Merle Haggard - rare 16-min interview (1981)

From an era when American country music was peopled by the greatest talents in history, Merle Haggard stands out as arguably the very best. No other songwriter and singer experienced the level of respect and wide-ranging international success. In this rare interview from 1981, Merle on his tour bus (accompanied by wife Leona Williams) talks about his early influences and gives fascinating glimpses into the mind of one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Adored by fans worldwide and immortalised by none other than Oz in Auf Wiedersen Pet, Merle Haggard reigned supreme for more than four decades.

[@idessaoutlaw]

Merle and Hank will always be the Gold Standard of country🥃😎👌

[@pamelaoxford3482]

RIP MERLE HAGGARD. YOU'RE MISSED

[@user-oz2dz1pw1q]

I think you were the greatest!

[@user-oz2dz1pw1q]

Minnie from PA.

[@Pentagonshark666]

Merle Haggard and Hank Williams are my favorite country singers.

[@margaretsharbono2218]

Will Always Love Mr Merle Haggard. He is the best. Listen to Mr Leona also. She has a Great Voice. 3-2-2024. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="752">12:32</a>am. MABS

[@user-eo7li5ug5e]

🤮

[@margaretsharbono2218]

She is Still Singer at different places at Her age & She Sounds even better Now. Soo Other People Fans LOVE HER ALSO 5-1&-2024 9:28pm MABS Also Loved SWEET Bonnie Owens Haggard.

[@Hagfan789]

Leona Williams was an awesome lady & a heck of a singer/song writer. She made lots of great music with Merle & the boys.

[@Eric-ff2ii]

My favorite singer of all time. Nobody can touch his ability.

[@joanbeaudry1487]

Merle will always be my favorite country singer. All of his son's are great artists too but Ben is Mere All over again.

[@HughMorristheJoker]

Merle was the best.

[@jim5746]

A great man.

[@steatipygous]

Interesting interview with Merle.

[@toddwilliams1380]

This is awesome footage!! Thanks so much for sharing this!! 🤠

[@MBRMrblueroads]

And earned every bit of it 👍👍

[@mariececilelassere]

I can't love this interview because l love to mutch this Man forever and l have respect for him my heartloving lovecountrysonger unforgettable but sadness in his life ❤❤❤❤ great admiration and heartloving forever RIP my love with heartache 👍❤️😭🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 of course thoughts sincerely admiratives and if you want well with frienships to merveilleuse Haggardfamily 🎉🎉🎉🎉 (2023/15/08)❤

[@manueladarazsdi9675]

Odd

[@twoamericanfarmers5855]

When Merle says he doesn’t get personal on stage it bores him and it would bore the audience. Leona looks like she could run a knife through him lol

[@Fishing4life1997]

the greatest e evr

[@hoosierpete]

Trivia. Merle told his family he wanted to be buried with his mother and father, but his wife, had him cremated and so far has refused to let any of his ashes be buried with his Mom and Dad. Rest in Peace Merle you are the greatest country singer to ever live.

[@retrocountryexperiencercx8078]

His" wife " is 🥜

[@joanbyrne111]

I will ❤️ love love him for 😂ever

[@AaronJones-uz1fd]

She favors whynona judd

[@patriciapalmer4873]

Willie's the best 😂❤

[@sylviafoster9093]

I thought the same thing@AaronJones-uz1fd

[@AaronJones-uz1fd]

Yes she does

[@mrbeaverstate]

Should have stayed with Bonnie, just my opinion.

[@galewinds7696]

Funny merle haggard would mention fuzzy Owen, they must have been close friends, they teamed up on waylon Jennings and took 4000. Dollars off him in a poker game, waylon didn't forget that. Waylon should have given merle a knuckle sandwich for that.