The Hag Smoked A Lot Of Weed -Kenny Vaughan

[@otisgibbs]

What's your favorite Merle Haggard song? There are too many to choose from, but I never get tired of Misery And Gin, If We Make It Through December, Daddy Frank The Guitar Man and I really dig his version of If I Could Only Fly. What are your favorites?

[@jimgroff6880]

Mama Tried

[@st1buchanan698]

The Way I Am . Misery and Gin is a close second.

[@rustybeltway2373]

The Running Kind. There's a video of Marty and Kenny doing it on the TV show. They kill on back to back solos. Marty nails the vocal.

[@j.d.stephens3391]

Thanks Otis, now I'll spend my day listening to the Hag. Leonard and In My Next Life probably top my list, but there are no bad ones. Stay safe!

[@jasonadams371]

Can't pick a favorite there isn't a bad Haggard song

[@darlagehres8479]

Growing up in Bakersfield, going to school with the Buck Owen's kids & knowing Merle and his band during the late 60's & 70's, I could tell you some funny stories. My Mom became Merle's confidant during his struggle days. Merle considered her a true friend. Mom never told me what they talked about, but she always said, he sure gets tired of the attention. He was just a great poet of music and loved to play guitar. Oh those memories. Wonderful & sad at the same time. 🎶💙

[@otisgibbs]

Loretta Lynn once said, Today I Started Loving You Again is the greatest country song ever written. It wouldn't be my first choice, but Loretta knows a thing or two about country songs, so I'm gonna take her word for it.

[@paulnicolosi4792]

It’s a very sad song, even sadder than the Macarena...

[@marccohen4571]

I'm so lonesome I could cry is pretty hard to beat. But that is a great song

[@otisgibbs]

@@marccohen4571 Thank you, Marc!

[@marccohen4571]

Otis, I am curious of your opinion. I think most folks think George Jones has the greatest voice in the history of country music. Do you think anyone can touch him?

[@marccohen4571]

@@johnrunion5357 very close on our lists. Nobody could touch George Jones on singing alone. If you include song-writing, guitar etc that is a different story. Then it is Waylon and Merle. But voice my god George will never be touched. Lefty is closest in my opinion

[@David-uo1ef]

Kenny knows how to just tell a story in a great way. He's a natural and honest

[@dalehutchins7283]

I once picked up Merle on IH35 near Waco. 1977 or 78. He was broke down in an old pick up truck. Didn't realize it was him for awhile. We stopped and got a 6-pack of Pearl beer, cashier recognized him, we didn't have to pay. Drove him to Dallas, dropped him off.

[@WN_Byers]

Incredible

[@paulreed2642]

Lmao 🤣

[@jackshannonmusic7564]

“I’m Always On A Mountain When I Fall”

[@landlinesandpercolators8822]

I recall Hag passing right around the same time as David Bowie and Prince -- I would try to explain to my friends Merle was at least as important as those guys. To me -- far more. Offhand favorite song -- either "That's the Way Love Goes" or "Are the Good Times Really Over?"

[@alleyoop9099]

Agree with your comments.

[@karlyoung5089]

Far more important than those guys in my book. Haggard was the man.

[@missesmew]

I can’t listen to “That’s the way love goes “ without crying. The melody and sorrow in the Hag’s voice just melts me.

[@kipwright148]

I saw Merle along with Bonnie in Dekalb Texas at the rodeo arena around 1981. I was 17 with my girlfriend. Best seats at a concert I’ve ever had. I remember Bonnie started the chorus a little early on one song. Merle said “ hold on Bonnie” as if that was part of the song and never missed a beat. I remember people where yelling “ bring in the Hag” etc. Wade Terrell and the Drifters opened. This was back when people were free to drink and smoke in public lol...Was a rainy night, ate at the sonic afterwards. I’m rambling as these memories come back.

[@Burnzy1976]

Brother, I wish I was there...

[@GAMBINOBILL]

Kenny is one of the coolest and nicest guys ever. Thanks for sharing!

[@otisgibbs]

Definitely!

