OMG! | Merle Haggard - Sing Me Back Home | REACTION!!!

[@lisaray9944]

He was actually in prison when Johnny Cash did his concert at the prison . He decided right there what he wanted to do when he got out of prison . My momma loves Merle and my daddy use to play and looks a lot like him lol great memories growing up to his music .

[@tonyfro23]

Nobody believes that because we are all so cynical...ITS not Folsom Prison Blues famous one BUT Johnny did that shit for over a decade cause he knew real life just like Merle (AND yes Merle did turn 21 in prison)...what are odds these mofos met each other in jail and damn the fucking MAN Johnny Cash helped get his mind right just singing at San Quentin in 1958 or whatever I think that was it

[@mrtoad8585]

That’s not fully correct Johnny Cash played a part in merle haggard rehabilitation but so did Carol Jasmine and so did an inmate named rabbit Merle haggard himself said that he was in solitary confinement in the sale next to Carol chessman the day they told Chessman He was going to die and Chessman told him if he didn’t straighten up he would end up in the same position

[@claudiapatterson3776]

Yes, I heard Merle Haggard was an inmate there at that time. He just couldn’t keep a job or do right, do any other work. He was meant to be Merle Haggard as we’ve known him to be. Had an uncle that looked very much like Merle Haggard in the 70’s and 80’s. He was mistaken for Mr. Haggard a few times 😂

[@dross2172]

Yeah. He was a friend to Caryle Chessman, (not sure of the spelling) so he was perfectly aware of the death penalty and not just singing some words that sounded nice strung together.

[@mikeyates7931]

For a split second I misread this and thought you said your mom looked like , Merle Haggard 😂

[@steves.6519]

As a teen, I used to make fun of my dad listening to Merle Haggard as kids do to their parents music but it wasnt until I grew up that I figured out what I was missing. I am now a BIG merle Haggard fan!

[@Tuesdays_Gone]

Me too. I was a metal head. My loss, missing out on this genre.

[@tiacalhoun3841]

Great analogy, this is EXACTLY what southern gospel sounds like Merle Haggard is definitely one of country music’s legends

[@johnstephens2459]

You're tappin into the good stuff now. Listen to "Mamma Tried"

[@celinelovell4725]

Silver Wings too

[@danocon92]

Branded man

[@roadtoserfdom3020]

Branded man and mama tried for sure

[@janethunter8741]

Mama's Hungry Eyes

[@hannibalheyes339]

Bottle let me down

[@redtick79]

As far as I am concerned Merle Haggard is the all time goat of Country Music....never bested and never equaled.

[@tomhansen4576]

Agreed!

[@TwistedSither]

Merle Haggard is one of the legendary stars of country music. Some other songs you might want to hear from him are Mama Tried, Daddy Frank (the Guitar Man), Old Man From the Mountain, The Bottle Let Me Down, Fighting Side of Me, Okie From Muskogee, and It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad).

[@devonstewart6100]

Great list, Merle was always a interesting person to me. also offered a bit of a different perspective on life than most. In addition to your list, I'd have to recommend "are the good times over?", silver ghost, son of hickery hollars tramp, and worken man blues.

[@charliecundiff]

Swanging door!

[@rachelvosburg2292]

Merle Haggard got in trouble when he was young and received a pardon and said he was going to sing when he got out, and he sung until he died

[@rachelvosburg2292]

Go listen to Long black limousine

[@claudiapatterson3776]

Right or Wrong!!!!!!! The whole tribute “The best damn fiddle player in the world” album was one of his best albums. Silver wings, I always fall off a mountain when I fall, Mama Tried, It’s been a great afternoon, Don’t you ever get tired, There ain’t no good chain gang, The immigrant song, omgosh 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@MegaJoedart]

Merle Haggard is one of the few singer/songwriters that sang of his life and sang songs that, even if you didn’t live it, you could identify with his struggles

[@j.t.3798]

The working man's poet. All of his songs are gold, brother. Merle Haggard is royalty in the country genre. Great reaction.

[@steventweed3599]

Merle's voice was so strong even in his older years. You should check out Are The Good Times Really Over by him about the state of America and hanging on to hope. On that song, he shows you how deep he could truly go vocally.

[@benmetzloff9124]

Haggard is one of the og'$

[@TexasMagnolia]

Van, so glad to see you back and Thank You for reacting to “The Hag”! You’d dig all his music. Songwriter of Real Life! RIP HAG!

[@karenenderle532]

Texas Magnolia, I love your name. I am Texas gal too,,,,and a huge Haggard fan, thanks for pointing out the other songs and I agree with Songwriter of Real Life....very true!

[@srl3489]

Merle Haggard is the working man's poet! There are SO MANY tunes down the Hag's rabbit hole!

