Merle Haggard Died On His Tour Bus

[@otisgibbs]

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[@randomposts5642]

I “met” Merle Haggard in New York City back in 1987. I was in town to see the Marlboro Country Music concert at Madison Square Garden. I stopped into the Penn Plaza hotel to get a bite to eat, and ordered a burger and a beer. I looked down to the end of the bar, and the only other person in the place was Merle. I glanced down two or three times to be sure it was him. Finally he said, “Yeah, it’s me.” Not wanting to bother him I just said, “I love your music, I’m here for your show tonight.” He said, “I appreciate that. Hope you enjoy the show.” We both went back to eating our lunch. What a thrill! And the show was awesome!

[@debrajohnson5140]

I'm sure he appreciated the respect. I would have done same as you, no matter the admiration of an artist, I would not step into their private space. Lucky you, what a great chance though to get to see him!

[@randomposts5642]

@@debrajohnson5140 I had a lot of fun with the story with my friends. For the longest time I’d start a story with…”I was talking with Merle Haggard at the bar the other night….”

[@libertyann439]

You two spoke to each other. That counts as a meeting.

[@olvinyldude]

LOL...Yeah, it's me .... THAT is Merle! Great story...you met a Legend, that day

[@carpenter5575]

I usually don't believe people but that just sounds like something he would say....he was so cool I loved that man

[@bobeubanks569]

I produced Hags concerts for 10 years and we never had a cross word. He was a great friend and a incredible singer and contributed so much to country music. For some reason his wife didn’t invite me to his funeral . Merle and I had a agreement. We could tell each other anything and it would never be told to anyone. Bob Eubanks

[@markberryhill2715]

Super cool. 😎 he was born the same week as my father.

[@MrLeavemikealone]

Honoring and trusting each other is a rare thing. Sadly, I haven't found that kind of a friend. I'm a loner because of that. No amount of fame or fortune is more valuable than a true friend. As far as Merle's wife; You probably continue your trusted silence with her husband even after his passing.

[@vanhooler358]

Merle was country music, the only person so close to Hank Williams SNR, the songs he wrote, the way he sang them, what a man he was.

[@Youareme42o]

That's good to hear that he was a great person and friend.

[@diamondblue5327]

Merle Haggard, wow, just wow! The greatest voice in country music. He will never be equaled.

[@bigorange000]

George Jones and Hank Williams wants to have a word with you. This coming from a Hag fanboy.

[@MrX-zz2vk]

Johnny Cash was no slouch either.

[@thomaspick4123]

@@bigorange000. Merle wrote great songs. Hank wrote great songs. George did not write songs, but he was a very expressive singer with a wonderful voice.

[@chiefwarhorse72]

​@@thomaspick4123 George Jones wrote several good songs.

[@chiefwarhorse72]

Hag was definitely in the top 10 but if you're looking for a fine voice go listen to Ray Price, Johnny Bush, Mel Tillis, Faron Young, Curtis Potter, Gene Watson, Tony Booth, Darrell McCall.......

[@WillyPDX94]

Love Chris so much. He's the real deal. Between Marty and Chris, they know country music history like nobody else. Thank you, Otis, for giving us this priceless vignette from Chris Scruggs. Gotta throw a few buck in the ol' tip jar for this. 🤠

[@lleroy8929]

How we all miss Merle Haggard.. Rest Easy great one!

[@alexkalish8288]

I find the fact that Merle died on his bus a fitting end for this great performer. That was a total pleasure Otis, thanks for the interview.

[@CarolDay-gm1fm]

I don`t think he died in his bus, The Redding news said he died on his birthday in the hospital in Redding where I reside

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤ a beautiful surprise to have Chris Scruggs on today. I saw Merle Haggard last tour front and center. It was a privilege I’ve seen him before but I knew that I needed to get there and see him again.

[@otisgibbs]

Hey folks, please don't fall for the scammers pretending to be me. I don't use Telegram and I'm not trying to contact you. I have to delete about 200 of these fake bot comments a day, but they keep coming back. They're all over KZbin and they're relentless. All apologies!

[@basshoncho]

Chris Scruggs is an absolute treasure! It’s refreshing to know that there are people in this world that are still passionate in preserving and sharing the continuation and performance of music from eras long since passed. And also has a deep respect for those artists and sidemen/session players that created such great music. Thanks Otis for sharing and thank you Chris for being a beacon for preserving the history and performing.

