Merle Haggard - Kern River

From 1984. This is still my favorite version of this song. (and I LOVE Porter's reaction!).

[@hunt4one]

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.

[@valientevaliente9473]

yeah that the real talent pure talent given by GOD.

[@robertmcginness4610]

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]

No rap either

[@jim5746]

Talent.

[@virginiadavis7713]

No loud drum banging. All of that noise hides lack of talent.

[@alanmcneill2407]

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.

[@matildaharden1064]

The greatest country music singer to ever hit a note or write a lyric

[@bigmike11676]

Yesss!!!

[@charliekucharski2079]

Merle is pretty amazing. On my cd of his 20 greatest hits he wrote 18 of the songs. What a gift.

[@errol-ih4jy]

we are looking at the best there ever was in Country.

[@kennymartin3416]

100%

[@trufflehound]

And the best there ever will be.

[@jakestokes398]

One of them for sure

[@joeholtster1891]

Hank Williams

[@luthermoore2969]

Completely valid yet arguable statement. I would agree but also disagree.

[@morganspector5161]

Merle was always a working man's poet. He never strayed from his roots

[@wendellstafford8447]

Only Merle could sit down with a guitar and sing such beautiful song.

[@isaacortega8706]

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.

[@pamelapettit-holt1520]

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.

[@robertstroud7561]

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?

[@haroldhumerickhouse7904]

Pamela Pettit-holt ...Beautifully expressed.

[@brianb7686]

You, madame, are a poet.

[@chelsabrinkman4076]

Beautifully said, and so true. ❤️

[@sooz9433]

This is a beautiful tribute to Merle Haggard on it's own. Perfectly expressed and 100% true.

[@pgmerkle]

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.

[@Smootman1]

Merle didn't need a band to be amazing.

[@brianb7686]

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.

[@Patriot751]

I'm a Bakersfield boy until I moved to Nevada. This song is beautiful, live and just cut. He had a beautiful voice !!

[@Danimal1577]

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]

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.

[@steelmob]

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

[@allenmaliniemi7291]

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]

Only those who have had that valley dirt on them will understand. God bless you.

[@franklimper2677]

🙏🏼

[@franklimper2677]

@@mr.b7586 The Great San Joaquin Valley.. got to love it

[@jackreeves4685]

One of the best versions of one of his best songs ever!!!

[@edhathaway9844]

That voice! Think a part of my soul was just tugged out.

[@mr.wizard2974]

Merle sings in such a relaxed manner its almost as if he is chatting with you!

[@karenjones2381]

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]

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!

[@young1939]

I grew up in the country he was singing about. He brings back so many memories. He is always missed by this fan. 👍

[@LetsRideMen]

"He's a dangerous man with a song." Great line. So true.

[@gregmirr]

"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..

[@bamaslaten]

Smooth like melted butter.

[@sadaakisugii5798]

What a voice!

[@pgtcf7806]

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.

[@trufflehound]

Merle Haggard is the greatest country singing star that ever was.

[@awinspeed987]

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...

[@gingersilvers1836]

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 !!!

[@melvetaseely4485]

Love this song...and love Merle Haggard.... One of a kind...and will never replace that beautiful voice... the delivery ....nothing like it. Awesome.

[@elibaker6904]

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.

[@jodydeboer7927]

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!

[@MrJCIRELAND]

Thanks Merle for all the great songs and voice that reaches so many.

[@sauquoit13456]

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...

[@williamjarman9076]

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.

[@tommywood343]

What a beautiful song by the great merle haggard. R.I.P merle and Freddy and portar. Three great songwriters

[@johnellis6207]

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.

[@donfawcett8460]

Man is a complete musical genius. Very few people in the world could write a song that good .

[@gradytrainor8120]

Such a powerful and emotional song. Merle is, was, always will be the best song writer ever.

[@user-kv3zi8bo5o]

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 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@blocksize]

So happy that the last time I saw Merle perform he played 2 of my favorites: Kern River and Footlights. RIP Hag!

[@chuckeley5641]

Porter hit the nail right on the head. Merle's the greatest singer songwriter that has ever lived. Lord I miss Merle.

[@kelvynraye8020]

You can't say country music without thinking of Merle.... A TRUE GREAT PERFORMER..... Kelvyn Raye....

[@tommywood343]

I love this song of the hag and Freddy. R.I.P guys 🎸🎩

[@Howieman63]

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.

[@everettcardinal331]

+Lance Bishop man that's a lot of life in your comment..one of my faves as well..

[@thelmathelma461]

Lance Bishop o

[@LambertIsGod58]

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.

[@zigzag2256]

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-2024]

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

[@messid74]

I agree this is the best version of this tune I've heard yet.

[@snakemansnakes1]

Nice comment from Porter Waggoner at the end of the song. Great performance , as always from Merle. Thanks for the posting.

[@barrysizemore2191]

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.

[@sooz9433]

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. 🎼🖤

[@Sandra-cm1du]

Brilliant lyrics, brilliant country music artist!

[@tdiddy72]

Just drove past the Kern river today. Was thinking of Merle the whole time.