[@valerielansford565]

He is truly a legend! He was my dad's favorite artist. My dad, who was also a professional musician, died the day after Merle. While our family was heartbroken by the loss of these 2 men in our lives, we knew Heaven's Angel band had just gotten even better.

[@oldermusiclover]

I'm soo sorry ;lost mine years ago and I promise it will get better

[@TexasMagnolia]

Merle’s struggles as an ex-convict are found in his songs: Lonesome Fugitive Branded Man Momma Tried

[@katkat-fm3wj]

Great songs.

[@ronnywestberry9503]

Merle was in prison when Johnny Cash came and sang for the inmates. Merle watched and decided that was what he wanted to do also.

[@Isaree1102]

That sound is what we always called Gospel or Southern Gospel. It's why I love classic country so much. That sound is in a whole lot of their songs, because they would all go to church and get that influence and transfer it to their own music even though it wasn't necessarily ''church music".

[@georgeshuttlesworth8347]

Listen to Merle Haggard sing “ Are the Good Times Really Over For Good?” You won’t be disappointed, Van. Merle was “Top Shelf!”👌❤️👍

[@ginatate6569]

Thank you for reacting to Merle! My dad was a country singer, and part of his stage show was a Merle Haggard tribute. He sounded just like Merle, and I miss hearing his voice.

[@marypulley6512]

He was always as good in the recording studio or at a live performance. He was considered a living legend until his recent death. He just did himself, with no excuses. I am a big fan, always

[@Royelsworth]

he wasn't just huge he was an Icon. Merle Wrote all his own songs.

[@jameskyle7943]

EX Southern Baptist here... gave you a thumbs up for appreciation of good ol country Merle.

[@jewls9697]

The last song he recorded before he died was with Willie Nelson called It's All Going to Pot. Great song!

[@karenenderle532]

actually wasn't the last song he recorded, but it was off of the last album he and willie made together....it's a novice song, but would not put that in either willie's or merle's work of songs that stood out.

[@jewls9697]

@@karenenderle532 Thank you for correcting me! I agree, it's not a song that showcases their enormous talent! But, like when the reactors do live country nights & want it to be light & fun, that is a perfect song to show Country Music is more than just crying in your beer songs! I love those songs too! Thanks again & have a blessed Thanksgiving!!

[@richardmodglin3900]

We had this on 8 track back in the early 70's and it played over and over on a 4,000 mile car trip.

[@labchic97]

You should here him sing this when he was younger. He has great music. He has always been one of my all time favorites. Ramblin fever, footlights, my favorite memory of all, back to the bar room, today I started loving you again, are the good times really over for good ,and all of the others everyone else has said. He is a legend and my idol since I was a kid

[@nickolaskunz5735]

Hit a lot harder when I found out his friend was executed. Willies song he won’t ever be gone is a great tribute

[@ChristGospelVP]

When Merle Haggard died, I literally felt a loss, like I knew the guy! lol I never realized how deeply my memories over the years were tied to his voice. I get flashbacks when I hear his voice to this day.

[@darkomtobia]

"The Way I Am" is a very pretty sounding song. Merle is just too deep, seriously. He's one of my all time favorites and is synonymous with country music.

[@jannaromine5908]

Me too 💞 (and I'm not a country music fan) There's just a few of them who stand out and can't be forgotten...love Merle Haggard

[@CharlesDunkley]

Merle was one of the all time greats. He was a man who meant the words he sang.

[@JasongCLJ]

ThaTs right ⌛✝️🌫️

[@leannwebb1762]

Merle Haggard is country gold. He has so many great songs to explore. Mamma Tried Today I Started Loving You Again Fightin' Side of Me Ramblin' Fever That's the Way Love Goes Working Man's Blues Poncho & Lefty (Duet with Willie Nelson) The list is endless

[@randygregory413]

Merle's another one of the true legends of country music and has always been one of my favorites. Sad most of them are gone now. RIP TO THEM ALL.

[@royogden2536]

Merle Haggard was one of the greatest country story tellers of all times, he had hit after hit i can listen to him all night long....

[@christopherthornburg974]

Misery and Gin, California Cottonfields, Footlights, Red Bandana, and In my next life are a few of my favorites.

[@davidkrisman9488]

Thank you for showcasing a great song and a great singer. It is so encouraging to see young people appreciating a great music . Thank you

[@marypulley6512]

I have watched and loved Merle Haggard all of my life and he never disappointed. I can tell by your reaction that your first time that you are hearing him,that you are not disappointed. RIP

[@patticriss2238]

That harmony is Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel. Another great listen. I love them. Old style texas dance band. Grew up seeing them. A lot of fun and super talented.

[@theresamcdonald1943]

I grew up with these dudes country is in my blood, merle was the best, his voice. I know all the words to his songs. heart strings. and all those great singers up there with him wow. thanks Van.

[@keithjames7843]

One of the biggest country music singers that ever sang country music

[@bentindle9036]

Merle Haggard is the best country music artist who ever walked this earth.

