle i believe every word when you say " i drifted up here with the wind" RIP today you drifted off with the wind..
@gradytrainor81203 жыл бұрын
Such a powerful and emotional song. Merle is, was, always will be the best song writer ever.
@messid748 жыл бұрын
I agree this is the best version of this tune I've heard yet.
@bamaslaten6 жыл бұрын
Smooth like melted butter.
@kapua19713 жыл бұрын
What a voice!
@chuckeley56414 жыл бұрын
Porter hit the nail right on the head. Merle's the greatest singer songwriter that has ever lived. Lord I miss Merle.
@steelmob9 ай бұрын
I live in the Kern I pass by his old house all the time I got out and looked were his wife drowned it's sad ,this song gives you chills
@awinspeed9878 жыл бұрын
Rest in peace Merle.. I can remember him playing on the dock at Lake Shasta's Lakeview Marina when I was a young boy... Great memories. Sad day...
@barrysizemore21919 жыл бұрын
Always have enjoyed listening to MH, I was raised as a little one on his music. For my money,. there's simply no one better at telling a story. Thanks HAG,.. I appreciate your gifts.
@mikeshappy127 күн бұрын
I'm 58 years old and Merle has touched my life from Today I Started Loving You Again to Kern River I'll never forget these songs and the memories they bring back Thanks Merle.
@MsLou-su5pj5 жыл бұрын
Kern River has a special place in my heart and many good memories of camping by the river with family and friends in the mid to late 1950’s. We younger ones would swim or boat out to this large rock with a wind up record player and listen to music for many hours. Living in Louisiana we made our last trip to Kern River when my dad passed away in Lake Isabella,Ca. That large rock was still standing but the river had shrunk through the years. I guess due to the drought in Ca. As I listen to Merle Haggard sing this song as well His last song Kern River Blues , memories sure flow through my mind and heart.
@Taine24 жыл бұрын
Nobody quite like Merle. Possibly the greatest and most prolific songwriter this country’s ever had. Sorely missed.
@musicrelic89588 жыл бұрын
That's unbelievable! Can't even imagine being in the audience when he just throws down on 'em with that one! What a treat to be able to "sit in" and share this!
@user-kv3zi8bo5o Жыл бұрын
Such a sad song , but Merle @ Freddie are two legends. Merle , l love him , @ all his greatest songs. Merle was such a warm shy person who could sing, write , entertain, @ fantastic guitarist. I loved his unique style voice, no one shall ever be able to sing like our Merle .RIP Merle @ Freddie @ Bonnie .Elizabeth Scotland XXXX ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@blocksize8 жыл бұрын
So happy that the last time I saw Merle perform he played 2 of my favorites: Kern River and Footlights. RIP Hag!
@tommywood3433 жыл бұрын
What a beautiful song by the great merle haggard. R.I.P merle and Freddy and portar. Three great songwriters
@johnharris78419 жыл бұрын
How Could You Not Like This Song. iT'S FANTASTIC, Thanks Merle
@jeannie1renee2 Жыл бұрын
If you look at all the videos of this song on KZbin, not one of them sounds any different. Not live performances, not recorded in a studio, not this one. His voice sounds just as good on every one. That's a good singer.
@sauquoit1345610 жыл бұрын
On this day in 1985 {September 22nd} the first 'Farm Aid' concert was held in Champaign, Illinois... Three of the fifty-nine performers at the concert were Alabama, Merle Haggard, and Loretta Lynn; and at the time on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart, Alabama's "Can't Keep a Good Man Down" was at #17, Merle's "Kern River" was #18, and Ms. Lynn's "Heart Don't Do This To Me" was at #19... The concert attracted 80,000 fans and raised ten million dollar...
@daniell20148 жыл бұрын
The GREAT Merle Haggard . The man , the myth , the legend . The best there is and the best there ever will be . R.I.P.
@bonniejulien8505 Жыл бұрын
Merle Hazzard is a great person,great intertainer.i think every fan loves him
@tdiddy7212 жыл бұрын
Just drove past the Kern river today. Was thinking of Merle the whole time.
@snakemansnakes112 жыл бұрын
Reading all these posts here, seems like Merle hit a nerve and knew exactly what he was singing about. Really good the posts give the song credence, thanks all.
@kaseydey46518 жыл бұрын
RIP Merle.... what a legend.. I love this version of this song
@harris12341005 жыл бұрын
Porter Wagoner gave Merle Haggard a great complement, and Merle puts his head down! A sign of humbleness! I have seen Merle give credit to people that deserved it , and that have helped his singing career. That's why Merle was great! His songs were only secondary to making him the real person he was.
@Sandra-cm1du Жыл бұрын
Brilliant lyrics, brilliant country music artist!
@halharmon75563 жыл бұрын
Merle Haggard was a true legend in country music
@atlcubsfan12 жыл бұрын
My band plays a few Merle tunes, and I thought I'd heard all of his best stuff....until I heard this song last night. I'm 41 and had never heard it. Unbelievable. He's such a musical genius.
@tommywood3434 жыл бұрын
I love this song of the hag and Freddy. R.I.P guys 🎸🎩
@nathanliebaert91718 жыл бұрын
My Favorite Merle song. RIP.
@markive99073 жыл бұрын
The Best in country singer ,writer IMO RIP Merle & Freddy !❤️👍
@1mtnrailway5 жыл бұрын
One of my favorites, by one of my favorites.
@squid-lisciousenduro83708 жыл бұрын
My favorite Country artist. RIP Merle...you'll be missed by many
@mikemurray2298Ай бұрын
Wow! with just his voice and both guitars to sound that great in a raw setting is absolutely amazing, so smooth and elegant. Such a great wonderful talent and so modest taking that compliment from Porter Wagner.