[@brucegwynn8509]

You keep all of us guys in our 50s feeling young and smiling at these stories otis, thank you

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Bruce!

[@cedarshoals529]

And guys in their 60s too.

[@mairianncullen8753]

Also some of us gals is our 50s 😘

[@jesseharradine9861]

And some of us guys in their 30s

[@stratocaster1greg]

A lot of my heros are musicians. Thanks Otis.

[@laurenblainebamartistmgt]

Otis. I sure appreciate all of these stories and your efforts to preserve the history of this great, creative business. They should end up in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Lauren!

[@artemisXsidecross]

Lauren, I totally agree, Otis is talented in ore ways than his music writing and performance. :)

[@laurenblainebamartistmgt]

@@otisgibbs - Ooops! Didn't see your response til now. You're more than welcome. I really think a book would sell, too.

[@laurenblainebamartistmgt]

@@artemisXsidecross - Indeed. Great storyteller in both media.

[@TheYankeedude]

I was lucky enough to meet Merle the first time I saw him in concert and one other time he allowed me to photograph one of his shows. I stood at the side of the stage behind the curtain as he climbed the stairs to the stage. They gave me full access for the show. At the end of the show I found myself back behind the curtain at the side of the stage and I followed him out of the backstage door. That moment seemed so surreal watching that great man leave the building. He was the best!

[@Haggard-100]

Merle is the reason I decided to play music full time in Australia . I love his voice and his lyrics .

[@expertadvice4u]

I guess they do smoke a little marijuana in muskogee

[@otisgibbs]

This would have been a much better title and I'm bummed I didn't think of it, Michael. : )

[@expertadvice4u]

@@otisgibbs feel free to take it. Lol. I had just been listening to that last night.

[@jasonalper9667]

He famously said once,”Muskogee is about the only place I don’t smoke weed.”.

[@fortunatoofamontillado1059]

the irony!!

[@waynation9142]

@@jasonalper9667 There is a really funny interview where he's laughing with the host "Yeah, I don't spend a lot of time in Muskogee".

[@irongoatrocky2343]

as a kid in the late 60's and early 70's i never cared for Merle Haggard......but as I grew older i realized that the songs merle sang were about the life of a common man! and came to love him and watching him perform......he is missed very much..........God rest his soul

[@AshdenMurphy]

He's iconic but his voice isn't really that great, it's the song writing that made him good

[@maryuline2585]

Grew up with Zeppelin, The Stones, Doors, etc., etc, yet love Marty Stuart and lots of Country music. Kenny is always a great interview, and I love to hear the back stories!!

[@marcusclements3370]

There’s so many. Off the top of my head; ‘Somebody Else You’ve Known’….’Please Mr DJ’. What a great songwriter.

[@robertryan2542]

I loved hearing this. From Ireland 🇮🇪

[@drewwade9640]

Otis, I thank you for this and all your other videos. Kenny Vaughan is a great storyteller. It's obvious Kenny is more than passionate about music, the people involved in the art, and wanting to share it with all of us. Again, Thank You

[@leescazighini4025]

Kenny Vaughan is one of the coolest cat's ever.

[@jrabonsound1913]

Loved Merle Haggard and he will forever be one of the best musical influences on my life. I seen him one time only in Beaumont Tx. with Clint Black. Even though this was in that time where Clint Black was very big and had a lot of hits….Merle Haggard still was the Headliner on this tour or at this show anyway. I will never forget it, as it was an incredible experience. Thanks Mr. Otis for sharing this and a special thx to Kenny Vaughn for sharing his stories. God Bless ya both. And God Bless Merle Haggard 👍🏼♥️

[@randyjones7818]

Great interview..Merle haggard is my hero..nobody sings country songs better...his music lives on...he and buck and Don rich were the best ever..I like the interview with kenny..he's a great player also..r

[@kennethgroves6433]

I smoked with MERLE AT LAKE SHASTA in the 70's and he inspired me to learn all his songs which I sing to this day, WHAT A GREAT MAN

[@MONTE12ax7]

Good stuff. This is what KZbin is for… good people sharing real stories about this crazy trip we are all on. You take care.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@kevincook8268]

Grew up listening to Merle I remember my dad singing his songs while he was bustling about so Merle's music kept me in memory of my happy days in my life.I later grew up singing in church and he influenced my singing and Gospel songwriting, I guess my favorite is Lady I know your out ther somewhere, like me your felling lost,lady I know your out there somewhere, but our paths may never cross. Love these ole stories about My hero Merle Haggard.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Kevin!