[@danielbishop5752]

I love listening to Chris. He's a living country music encyclopedia and has so much passion for it, in addition to being such a great musician. I was in Bakersfield just days before Merle passed. I ate dinner at Zingo's Diner, which is a place he often ate as well. They even have a picture of him behind the cash register. I remember the waitress telling me that he wasn't doing well. That was a sad day in music when he passed.

[@gracieg7601]

Oh yeah. I’m a Haggard fan too. He was so awesome.

[@johnlouisgood]

Please have Chris again. He's a super star and in my interactions with him he's the sweetest most down to earth guy. Cheers!

[@michaelgregory2231]

Cool that he name checked Fuzzy Owens. My first real band was led by Fuzzy's cousin, Dale Owens, when I was 14 and the rest of the band were all in their 40s and 50s. One time, we were in Bakersfield for a gig and went to Fuzzy's house. Great Merle tales here, thanks Otis!

[@carpenter5575]

Wow! What memories you must have

[@retrocountryexperiencercx8078]

No S "OWEN" 😑

[@joshuawaltz9484]

This story was so wonderful. Merle Haggard was such an inspiration to me. That you can do anything if you set your mind to it and work hard. RIP Merle Haggard.

[@sevenmileridgeband]

Wow!!! This is all incredible!!!! the Long Black Veil story (one of my favorite songs) and the Lefty Frizzell Guitar history!!!! Fantastic. I think I once heard that the 1958 ? not sure if that's the right year, Lefty vocal recording of Long Black Veil was the very first take. That song is so haunting. My wife and I have a garage rehearsal room in our North Carolina home, and about 100 yards from the garage through the woods, and under a big old oak tree, in a beautiful mountain meadow is small old family cemetery. Whenever I hear that song, I have that place pictured in my mind.

[@rogerwilliams2629]

I keep saying "that's my favorite interview " but that was for me. I started playing his songs when I was 4 years old and I've never played a show in all my years that I didnt do at least one Hag song, whether I was playing country or not. I'm 63 now and my old band of 70 something year olds still play Hag so gs just for us now. He had a presence about him and was the only famous person I was ever intimidated in any way by. I never got a chance to talk to him. I was supposed to go with a friend of his to meet him on his bus at a last minute deal, and I was at the store buying beer when I got the call and it was too late for me. Probably a song in there. My favorite artist ever.

[@joelee9752]

Great music never dies

[@Fratoni55]

"The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life. - Rabindranath Tagore

[@carpenter5575]

So true.... I'm almost 60 and just now figured that out

[@markberryhill2715]

I have planted many,and am now old enough to enjoy the shade of many.

[@Zavijava1]

That was brilliant ,thanks Chris (and Otis!)

[@JohnLeePedimore]

Another great interview. I've heard some of those stories a dozen times. I'd listen to them a dozen more. They are pure gold.

[@msoiseth3419]

Not only is Chris a great musician, he's an amazing music historian. Now we also know he's a great storyteller. Thanks for sharing these interesting stories with us Chris.

[@willpassinault3650]

I am blown away every time you post ....you have been chosen to be the scribe and recorder of the voices and images of some very important times of music in America....thank you for the effort - Will

[@terryallard1918]

Love Chris. Such a talented musician. Remember him in the old BR says. One of my brother in laws moved here 20 years ago or so. We were down on Broadway and walked into one of the bars. Saw Chris, and said hi Chris and he said hello. My brother in law said who was that? I said Earl Scruggs grandson, Chris. He said “ yea right”. Lol. Good times. Great interview once again Otis! 😉

[@h.i.5333]

That was absolute gold. Thanks Otis!✌️

[@lordofthemound3890]

More Chris, please! I could listen to him all day.

[@RAZORMCHANK]

I wrote a book about Merle, “ Merle Haggard was a friend of mine “. I knew Merle as a close friend for 50 years. I find this video spot on .

[@TheOldYellers]

Merle is my number one favorite. So good to hear Chris talk about it all. Those are fantastic amazing memories. Two great people, you and Chris, talking about my favorite country singer of all. Feeling lucky and blessed today. I’m going to remember this a long while. Thanks Otis.

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Thank you for this one, Otis 🙏🏻 Amazing how deep some waters run. Merle was definitely one-of-a-kind, and quite the talent. This was a great interview. I guess dying on his bus was akin to dying with his boots on. Be good to you 🤍💛

[@Stricknyne1]

Guitarist Clint Strong, one of the greatest of our generation played with Merle Haggard. Thanks for the video!

[@geegstar]

What a GREAT story teller!!!

