Merle Haggard -- Silver Wings [REACTION/RATING]

[@jacobherricks6951]

One of the best dancing songs

[@Butterflyandhearts95]

While I’ve no love lost for my ex-husband, I still do miss the nights out dancing. We danced great together and this was our song. Don’t miss him (lol) just miss the nostalgia of younger days.

[@brendaisajiw3417]

The lady in the band is Bonnie Owens. She was married to Buck Owens for a time. Good song and Merle Haggard a great singer. 👍💕

[@mosesgonzales9905]

Merle is the greatest

[@judyhinton7131]

He also had a great sense of humor and his stage presence was the very best!

[@jcreateturner]

Saw him outdoors in San Antonio and as a jet flew over, he did the opening bars of Silver Wings, which he had sung earlier. Crowd went wild. The last time I saw him live I was impressed at range of age and dress of his audience, captivated college students as well as grandparents.

[@huskins99]

I saw Merle play live a few years before he passed. I swear to God he sounded exactly the same he did in this video.

[@margaretsharbono2218]

Only MERLE CAN SING THIS BEAUTIFUL.

[@oldermusiclover]

brings back some friends leaving years ago on vacation

[@lonniekramlich6241]

A Haggard classic, always loved it!

[@RockN2Country]

@Lonnie Kramlich Hagg's the man!! Also, welcome back!!

[@lonniekramlich6241]

@@RockN2Country Don i was never gone, peace🤗

[@RockN2Country]

@Lonnie Kramlich I kinda suspected that, but wanted to give you a "welcome back" anyway. :-)

[@lonniekramlich6241]

@@RockN2Country Thanks Don, while i have your attention, how about a react to the queen of country rock, Linda Ronstadt, Love Is A Rose, Willin or Desperado!

[@johndavidson5228]

I love this song which I have on one of Merle's best-hits albums. Only problem is that of so many of his songs--just too short. Thanks for the reaction.

[@BOOMNERD51]

Super classic. Showcases his vibrato which delivers emotion to the heart ❤️!

[@latriciasumner243]

The female singer was his ex wife who sang back even after they divorced and he remarried. They always spoke highly of each other.

[@luvsknitting4378]

Here's a bit of trivia for you, the dark-haired woman singing background vocals, that's Merle's wife, Bonnie Owens. Formerly, Buck Owens' wife.

[@RockN2Country]

@Luvsknitting Excellent tidbit of info for me--thank you!!

[@ridgerunner3144]

This particular tune was HUGE in the Enlisted Men's, NCO and Officers Clubs in the Military... This was the 70's...

[@lesliehiatt8959]

This song was a big hit during Vietnam. I only know bc my daddy told me, and he’s a Vietnam war vet.

[@norrath10100]

How could you not know this song? One of the best.

[@RockN2Country]

@Mike Drumm There's a lot I don't know, but I'm learning more every day. I came late to the country table, and when i got into country it was Nashville country. When I started the channel two years ago I started reviewing Nashville country, and as time went on folks began requesting traditional country. It didn't take long for me to become a fan of traditional, so it's now pretty much all I do. The first three CDs I bought, though, about 20 years ago, was Billy Dean, Merle's greatest hits, and Alan Jackson's greatest hits. So I knew from back then that I liked country, but I got into pop until sometimes after I started this channel. I'm enjoying the heck out of this journey, and am preaching the message of real lyrics that traditional country brings to the table.

[@scottweindegher]

@@RockN2Country I'm in my mother's womb and i know this song, how could you say that u don't know😊but thanks for the reaction THE HAGG EVER

[@davidemswiler4351]

I always felt indebted to Merle...he was my first sanctuary from the crazy liberal world of hippies in the 70's...their music, politics, and anti-American sentiments. Now that I think about it...I kinda owe him for getting me through the disco years as well! :-)

[@RockN2Country]

@David Emswiler So it's safe to assume you didn't have platform shoes, polyester shirts and roller blades.

[@davidemswiler4351]

@@RockN2Country LOL...or the porn-stache, gorilla chest hair, or thought that singing in a falsetto voice was a good idea! :-)

[@judyjones1044]

His voice just draws you in. And his backup singers add so beautifully to his voice. Thanks! I've heard this song forever

[@2shoat]

It don't get more real than Merle.

[@lisawilham-pepper]

Growing up my dad was in the Army and every time he left anywhere that we weren't go with him after we would get home from the airport my mom would sit and play this song.

[@nickhawkins6054]

“I think I’ll just stay here and drink”, with some good ole Merle Haggard tunes!

[@greggb1416]

I see what you did there…, good tune as well… hahaha.