[@johnhardin6416]

I love anything Merle Haggard, so this really made my day. I would have to say my favorite Haggard song is My Favorite Memory and If I Could Only Fly.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, John!

[@kyleperry3748]

Merle Haggard was the first concert me and my wife (girl friend at the time) attended together in Stockton Ca 5 years ago. One hell of a show Merle and the band played. A true legend! Working man's blues is my absolute favorite of Haggard's

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Kyle!

[@charlesbryant870]

Just learned to play Misery and Gin. What a heart breaking classic.

[@justspeakingmymind7224]

Nice brother thats my #3 favorite Hag song!

[@washingtonbob49]

I remember my sophomore year in college I would go down to the local "railroader's" cafe and get the "special" and fill the jukebox with Merle's songs for my lunch break. This cafe was mostly the place where the retired railroaders in our town would hang out... I always got a nod or a thumb's up from those old boys...well hell...it was frinkin' Merle'. Thank you so much Otis for this tribute.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Bob!

[@normandodson5079]

Love KV’s stories. He’s very respectful of the people he’s played with.

[@pennysimmons841]

This one was my favorite one so far. I’m a little older than husband and in the beginning he told me that it was important that I liked real country music , I said ok, and his friend had given him a box set of cassettes of Waylon, Haggard and the 3ed one had Hank Lefty and some other greats. Well he was so intense and wanted me to pay attention to the words, I said ok, so I listened and he watched me and about the 5th song he just got all silly and turned red he said, I’ve never met anyone who knew every word to every song, you know them all don’t you? I said yes, yes I do.... he cracked me up 🥰the music had been the background to my entire life....

[@otisgibbs]

That's hilarious, Penny! : )

[@tommywood343]

There are so many great song's by merle. The song my favorite memory of all. When things are good. Thanks merle for all the great song's

[@deadk133]

These are some great stories about Merle! I always feel lucky that I got to shake his hand and briefly say hello to him back in 2008. This was the Ray Price, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson tour. They all played individual songs and sets, but they all shared the stage for more than a few songs too, and of course Merle and his band were playing Okie From Muskogee when Willie first took the stage (we don't smoke marijuana). They all were in top form and having a lot of fun up there. I was sitting by myself in the front row; a long haired late 20-something in a crowd of people averaging over 60, so Merle gave me a sort of curious look at one point during the show. Either way, it is one of my great music memories and I still feel very lucky to see three legends having fun together so close.

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful! : )

[@SaulTDawg]

Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash were the two most influential artists of my early days of learning to play the guitar. I tell people all the time that those are the two people who taught me to play the guitar. After I learned the 8 basic chords my grand dad said the best way to learn way to play along with records, and my dad had a bunch of each. I love any song those two sang both were great story tellers, but Mama Tried was one of the first Hag songs that I played in public.

[@martymarion7500]

Merle Haggard my favorite singer songwriter, picking my favorite Merle song that would be like picking my favorite child. Thanks for posting these stories.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Marty!

[@leeinoregon1326]

Kenny is my favorite of all the storytellers you've had.

[@RandyH400]

Favorite is I'm So tired of it all. Thanks again for your posts. Please don't stop such great stories about great artists. Thanks again

[@jeffcrist2977]

I could listen to these conversations all day. Thanks for doing this.

[@johnkincaid6073]

I love Merle anything ! Thanks Otis !!!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, John!

[@thepiperofsimms9974]

Hi Otis from Yuma,AZ. Thank you for that recording. An interesting tape.