[@johnharris7841]

How Could You Not Like This Song. iT'S FANTASTIC, Thanks Merle

[@bonniejulien8505]

Merle Hazzard is a great person,great intertainer.i think every fan loves him

[@daniell2014]

The GREAT Merle Haggard . The man , the myth , the legend . The best there is and the best there ever will be . R.I.P.

[@jeannie1renee2]

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.

[@U1GoN2d1]

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.

[@ChemTrailsMN]

*MERLE HAGGARD, THE BEST, EVER.* *"BTW this is a True Story."*

[@Taine2]

Nobody quite like Merle. Possibly the greatest and most prolific songwriter this country’s ever had. Sorely missed.

[@MsLou-su5pj]

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.

[@SuperZachary88]

His voice is like hearing all your problems disappearing ..... This beers for you Hag, you will be missed sir!

[@nathanliebaert9171]

My Favorite Merle song. RIP.

[@kaseydey4651]

RIP Merle.... what a legend.. I love this version of this song

[@musicrelic8958]

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!

[@michellegarretty3070]

What a voice...love him ❤️

[@markive9907]

The Best in country singer ,writer IMO RIP Merle & Freddy !❤️👍

[@1mtnrailway]

One of my favorites, by one of my favorites.

[@XxJustinxx88]

R.I.P Merle Haggard! The Greatest!

[@lisamcdaniel77]

This song has so much meaning to me, I almost drown in the Kern River. I slipped on a rock and fell in.

[@halharmon7556]

Merle Haggard was a true legend in country music

[@poodledumps]

A stunning song - what a crooner he is!

[@harris1234100]

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.

[@squid-lisciousenduro8370]

My favorite Country artist. RIP Merle...you'll be missed by many

[@atlcubsfan]

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.

[@beverlyhylton7653]

One of my very favorite Merle Haggard songs! Merle is my favorite singer! Thanks for posting this!

[@jeremymills2141]

The greatest story teller!!!!!!!!!!!! Bar none!!!! Love Merle

[@Hmbldzy99]

This guys fucks me up. Pure truth. Amazing. I thank God, if any, that I lived long enough to discover Merle. American Gold.

[@headshrink1]

Thanks for sharing. This is a great live tape of Kern River!

[@VAHOSS]

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

[@mkt9462]

Oh I love this song!

[@truknegna]

Tears me up every time! Great song! Legendary man..

[@patrickwhitt77]

I remember when CMT came out with the video for this song. Loved it then and still do.

[@Hagfan789]

I'm gonna side with Porter on this one. Cuz Nobody does it better than the Hag.

[@tommyreid2317]

Amen

[@janitorbill7654]

AND THE ROCK MEANS NOBODY

[@Hagfan789]

@@janitorbill7654 I can smell what the Hag is cookin. ;)

[@Jimmiedale9]

What a great song...

[@jdgoade1306]

I like this version even better than the one they released.

[@roomservice04]

that touched my heart in ways i can not explain,,,,

[@marlenesullivan3113]

BEAUTIFUL SINGER,LOVE ALL HIS SONGS.❤ 🎸

[@GordoArvinero]

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

[@snakemansnakes1]

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.

[@clappersox]

Magnificent! Wonderful performance and songwriting, and the best version I've heard him sing! R.I.P

[@primroseharan9749]

Fantastic merle love his voice he was one of the best a legend

[@sandraworthington7743]

Porter. Wagner’ nailed it. He is very dangerous with a song he’s one of the greatest singers in the world Mr. Merle Haggard. ❤

[@ericbaxter6192]

wow! just another reach in and tear your heart out by the best ever

[@frankperea2490]

Best voice there ever was in country music!! The HAG!

[@blocksize]

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!

[@stephenbuick4683]

Dang.......i went there for work and i was also there in Shasta when he passed. It was a city wide sadness as the old gentlman lived his last days as a man that did not mention the past. Only the ones that recognised him did they ask for autographs annd stories. A lifetime this man lived and he became just a man again.

[@scraps270]

Just heard Merle passed today 4/6/16 rest in peace friend....

[@AmeisterAmerica]

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.

[@rileycarithers5697]

love this style of country music

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Merle ...like a beautiful song 🎵 🐦

[@brady2075]

"I grew up in an oil town, but my gusher never came in". Yeah I think it's time I hit the road outta Alberta, Merle.

[@seancrowe8488]

Many thanks again for this beautiful piece of video of this special artist.

[@mt3311]

I saw Merle and Freddy in concert here in Yuma. It was great. It was sometime in 1985.

[@caswell1000]

Love Merle Haggard! Thank you for sharing! 5*****'s and thumbs up!! God Bless You! Gwen Weaver

[@joshuapriestley5307]

Excellent song I proposed at Sutton lake in WV my wife was from there I'll never see that lake again

[@zaclunsford6545]

Bakersfield born and raised; The Killer Kern has almost claimed my life at least 5 times. I used to tube it, but the scariest time was when I swam across it near Fairfax and Alfred Harrell Hwy. It looks calm on the surface, but the current is so strong that it will take you hundreds of feet from when you got in almost instantly. I was 18, a very strong swimmer and the son of a swim coach. It took every ounce of energy I had just to keep from getting sucked into the trees, which is where most people drown. I'm 45 now and I haven't swam it at that spot since.