[@johnhedges235]

I AM AN 84 YEAR OLD HAGGARD FAN. THIS WAS GREAT, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@backdoorarts5243]

Hey, you finally got Chris to tell some stories - awesome!!!

[@jeffkeeton4787]

What an absolutely fantastic story. I was lucky enough to see Haggard perform in a theatre in Elkhart Indiana around 22 years ago give or take. It was a great night and a memory that will always stay with me. Merle was one of the giants. He left behind a great legacy.

[@tomstiel7576]

I saw him open up for Dylan in Detroit at the Masonic Temple,,,,WOW

[@5thdimension625]

@@tomstiel7576 now that’s a treasured memory

[@mandymine4963]

OMgosh what an epic interview!! Chris Scruggs on Merle Haggard! Mr Gibbs you outdid yourself!, What a gift this is, thank you! Chris, I love your amazing mom too.

[@absolutelynonameslef]

Wow is all I can say. Thank you Otis, for capturing these stories and putting them out there. This is history.

[@birdman1174]

So fortunate to get to hear these stories.

[@claudehopper9813]

Nothing better in the morning than a good cup of coffee and a good Hag story , thank you Chris well done .

[@25bikertrash]

Love Chris. Great showman and perfect addition to the Fabulous Superlatives.

[@kcinwv]

I saw Merle Haggard at the State Fair of West Virginia. The first half of the show something was off and it was a bad performance. They took a break and started back. The second half of the show was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Even Tanya Tucker who had opened for him, came out and sat on the stage with her new child and watched it. It was a great show.

[@ChiefThundermoon]

Thanks for signing my guitar at Bucks Place in Bakersfield,i have four redwood trees in Visalia.

[@breakandrun70]

Merle Haggard has been my idol, the man has a lot of great music out there. As a matter of fact I have played and sang a lot of his tunes. He will never be forgotten as long as I'm alive. I can hear his music as I type this! RIP Merle Haggard. Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it very much.

[@loriwise3177]

Great story! I grew up on country and bluegrass but remembered when I was star struck in hearing… really hearing him sing when he was a guest on The Waltons. It was overwhelming! ❤ I was a fan after that.

[@jayjaynella4539]

I did see Merle in Melbourne Australia back in the late 90s or early 2000s. He was part of a huge package show and practically every Australian country singer of note was there either singing or hanging around for a meet with Merle. Great show.

[@jamescassidy3995]

Loving this in England - thanks Otis! More joyful stuff ✌️🎸✨

[@saginawdan]

Great story, great storyteller. Thank you. ✌️

[@buddylobos5277]

Great interview. Chris was great. Straight forward and direct. Easy to understand. Merle was the real deal. Young tuff, prison learned and top of the charts. Wish I could have met him. Thanks Otis.

[@cactusflinthead]

Oh Otis. This is pure gold. You must have him on again if you ever get a chance. If there was only a mic nearby when Hag started singing while Chris played Lefty's guitar. Many thanks for this

[@brianmobley1720]

Great stuff!! Can’t wait for more from Chris!! And as always you are awesome for sharing these amazing stories with us, Thank you ✌️😎

[@Ybor-ld6uq]

Otis and Chris great story. Keep ‘em coming. Brightens any day.

[@redplanetdrifter3352]

This is absolutely the BEST one I've seen, Otis! I was fortunate enough to see Merle not long before his passing. His death probably hit me harder than any other.

[@marleiseturner4689]

Loved all the stories. My parents were huge Ernest Tubb’s fans. He once played in Salem, Oregon in the late 60’s or early 70’s, and my parents were so excited for his show. They are both gone now.

[@K9sfriend]

Thank you so much for this. I really enjoyed hearing this. I was raised on country music. It lives in my soul. The longer I live the more I regret living in defiance of my father's knowledge and experience. He was the epitome of a Hag fan. This video blessed my ❤.

[@damohanson5393]

In 1971 my uncle let me use his car to pheasant hunt. In it was an 8 track and one of the few tapes he had was Merle Haggard and it was then I discovered this legend. My friends laughed at country music but a few got it. I turned them on to Hank and Merle and the few learned to appreciate their greatness and how rare artists like these were. Silver Wings was the song that got my attention and evolved from there. I love Misery and Gin too but he had so many to be definitive about that. When Okie from Muskogee came out most of my generation mocked him but I knew better. Wish I had known then that song was written as a joke and Hag smoked more weed than all my friends put together. Listening to this video alone made me remember that Haggard tape hunting pheasants and brought back such happy memories . Again! Thanks for your content as it takes me to times in my life and situations that bring me much joy and happiness and much more. 😊

[@elleb541]

Great story and memories for you! Reminds me of an 8 track and a house speaker an uncle wired up in a 71 Volkswagen Karmin Ghia for me - I had 3 eight tracks that summer - ZZTop, Jimi Hendrix and Boston 💕💕💕

[@BrokerBill]

Great video - big fan of Hag, Marty, Chris and the rest of the Superlatives.