[@martywright7836]

had a customer who worked a table at a Vegas casino. In the 70's he was off his shift and was having a drink at the bar when a guy sat down next to him. He looked over and saw it was the Hag. After a little small talk he said to Merle, "aren't you supposed to be upstairs?" Merle responded "Fuck em, they can't start until I get there and I ain't ready yet."

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks for this, Marty!

[@carlosford1226]

Well this one made my day. Now I can walk out with a smile on my face. - My own Merle story: years ago had tickets, good up front seating at an amphitheater. Delayed at work so I was late. They were out of wrist bands that allowed access to my seat so they routed me through a side entrance. I entered directly in front of stage and looked up just as Merle took the stage, he was also late. He looked down at me with a big smile and nodded hi to me as I did to him. It was almost like shaking hands. Anyway, that's my Merle story. Depending on his mood he could be prickly but he was in great spirit that day. Him and John Prine my two favorite people in music and I sorely miss them both.

[@DougCraun]

My wife and I saw Merle play a club in Virginia we sat 10 feet from the steel player. The band looked like baptist ministers on their day off. Merle was amazing.

[@twangnut2067]

You rock Otis! Those Kenny Vaughan stories are far out!

[@charger19691]

When I was a kid I learned the words to “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink”. (First song I learned the words to of Merle’s) I thought Merle Haggard was a perfect country artist then and still do till this day. Merle can never be replaced, he was the definition of a perfect country singer to me. I have one of Kenny Vaughn’s albums, a tremendous talent and he’s a member of the Fabulous Superlatives with the incredible Marty Stuart. Otis, please I have a request, please do a video on Marty Stuart. I don’t think the man gets nearly enough respect he deserves. The man lives and breathes Country Music.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Danny!

[@jimbo33]

A video of Kenny Vaughn would be cool also! Thanks for all the great stories Otis! Love your site!

[@walterkersting6238]

I too learned a lot of drinking songs when I was young, drank a lot more than I should’ve before I finally quit… Vomiting Jack Daniels, that was my low point.

[@jwilliams4052]

As I mentioned to you earlier, Otis, I have a one-room schoolhouse in Northern Michigan. Right down the road in East Jordan, Merle Haggard played in their huge line dance hall. The first thing he says to the audience is "you folks sure have beautiful country up here in Canada". We loved him!

[@stratocaster1greg]

The Scruggs name brings a memory of a kid I used to play guitars with. His Mom was a niece of one of the guys from Lester Flat and Earl Scruggs. One of these gents apparently gave their niece an old Fender guitar. This was around 79 that I saw it. Gary had sanded it down and unwound the coils on the pickup. Even at 15 I knew he messed up. The neck pocket and neck heel had writing in pencil from the 50s. I somehow knew that writing was a big deal. He offered to trade me guitars. I worked my butt off running a sandblaster to pay for my Gibson SG. And he had rendered his guitar unplayable. I kept my guitar but knew he had something. It ended up at Nashville Sound then a trucker bought it and had it redone. He will remain nameless here. Years later I see the trucker and tell him to go see Garys Mom for a provenance letter. I told him where she lived and her name. The guitar I think was an old Broadcaster. Hearing the Scruggs name shook loose this faded memory.

[@joyceb.sachsesachse1242]

HI OTIS , LOVE KENNY ALWAYS , PERSONALITY PLUS AND A GREAT STORY TELLER A REAL GUY.....LUV YA OTIS . HOLD FAST AND KEEP ON KEEPPIN ON.......

[@kentbeery4941]

Thank you for this i was blessed to meet Merle one time he treated me like Family i will never forget it nor will i never forget him......

[@tommywood343]

I love stories about the Hag hey hey. R.I.P merle Haggard 🇺🇸🎤🎶🎵

[@Burnzy1976]

What a life that man lived... Merle Haggard is life music! RIP LEGEND

[@donjohnson5625]

Merle haggard loved that Loud , from when he woke up till he went to sleep, hell yeah, Who knew. Wow. ! Love him!! 💕❤️💙RIP brother.

[@vootee1]

Cats are cracking me up, Otis! Bless 'em. Nice touch. And great chat with Keny Vaughan. Very forthcoming. All these riches much appreciated .