[@suicyco4life666]

I remember listening to this song on 8 track tape in the back seat of my moms camaro as she was cruising around town back in the 70's when the music was still brand new. Not just this song. The whole 8 track tape over and over. And im still not tired of it, i love it. Some of this stuff is deeply woven into the soundtrack of my life.

[@Bitster-kc4eh]

Oh my my this is the good stuff. He was my momma's fav singer. grew up on his music

[@georgequinn69]

I loved " Silver Wings " by Merle.

[@Grumpy_Rabbit]

Country music is best when it hits you right in the feels. And this piece definitely does that.

[@skyqueen1148]

That's me. I was Baptized in a glass tank in a church in Mississippi. Praise Jesus.🙏

[@jimkontos4221]

I been listening to his music since the mid 80s he's my favorite of all time

[@sally7210]

First time watching you and I thoroughly enjoyed your comments! Merle was one of the best! He wrote almost all of the songs he sang. Try listening to Vince Gill singing “A World Without Haggard” and you’ll get a feel for what other country artists thought of him. He was amazing in many ways!

[@sandygrunwaldt1780]

Even at his age he can still Sing, one of my favorite songs.

[@sandramoore]

One of the GREAT songs of country music, written and sung by one of the all-time greats.

[@melissapayne6952]

My favorite artist of ALL TIME!!

[@stevenprewitt7433]

Thank you LFR for appreciating one of Country music's legends. Much respect!

[@DBShouse69]

Good reaction, that's what fans of country want, the singer of group to be on the stage and sing and do it well. They don't have to dance around, jump all over the stage, have fireworks, blow things up, a good country performer should be able to entertain the audience by singing, and that's what Merle did.

[@simonnelerette1971]

I wish you all the best my dear young man

[@michellejones6630]

Amazing artist!!!!..... and was himself incarcerated much in his youth. So he can totally relate!!..... ALOT of awesome music.....I see plenty in the comments, and they're all great!!❤❤

[@simonnelerette1971]

Merle is one of best

[@danielslover8669]

Definitely check out “mama tried “ and “I think I’ll just stay here and drink “. The latter is my personal favorite, but both great songs.

[@5150crazyfun]

In his youth Merle had a flawless and smooth voice. Maybe the best country music singer I've heard and I've been a country music fan my whole life.

[@mandolinman2006]

Merle is one of those few that held his voice pretty well to the end. That said, might I recommend "Blue Angel" by Roy Orbison especially from his Black and White Night performance.

[@robinmills8675]

I can't imagine anyone not loving Merle, the Pearl, Haggard. Give a listen to Swinging Doors.

[@angiewalden5754]

Fighting side of me is Spectacular! Must watch!

[@corriequinn8974]

MY DAD LOVED MERLE SO WE GREW UP ON HIM .HE WAS TRULY A PART OF OUR SUNDAY BRUNCHES..HE WAS A MASTER WITH WORDS, AMD HIS VOICE OMG WAS HEAVEN SENT. SILVER WINGS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES...

[@Donnagilbert6497]

His voice is honey. He was a great song writer, story teller. His song, “Mama Tried” will tell you a lot about him. I’ll look for a few links to other Merle tunes you really gotta hear. Brings tears to my eyes to hear that voice. Gone too soon.

[@kimberlylynch7642]

He was an amazing talent, voice, intrumenal, writing, impersonations, and so much more.❤🙏

[@petepotaczek2534]

Merle Haggard has so many songs and in my opinion he's the goat! Dig deep he will change your perspective on life!

[@lydiajoy1823]

He’s a legend. I’ve heard this song many times but never a live version, wow he did a beautiful job. Check out “mama tried“ and “tonight the bottle let me down,“ both really really good.

[@debifambro1039]

I cry every time I hear this song. 😭

[@Krisna_K]

Some of my favorite Merle Haggard songs are: Mama Tried, Hungry Eyes, Silver Wings (I prefer the duet with Jewell), That’s The Way Love Goes w/Jewell, Rainbow Stew, Rambling Fever, Red Bandana, Misery And Gin, Big City, Pancho And Lefty w/Willie Nelson, The Way I Am, I’m Always On A Mountain When I Fall, It’s Been a Great Afternoon, I Wear My Own Kind Of Hat and so many more! This man has so many great songs out! My dad had a couple Merle Haggard cassette tapes in his truck and we would listen to Merle and other Country greats on road trips! Keep listening to Merle Haggard and other great Country artists!

[@wickedgreen8181]

Pure Legend 🙌🏼 he has so many amazing songs.

[@steveparker1479]

You're in for a treat my friend. My Pops listened to him my whole childhood and he to this day in my top 3!