[@Acoustic_strings]

To borrow from an old SNL skit...Merle's voice "is like butter" lol The lady back up singer is his ex wife Bonnie, who also wrote songs for him even after they split if I'm not mistaken

[@RockN2Country]

@James Weekley LOL on the butter analogy---I heard it in that voice so clearly when you wrote that!! Good stuff, and welcome to the channel!

[@tmon5236]

This song was played by a lot of service members when they had to leave friends or family members behind.

[@maryannanderson2213]

FYI, the lady in purple singing back up with Merle is Bonnie Owens...as in Buck Owens. She was married to Buck but divorced him and later married Merle. Bonnie and Merle eventually divorced also but Bonnie continued touring with Merle and singing backup for him for quite a while after the divorce. She kept the name Owens because that's how she was known professionally. I think my favorite song by Merle is "What Have You Got Planned Tonight, Diana?" which was on an album I had of Merle's but I don't believe I have ever heard it on the radio and it's a shame that this didn't get air time because I think it possibly is Merle's most beautiful song.

[@beegee1960]

One of my favorite songs. It brings back memories of my early married days. This is a good performance, but the studio version is even better. One of the best songs of the time. At our little country dance halls, this was usually the last song of the night. You danced it with your special person.

[@greggb1416]

Totally agree, he exercised some slight changes here in this performance…, but no less a great version. The original (studio) version displayed his silky smooth voice, though.

[@phyllisboyse2024]

rockn2country - Yes the original recording of Silver Wings was in 1969. Please try to find the original recording - with strings. That is the best one.

[@bevo7729]

On my wife’s phone just beautiful voice and guitar and harmony and lyrics that tear your heart and teach a lesson at the same time if you got love keep a hold of it

[@phyllisboyse2024]

My very favorite of all of Merle's songs. I can't believe people say they have been listening to Merle for years have never heard this song. Someone isn't really listening. This is a good one performed live, but the original recording with strings is the best. Request the original recording and then see the difference.

[@davidkarr5119]

All professionals no doubt my friend! Merle the best there ever been!

[@crankeman639]

Cant go wrong with Merle and every one of his should be a 10 🤔 ok total bias from one of my favs 😁😁 he is the man though and cried when he passed as I do each time a legend passes, country dies but never fades. Keeping the classic traditional alive and well with young artists like Mo, Chris and a few others you turn us onto. Long live the golden oldie greats. Will keep introducing new to you classic greatness. Like this one from Little Jimmie Dickens Out Behind the Barn 👍

[@judyhinton7131]

That is a very old song. Love how Merle sings it! I guess I’m very old.

[@knitswithhorses2285]

I don't remember ever hearing that it was an actual "true story" but legend says he wrote it in an airplane. Fun fact, his co-writer was his wife, Bonnie. Oh and "Don't leave me I cried... But you locked me out of your mind and left me..." Kinda seems to me she is gone gone gone.

[@RockN2Country]

@KnitsWithHorses Yeah, that was my take even though I didn't catch all the words. Sometimes I get so carried away by the beauty of something else in the song---instruments, brilliance, a memory of my own, etc.---that even a simple lyric can pass me by. But usually a song isn't written about someone going away for a week. Ha!

[@jonathanmyles130]

Bonnie was not a co writer she was just a backup singer in his band

[@elizabethlowe15]

Would react to his impressions

[@lenafairbrother2527]

This was my mom's favorite song. We had it played at her memorial service.

[@momusicfan]

Back up female singer is his wife, Bonnie Owens, who had been married to Buck Owens. Her voice always added much to Merle's music imo. Thanks for doing this song Don. I know you have many Mo Pitney fans. He just posted his new song "Ain't bad for a good ol' boy". Might be a good reaction for you to do.

[@mrbeaverstate]

Early to mid 80's

[@PapaFixit]

When they were young, my kids lived in Texas and spent summers with me in California. It was a hard time of my life and this song used to tear me up. Tore up from the floor up. Still reminds me of those sad days when I hear it.

[@StevenCryar]

If you get a chance please check out a song Merle's son Ben wrote and sang on the Grand Ole Opry called "As Haggard as they come"

[@GaOutlawVinyl]

One of Merle’s best. You’re right about his voice.

[@Seneca_creek]

He did a great version with Jewel. Jewel was a favorite of mine growing up.

[@RockN2Country]

@Morten Chistiansen I love Jewel. I've looked a few times over the past year or so for a good Jewel song to react to, but for whatever reason none of the ones I looked at seemed to fit. If you have a link to a good one please let me know and I'd be happy to consider doing it.

[@scottandal]

Love Haggard!!

[@suzannemarie7313]

Mama Tried is my favorite Merle Haggard song.

[@RockN2Country]

@Suzanne Marie I was shocked that I hadn't done that one yet! It's on the list and I should have it up in about two weeks or so. Can't wait!