[@123Goldhunter11]

Wow. Great tales. I was a teen in the 60's and was into rock & roll but got into Merle in the last few years and have shared videos with my piers to "turn them on". I posted to 400 classmates on our Class of 68 forum when he had President Reagan in the front row. "I wish a buck was still silver.............back when the country was strong." How prophetic was that line? What an American treasure and the working man's poet.

[@johnnyward1032]

The world without Merle is so much colder. The only time I cry over someone I never met. Thank you Otis.

[@frankapplegate4852]

You’ve done it again. Merle is another favorite of mine. There are people who write and sing what’s in your heart but you didn’t have the words to say it for yourself. Merle was one of those guys for me.

[@sartainja]

My favorite Merle Haggard song is Silver Wings since it so easy to play and sing; it is the perfect example of a Merle song.

[@charliemontgomery2548]

Love all the classic stories. I moved to Franklin TN recently and I love the musical history it and the entire Nashville area has to offer. Bottle let me down is a hard one to beat.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Charlie!

[@JordanSheppardMusic]

Thanks for what you do man.

[@ranbush2010]

Thanks Otis, just found this one. I always enjoy your conversations with Kenny.

[@nono492.]

Otis this show is the best Kenny Vaughan is one of my favorites ,he is right up there with the best ,and seems to come off as a genuine guy ,your shows are the best ,I’m a guitar player And tele lover ,keep ‘em coming friend ,peace✌️ Jerry

[@msoiseth3419]

Very interesting stories to us musicians who are fans of Merle Haggard.

[@emjayemjayhawk]

I sing Mama Tried at my kids when they insist on ignoring my advice. It doesn't work, but makes me feel better. I love My Favorite Memory and If We Make it Through December and so many others, too.

[@bobcrites5885]

Loved it amazing I started with Tom Bukovich . Loved those too.

[@donbabinski4800]

Touching reminiscences. Thanks to Mr. Vaughan for sharing such personal history. RIP Hag.

[@lbshore]

I saw Merle Haggard the first time around 1969 when I was still in high school and already hippified. We always took Okie From Muskogee in the spirit we knew he had written it in and sure enough when he played the song and sang the line "we don't make a party out of loving" somebody in the band (can't remember who) leaned into his mic with a big smile and said "we damn sure do!" and cracked everybody in the house up. 😊 All these years later, what a memory. What a show. I got to interview him once. What a thrill. think Merle was the GOAT. Favorite songs? Sing Me Back Home... Lonesome Fugitive.. Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down... Mama Tried... How do you decide? Love these. Thank you.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@mrwho2118]

This is why we tune in to your videos Otis, these little peeks behind the scenes that us fans rarely get to see or hear otherwise, our heroes are human

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@charleswiggins6684]

" We'll have roses in the winter " my mom's favorite tune of his. She always wants me to sing it for her. I like " Rambling Fever " I can see myself laying on that sofa , have some pretty lady rub my back. Spend the early morning drinking coffee, sparking one . LOL Merle was the best.

[@MrMarkar1959]

Bigger than a mountain was His voice,,A person that cared could tell right off. Heaven's bar room getting crowded. Smokin' & Drinkin' still a choice.,,,Reckon I have the same as Him👈🏼. Thanks again for the Memories and awesome story! stay safe and time to hug my guitar.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@donscott763]

Mr. Vaughn needs to write a book.

[@mcwilliams4546]

A great conversation about one of my music heroes, told by another one of my music heroes. The Hag was great, and cousin Kenny is awesome too. Thank you for sharing.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@dorisbeeler7666]

💘 all of theses stories

[@jefferyscott2061]

Footlights always make me stop and listen!

[@hagnewton4255]

Great story! I saw Merle Haggard at the Bakersfield Civic auditorium on the George Dickel sponsored tour in 1988. We used to drive by his house at the mouth of the Kern River Canyon. Hags place!

[@moemulkey2264]

Awsome...

[@TheSixfinger1]

The Hag smoked Gods medicine? Cool! Prayers from Wales! Keep em coming!