[@tonystonecoldcountry7064]

Love listening to these great stories. Thank you for sharing memories of the real legends of country .

[@KB6YAF]

Thank you for sharing these wonderful stories. Memories that will live on! ....Russell D.

[@jimbo33]

Wow, what a story, what an experience! Thanks Otis and Chris. Really and truly priceless!!!

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Chris is awesome, great story!🙏🏻

[@markd6123]

The house was sold I hope the new owners and the next 100 owners enjoy those tree’s planted by the legendary Merle haggard !

[@skotski54]

Great story right there. Thanks for sharing that with us Otis!

[@derekslam]

Damn Otis. That may be the best story you've ever had on this channel.

[@Marcus_C51]

I'm inclined to agree-just watched it today and Chris knows how to tell some stories--fine job! Cracked me up! Wish I'd had the honor of meeting Merle...

[@wheninroamful]

I’m not a Merle fan, but I’m an Otis fan, so I clicked and glad I did, wonderful stories here.! Well done!

[@tacmason]

I met Chris when I was Maintenance at the country Music HOF , and He was doing Steel guitar Demos- in the Hall. He would bring a Fender Amp most times -but one time He brought an Ampeg, and Chris is a Great all around Player, But the sound he got with the Fender fairly Humbled that Ampeg. Talk about a guy born to be a real Musician -Chris is the total package !

[@jenborg2803]

Truly my condolences for this kind , caring loving man. Loved his music & A very talented man. Never knew he died on his bus tore... So sad & will miss him dearly. May you RIP. THANK FOR LEAVING YOUR WONDERFUL MUSIC, TO EVERYONE THAT LOVED YOU..

[@helenhatcher2313]

pool in

[@helenhatcher2313]

I did not know he died on his bus.... he was my favorite singer all my life and still is today !! And I just turned 85 yrs old on Jan. 17,2023.When he died, it was like a real close family member died !!! I listen to Merle's songs ( exclusively) every day !!! My favorite song is. .." IF I COULD ONLY FLY,

[@CarolDay-gm1fm]

I live in Redding and our news said he died in the hospital, not in his rv, I believe it was the Shasta hospital, or Mercy

[@norleenzumsteg9782]

One of my favorite people. Rip. Thanks for all the music.

[@toddpeterson2992]

All of your videos are great, but this was outstanding. Chris is as great a storyteller as he is a musician. I felt like I was in the room with him and Merle.

[@mt3311]

Hag was great. He was the man. His Dust Bowl Trilogy, should never be forgotten, lest we have to go back to that way of life. California Cottonfields, Tulare Dust, and One Row at a time. I understand the sentiment. I had family members who were transplanted Okies. I have also done that work, and lived that life, it is hard scrabble, and harsh way to make a living.

[@craigtittsworth9440]

Love the story and the history you shared! Thank you much!

[@Alex16993]

Wow, another Fabulous Superlative! I hope you have many more videos with them! 🤠

[@2packs4sure]

Damn it Otis quit teaching me stuff it's making me tired,, lol .... I knew Grady Martin was on that Long Black Veil session but I had no idea he was playing Lefty's guitar... Thank you sir for all your excellent work !

[@1coopjsn]

This is so great -- to bear witness to these events and be willing to talk in such a respectful manner is cool.

[@elvincollins2320]

Damit man

[@mimiisme2728]

Oh my gosh you have brought back so many memories of my childhood. Corriganville, Town Hall Party, The Maddox Family, I used to have a old movie film my Grandmother had taken of Barbara Mandrel was taller than me. I do still have some of the home old movies. Old Route 66. I am very nostalgic right now... Thank for the memories, I love your channel.

[@gerrydooley951]

This is very entertaining, Chris really tells great stories

[@curbshoppin]

Merle has been my favorite singer songwriter since I was ten years old in 1965 , I love to hear these stories thank you so much 🎶🎶🎶

[@johannesbarnard1682]

Wow. Such a beautiful story. Thanks sharing your thoughts. From south Africa

[@poesypoet]

If we make it through December Everything's going to be all right I know It's the coldest time of winter and I shiver when I see the falling snow no more shivering for the warmest heart in heaven

[@PatriciaBurton-pl1iv]

Awesome stories. Thanks for sharing. I only saw Merle in person one time on my 21st birthday at the Lucky Spot. My childhood friend Andy Stewart was playing in the band. Six months after that I heard Andy had died in Alaska of alcohol poisoning.