[@nicknolan722]

Branded 1 of my favorites

[@BelleDede01]

You have to listen to this one ... will bring you to tears. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJilfmCjdtqAfaM The lady back-up singer is Bonnie Owens (who was married to Buck Owens) became Merle's wife but passed away in 2006.

[@nunuvyabusiness8550]

Great song. I also love “Mama Tried”.

[@jefftappan3091]

Scars? Check out " Scars " by Ray Kennedy.

[@tommyward7471]

Love this song!!!❤

[@jamessenters2777]

Did you know..... When Johnny Cash sang live in San Quentin Prison, Merle was actually a 20 year old inmate there?

[@dotbenton3826]

Perfect Voice, perfect band. Thank you Merle.

[@phyllispoff6959]

This is a great song!

[@TheCrash212]

I never tire of listening to Hag's voice. In my opinion, music, more than the other arts, has the power to touch us, touch us emotionally. Many of us have those songs that evoke memories...happy ones, sad ones, patriotic ones, etc. Keep up the Country!! Have a safe, great and blessed week.

[@karowak1]

LAST SINGING BACK UP IS MERLES EX

[@darkomtobia]

His rhythm player looks like Rutger Hauer.

[@RandyforRoyals]

Merle had such a wonderful voice. If you have listened to much Lefty Frizzell, you can see where he got some of his phrasing. My favorite Merle tune is "I Can't Be Myself."

[@outlawsniper3427]

Another great new singer who is isn't in the career right now is Jimmy Rose. A former us marine, check out his songs freedom or questions why

[@kaycee4357]

Damn. That's all I can say ❤️

[@saremile]

This was my favorite Haggard song growing up although I'm not as used to his version because my Dad's band used to cover this one quite often....

[@bevo7729]

Wow suit and tie no grabs of crotch how did they become famous could it be true country and voice and lyrics????????

[@stevenrogers4906]

I forgot requesting this song. It was one of the best.

[@OCPDesigns]

Can you check out Billy Strings - Dust In A Baggie? Opry version is great

[@oldermusiclover]

you need to find Diana and Miners Silver Ghost

[@TheCrash212]

Song Request: Clint Blake "Like The Rain". Although it was released after my wife's death, it reminds me of us when young. Before she was my wife or girlfriend, she was my friend. We used to take walks in the summer rain. And of course I fell for her. Go figure, a Yankee Catholic girl falling for some Wild Eyed Country Boy, LOL.

[@kodyhart1562]

One of my favorite Haggard songs. This was a taping of Austin City Limits back in the mid 70’s. Just timeless though. The horns were kind of Merle’s thing it added to the Bakersfield sound. Another great slice of life song from Haggard is “Tulare Dust”. It is very autobiographical and you have to dig around for it, would be a great reaction video.

[@PapaFixit]

Life in Tulare Co, Calif. Farm Labor Camps

[@knitswithhorses2285]

This is definitely one of my top 5 Haggard songs. Man! Seeing him at this age you realize how much his son looks like him. Marty I think? Not Ben... Yeah I think it's Marty that is just the spitting image. And sounds like him too. Awesome. Thanks Don. 😊

[@wolfmccray3547]

Hey Don, Gotta love The Hagg!!!! While it's obvious he's singing about an airplane or jet, during this time period the premiere tour buses were The Golden Eagle and The Silver Eagle. Each had the respective wing spread birds on the front of the buses. Just found that really interesting. Anyway, another great job!! Keep RN2C BROTHER!!

[@kippytx]

I am such a Merle fan. Please give the song. Every Fool Has A RAINBOW. A try

[@lindanicholson950]

I kept finding this song while I was looking for one called Silver Wings And Golden Rings by Billie Jo Spears. The Merle Haggard song is nice though.

[@teeman8999]

Any chance of Eric Church - Pledge allegiance to the Hag

[@iamnotgoldenhar8645]

Am I wrong but the lady looks like Ms. Loretta Lynn

[@iamnotgoldenhar8645]

Looks like and sang like her to

[@outlawcountrymusic1261]

Merle could and should have been the 5th Highway man!!

[@christopher1446]

Tornado warning turnpike Austin city limits

[@dobrobob]

Great tune... gotta love Merl ... I can’t add anything that hasn’t been already said in previous comments

[@austincollins4241]

Would love to hear your take on Jason Isbell’s “In A Razor Town” from the Live from Alabama album.

[@connorjames6889]

Love Hag. A good song that I just heard was Years by John Anderson if you want to check it out. Love the channel!

[@saremile]

I just saw that one also... Great song!!

[@tupelohoney622]

Love Hag. May I request "Nowhere Road" by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson?

[@eugeneenslow8563]

Leisure suits 😁

[@ryankklein]

Naw she gone for good. trust me...