@SuperZachary888 жыл бұрын
His voice is like hearing all your problems disappearing ..... This beers for you Hag, you will be missed sir!
@kelvynraye802010 жыл бұрын
You can't say country music without thinking of Merle.... A TRUE GREAT PERFORMER..... Kelvyn Raye....
@U1GoN2d13 жыл бұрын
Reminds me of when I would fish in the kern river with my grandpa as a kid, taken before he could see where I am now. Make the most of what you have.
@michellegarretty3070 Жыл бұрын
What a voice...love him ❤️
@Hmbldzy995 жыл бұрын
This guys fucks me up. Pure truth. Amazing. I thank God, if any, that I lived long enough to discover Merle. American Gold.
@AmeisterAmerica11 жыл бұрын
Ole Porters Right, and that's why he's my Very favorite Singer of all-time I've been listening to him since I was a little Girl he's a Timeless Legend.
@ChemTrailsMN3 жыл бұрын
*MERLE HAGGARD, THE BEST, EVER.* *"BTW this is a True Story."*
@poodledumps10 жыл бұрын
A stunning song - what a crooner he is!
@XxJustinxx888 жыл бұрын
R.I.P Merle Haggard! The Greatest!
@lisamcdaniel774 жыл бұрын
This song has so much meaning to me, I almost drown in the Kern River. I slipped on a rock and fell in.
@jeremymills21413 жыл бұрын
The greatest story teller!!!!!!!!!!!! Bar none!!!! Love Merle
@blocksize11 жыл бұрын
Porter just hits the nail on the head with his comment. Say Hag in concert last year and he was just awesome. Happy Birthday Hag, and many more!
@frankperea24903 жыл бұрын
Best voice there ever was in country music!! The HAG!
@Jimmiedale910 жыл бұрын
What a great song...
@roomservice0411 жыл бұрын
that touched my heart in ways i can not explain,,,,
@mkt94629 жыл бұрын
Oh I love this song!
@patrickwhitt7712 жыл бұрын
I remember when CMT came out with the video for this song. Loved it then and still do.
@jdgoade13063 жыл бұрын
I like this version even better than the one they released.
@Hagfan78910 жыл бұрын
I'm gonna side with Porter on this one. Cuz Nobody does it better than the Hag.
@tommyreid23174 жыл бұрын
Amen
@janitorbill76544 жыл бұрын
AND THE ROCK MEANS NOBODY
@Hagfan7894 жыл бұрын
@@janitorbill7654 I can smell what the Hag is cookin. ;)
@clappersox8 жыл бұрын
Magnificent! Wonderful performance and songwriting, and the best version I've heard him sing! R.I.P
@marlenesullivan31135 жыл бұрын
BEAUTIFUL SINGER,LOVE ALL HIS SONGS.❤ 🎸
@snakemansnakes112 жыл бұрын
Nice comment from Porter Waggoner at the end of the song. Great performance , as always from Merle. Thanks for the posting.
@beverlyhylton765311 жыл бұрын
One of my very favorite Merle Haggard songs! Merle is my favorite singer! Thanks for posting this!
@truknegna4 жыл бұрын
Tears me up every time! Great song! Legendary man..
@primroseharan97493 жыл бұрын
Fantastic merle love his voice he was one of the best a legend
@normanabernathy67667 жыл бұрын
Merle and Freddie actually the guitar, most of the country singers now days just strum the guitar. It is so refreshing just to listen to them play the guitar.
@rileycarithers56976 жыл бұрын
love this style of country music
@ericbaxter619210 жыл бұрын
wow! just another reach in and tear your heart out by the best ever
@VAHOSS5 жыл бұрын
A dangerous man with a song..... wasn't that the truth Merle Haggard and Marty Robbins were the greatest story tellers in music history, IMO.... and ole Freddy Powers was pretty good to
@GordoArvinero8 жыл бұрын
R.I.P Merle my favorite song of his , grew up in Arvin , Ca. and I still swim in that river we locals call killer kern
@msudawg19973 жыл бұрын
I grew up in the 80s and I remember liking this song when it was on the radio. But as a dumb kid before the information age I couldn't have told you where Kern River, Lake Shasta, or the San Joaquin Valley were. I had long ago forgotten this song in the dusty recesses of my mind. But just now I was watching an educational bit here on YT about the San Joaquin Valley history and they mentioned Kern River. Suddenly I found this great song pulled back into the light of my consciousness. So of course I immediately paused the TV and picked up my phone to remind myself who sang it. Merle was such a fantastic country artist. And this live performance was so good. I sure miss the country music from my 80s childhood!
@austinschwebel8193 жыл бұрын
Back ten or so years ago for a few summers in highschool we would swim the Kern River in the canyon every week. Swam up and down finding rocks to jump off, buddy got close to drowning one day after a 40-50' jump with one too many beers and the following week someone drowned in the exact same spot. We were fortunate the river was at the right flow for us to stay out of trouble
@bubujooestes14997 жыл бұрын
OMG it is such a nostalgic feeling to hear my favourite country music singer again.His voice is so sweet melodic well balanced and brings out all the emotions that makes me want to cry.I also love Dolly Parton Rascal Flats Charlie pride Jim Reaves but Mere was always my favourite. He sang so effortlessly and yet so beautifully. Gone too soon but RIP Mere.
@scraps2708 жыл бұрын
Just heard Merle passed today 4/6/16 rest in peace friend....
@maxrawnsley14013 жыл бұрын
One of the great country songs from a great son of our music
@xirknight10 жыл бұрын
One of if not the best!
@michaelcolgrave41842 жыл бұрын
Doesn't matter what he sang or in what situation he always did it perfect justice