[@guslulou8428]

Hag covered a Lefty Frizzel song call That’s The Way Love Goes and won a Grammy for it. Lefty was a hero and major influence of his. It’s a beautiful song.Years later he did the song as a duet with Jewel, which is quite good as well. I grew up hearing Hag and loving his music. Even when when I was into hip hop (the good stuff from the 89’s and early 90’s) and hardcore punk, there were a handful of old school country artist that I still thought were cool,( Waylon, Willie, Coe, Cash) and old Hag was one of them. He wrote and covered and recorded a huge number of songs and is one of the greats. He’s got an honesty to his sound that to me, always seemed to be tinged with s bit of sadness. He’s definitely someone worthwhile for you to look further into.

[@sabbyvk424]

Absolutely... this falls in with southern gospel! I come from a small country town and I'm southern Baptist...we accept everyone, relaxed environment and you'd hear songs like this sang during many of the services. There's lots of Gospel songs that originated as Country/Bluegrass music. Check out Hank Williams Sr. - "I Saw The Light" & Kris Kristofferson - "Why Me Lord" in one of the videos he tells the story of how he wrote the song before he sings it.

[@raymeedc]

In addition to his voice, he’s also a top shelf soulful tasteful guitarist❣️

[@michaellunburg8567]

Merle was the greatest. Listen to the young Merle, and be blown away!

[@redtick79]

An American Anthem is "The Okie form Muskogee" and "Fighting Side of Me" My favorite of his is "Carolyn" or "Kern River"

[@LadyPictureShow72]

I was lucky enough to get to see/hear him sing and play live in a field in north central Arkansas with my wife. He was all that and then some.

[@bryanguthrie-ej1fb]

Absolutely one of the greats.

[@57bugman]

in this video, there is a lot of legends, singing and playing with him.

[@john77905]

This all took place while Merle was serving time in San Quinton for armed Robery... this song is a true story...

[@juliewesterfield1028]

My two favorite artists are Merle and Led Zep. Thanks for this ❤️❤️

[@EarthWalker2023]

LEGENDARY MAN The way I am and silver wings

[@keithjames7843]

That’s where country music came from was church and gospel music You know country music is really just about people’s life Merle Haggard could make you go to the place that he was singing about in your mind and paint a picture in you mind Great artist

[@ericreep5341]

Can't believe it took 2 years to see this, Van. He's definitely one of the old-school, great outlaws. As always, peace my friend!

[@MrGrxxx123]

Merle haggard is a legend!! Always will be a legend!

[@carlabyley7983]

You are listening to a legend. I've seem him many times in concert. One of my husbands favorite singers. Listen to some of his other songs, it's worth your time.

[@keithjames7843]

Merle will get to your soul because he sings about real life stuff and this is why so many people love this man’s music and his voice

[@robinmorris5416]

My band had the privilege of opening up for Merle about a year before he passed away. He was definitely a legend of country music and his voice somehow got better the older he got. He may have calmed down later in his life but he was a hell raiser in his youth and he was doing time in San Quinton prison where he attended a Johnny Cash concert at the prison and that inspired him to xstraighten up, start singing, and playing guitar which he's also great at, and the rest was history. RIP Merle.

[@beverlydiaz226]

He is a icon...you should listen to him in his younger years...awesome

[@debrabenoist1596]

Johnny Cash discovered Merle when Merle was in prison. The Hag was always my favorite. He made that song long before he was straightened up ❤️

[@jimkontos4221]

Merle haggard was my inspiration for me playing guitar and singing country music

[@markcain9312]

I've listened to him forever but only discovered this song by him a few years ago. It's become my favorite song of his.

[@unclebobunclebob]

Love Merel's guitar playing.

[@homerwimberly8693]

Awesome reaction. More Merle. 😂 Love it.

[@jeffwells3110]

This one gets to me every time. Great reaction!!

[@dansullivan5735]

merle is good country, has many years of good music

[@kenkubycheck3077]

The band he was playing with was Asleep At The Wheel, great Western Swing music.

[@mamabear9325]

You have found the honey.hole of country. Listen to My Favorite Memory of All. ❤😊

[@Tuesdays_Gone]

Even in his older age, his voice is still clear and pretty strong. I can tell a slight difference from his youth, but he simply is wonderful. He was one of the few Country artists that I would listen to as a child. Haggard spent some time in jail, maybe prison, when he was young.

[@amypurdy7406]

RIP Merle, love ya.

[@jameshaggard4945]

My Grandpa is the Goat of Country. Go listen to him when he was younger and his voice was stronger.

[@jefftappan4735]

One of my favorite Haggard songs.

[@Jcozz]

I am so happy you have discovered Merle Haggard. The arc of of his career is remarkable. I saw him many time live always a great show, sounds as good live as on recordings. There is a lot of gospel influence in this song but he covers a lot of ground in his song writing.

[@jerrymcloughlin6798]

Love Merle ….greetings from Ireland…