[@PLINKER]

My favorite Merle Album was "Same train different time" where Merle made the old Jimmie Rodgers tunes sound so wonderful. The backup music was absolutely great with Norman Hamlet on the dobro for the old time sounds and Merle doing the guitar and vocals on those great tunes. He had great musicians on this album. I have almost run the needle through the albums. I love it so much! Thanks Kenny for this important video!

[@pierheadjump]

😎 Thanks Otis Kenny ⚓️

[@TheOldYellers]

Misery and Gin is a definite favorite. I love the Jimmy Rodgers Recording with Hag in brakeman outfit on train. But there’s just too many songs I love.

[@GySgt_USMC_Ret.]

Howdy, Otis! Thanks for the video. I lived in East Nashville for awhile as a kid. Hung out with the picker community for a few years. Lots of memories. Getting homesick. Fair winds and following seas to all.

[@SingleTree57]

thanks again Otis, I attended Merles Vinue at Pikes Peak Convention Center latter part of September 2015. He was having trouble Breathing but put on an Excellent short Show as Noel, Ben and Norm played the majority of the Vinue. A Memory I will Treasure to the End.

[@SingleTree57]

I figured that would be my last opportunity to See him Do what he loved Most.

[@swordfish52]

Nice Story .. Thanks Mr. Otis !! Jimmy ...

[@moondawg3693]

What an amazing program you have here. Thank You Otis

[@davidchappell8407]

Thank you !!

[@TrueRoyalsFan]

'Ramblin Fever' ; Thanks for sharing Otis. Awesome stories.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Bob!

[@bruceperron3796]

I never really liked country music but i sure loved Merle Haggard,the Hag was the first and only country concert i ever went to,he kicked the footlights out for sure,I'll never forget it. Rest in peace Merle Haggard.

[@saginawdan]

Thanks!

[@rogerlawson4516]

Working Man Blues is absolutely my favorite song. Mr Roy Nichols is my favorite guitar player and Hag is my favorite country singer. I think the question should be,what Hag song you do not like. Hell, I like them all. I was lucky enough to get to talk with Roy Nichols at the Cheetah Ball Room, Chicago Illinois in March 1973 for about an hour. I was 19 YOA and Roy was kind enough to talk guitars and tones with me.

[@thebrokenstringstudio2930]

Thank you

[@jefffreeman2067]

Great Otis! Ol' Merle had a giant influence on me. Probably too much.

[@jnholland006]

Man that touched my heart! I love the Hag! I was fortunate enough to have seen him in Atlanta at the Masquerade in ‘13 ! He was everything I hoped he’d be! RIP MRH

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@tyrellhemmis]

Love those old stories. Just like when you hear old stories of your grandparents raising hell back in the day!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Tyrell!

[@robhickman6788]

That’s a very heavy one. Amazing.

[@daveditcher4059]

Otis, I love these Kenny Vaughan interviews. It tickles me that one of the kings of rockabilly guitar is/was appreciated by other musicians The dude can tell a story.

[@mertonwhitney3577]

God bless him,we really miss him.

[@dskywalker3397]

Me, too.

[@Rebel-Rouser]

Great interview. I know Ronnie Vanzant LOVED Merl Haggard. So did my mom. She had one of his albums and she wrote "hunk" on the cover...lol

[@Shakeyleg]

Thank you for posting this. I always love to hear these stories and they continue to reinforce the fact that Hag was just another man like the rest of us. He wasn’t common but he sure made us feel like he was one of us.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@randypedigo9913]

I NEVER HEARD OF THE SMOKEING PART BUT BACK IN THE 80S AND 90S THERE WAS SOMETHING GOING AROUND THAT WAAS POPULAR EVERYBODY LOVED..FAV SONG GRAMMAS MAIDEN NAME.RIP HAG

[@multibucker]

Love your channel Otis. These are important stories.

[@johnchristensen6272]

Otis, you have a great feel for making a memory magical. I never met Merle but I met his daughter in Las Vegas 1996. Great gal and she was a spittin' image of her dad and had stories to tell.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, John!

[@irvingr.fatback886]

Did she have facial hair?