[@backpages1]

A really good interview, thanks for posting some of the 'details' of your experiences with Merle! My mom was returning from a visit with us in Dallas, and when the plane landed at Colorado Springs, she got up to get her stuff, there standing three feet away was Merle, headed for some appearance. She got to spend five or ten minutes with both my dad and I's favorite singer/performer, just small talk but a great experience for her, and for dad and I vicariously through her. Thanks again for posting!

[@Ryo7_7]

Merle is music treasure. His life is like a movie. Rip 🤘🏾🥃

[@OldDocSilver]

Merle was the only person I know who could turn one note into at least a dozen or more.

[@lawrenceklein3524]

Short as it was, this really was an insightful interview. Thank you.

[@wittry2]

Enjoyed the stories, especially about the Long Black Veil and Lefty Frizzell and his J-200. Thanks, Otis!

[@Dsoul51]

Great interview. Chris Scruggs is an ambassador of country music. His knowledge is on par with that of Marty Stewart.

[@tomabbot7324]

Great country music history, told by one who knows. Chris Scruggs is a great tele player, and a pretty dang good bass player with Marty Stuart, a Superlative with Kenny Vaughn, another good story teller, who you can hear right here on Otis's channel. Love this episode!

[@martinluthierking]

Scruggs is an incredible non-pedal steel player as well...and probably any other stringed instrument too...a guitar aficionado, a great story teller and a solid dude.

[@familylandscapecompanyinc.7355]

Absolutely Fantastic Stories. Thanks a bunch for the content man

[@lindagarland5223]

What a great story!!! Thank you. What a tribute to Meryl. To think...I ate at Lulu's in Redding in June 2022. I was in that town to see Bob Dylan!!!

[@plgplgplg]

What a great story, this is just gold. I grew up not liking country at all until I grabbed a Merle cassette on the way through a Canadian Tire cash line (80’s) then bought his book. Still my favourite country player,

[@stratocaster1greg]

Otis you have a natural coolness about you. I have been listening to Chris playing with Marty. Unbelieveable. Such a great interview. From an ex con Okie.

[@tomstiel7576]

This really made my day,,,,great story teller

[@namerican8510]

What a legend. Merle and Marty Robbins are my favorite country singers and when Merle passed it felt like the end of an era that will never be replicated again. What a talented and down to earth fella that will be missed by so many for a very, very long time.

[@thegonz7833]

CS,you are a great story teller,,,,,it helps when the story is great!

[@robertthompson9161]

Just saw Chris last month with Marty at a show in Glasgow, KY. Awesome singer and bass player. Seems to be as equally good at storytelling. Great job

[@needsaride15126]

This is such a great interview.

[@philtron1969]

I love this!! My dear friend Lauren Ellis was hired to work on Hag's TuffDog Tele on one of his last gigs in Austin at the Moody Theatre. I went to the venue early with her and got to see Merle's guitar and his son's nice Tele as well. Marty and the Superlatives opened the show and BLEW MY MIND! They were one of the finest groups in any genre of music that I have ever seen. As Merle was about to start, his band was warming up the crowd before he came out. I needed to pee and instead of going out into the lobby, I decided to go backstage. I walked right into Merle's pre-show ritual meeting with just his inner circle. He looked up at me, and I saw that "prison look" that Chris is referring to. I think I peed a little right then in my pants, then got the hell out of there! Marty was kind enough to let me play the Clarence B-bender that evening as well. Memorable night.

[@keithray7798]

I went to School with Buck Owens sons and Merrel Haggard s son and daughter I was born and raised in Bakersfield California

[@janhensley3617]

Thank you for sharing. Loved Merle Haggard! ❤ Ripp

[@loborob5853]

Great story as only this man could really tell it. Thank you Mr Scruggs for your words and to you Mr Gibbs for inviting us in.

[@CarolStJohn-ev9ry]

Great story teller about iconic folks.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Man, that was great, thank you.

[@JustinSmith-hr6qg]

Bob Wills fiddle. The exception to the rule. I love it.

[@brianjennings1624]

Such a great story teller. Insightful and a fun listen. Please tap in to Chris and his interesting historic and road escapades. Good work, Otis. Keep them coming.

[@jeffervin2830]

That is just too good!! Thank you for sharing that! Wow!