The Incredibly Tragic Life Of Merle Haggard

When you think about San Quentin Prison and the music industry, you instantly think of Johnny Cash and his famous live concert at the prison. But Cash is not the only famous musician to have been in San Quentin: Merle Haggard actually was an inmate at San Quentin prison, and after he was released in 1960, he turned his life around to have a successful career in country music. During his successful career as a musician, Haggard become the voice of the working class and one of the many artists that protested the Vietnam War. But Haggard's rise to music fame was a rough one filled with crime, addiction, and financial woes. Haggard's art was one that imitated his life and his life was tragic.
#MerleHaggard #CountryMusic #Music
Tough beginnings | 0:00
Crime and punishment | 1:00
The Man in Black | 2:00
Hard work | 3:05
Abuse and divorce | 4:19
Art imitates life | 5:58
Outlaw legend | 6:46
Return to San Quentin | 8:08
Addiction and money problems | 8:54
Health issues | 10:14
A legend and a legacy | 11:26
Read Full Article: www.grunge.com/254319/the-tra...

[@wilmetteentwistle9242]

I think I'll just stay here and drink....

[@billclarke8762]

Ghdgfzd d

[@ricks6134]

I ain't understanding

[@weeman_designs]

Hell yeah, what a song

[@judylawson8423]

999999999⁹999⁹99999999999999999

[@khaedynlawson779]

I’d say that’s the way love goes yk. At least mama tried to tell you better.

[@kennedymcgovern5413]

He lead a REAL life. I would rather go through the highs and lows of life, like Merle...than EVER spend a day sheltered in the suburbs with Luke Bryan. Merle had stories to tell.

[@americancameramanmedia1309]

You feel this way because you're an outlaw like Merle and me. Were real 1 percenters who don't dig normal

[@jonklassen3929]

@@americancameramanmedia1309 how am I suppose to live like this when I’m 20 years old in Canada. Ain’t nobody think like me,

[@BFRIZZLE909]

I think you just explained why i can't stomach new "country" it's drawn from heartache and lessons learned. Everyone is so sheltered. More boys need to be named sue nowadays.

[@stevencannone4178]

Country music ain’t the same today it’s not real country music

[@phillipgreene9029]

P

[@caterpillarslim1288]

I cried the day Mere Haggard died, I'm now 27 and never met the man however I feel like he knew me and I knew him. His music makes a bad day not so bad and a good day even better!

[@Scoutmann1975]

I cried when he died too. I’m 26 and from Bakersfield, only a few miles from where he grew up. He was an amazing man. I got to see him on his last tour through Bakersfield, and man was it amazing!

[@steveng1624]

Merle Haggard is one of the best singers and writers I have ever heard in my 62 years.

[@Heathershusbandbear]

All time best

[@festivelady826]

I agree with both of you! (And I'm 65).

[@brynnrains2946]

He is the best singer I've heard in my 14 years

[@sixstringer7162]

A musical genius! Nobody’s gonna fill them shoes, ever!

[@holyfuknmolymyshitstinks3415]

Nobody

[@Goodguy-du5rm]

Juice wrld did LOL no hate

[@cowgirl_406]

Maybe Dwight Yoakam??

[@sixstringer7162]

@@Glicksman1 I think I’ll just sit here and wait!

[@sixstringer7162]

@@cowgirl_406 Not even close!

[@mathewmcdonald3657]

Merle is one of the greatest American artists who ever lived. It was my great pleasure to see him live in a small club a few years before his death. The guy was brilliant and a stone cold pro.

[@steveperreira5850]

I wish I would’ve seen him in concert, I could have, but you think they will live forever. In 1970, the first album I ever bought was Merle Haggard and the strangers. I wore that thing out.

[@ronaldolaquidara64]

@@steveperreira5850 yeah ik what u mean i could of seen Tom Petty and David Bowie but i either didn't have the ca$h or a ride and figured I'll see them next tour. ..but now they're both gone.. 🙏🏻 I hopefully can get to see the Stones if they tour in 2021 or 2022- their 60th year anniversary 🤞🏻

[@davehughesfarm7983]

@@ronaldolaquidara64 Dont ever put comments about David Bowie on Merle Haggard tread..

[@ronaldolaquidara64]

@@davehughesfarm7983 oki Davey whatever u say!! plz don't hunt me down and shoot me or kidnap me to make me feed ur 🐄🐃 and 🐖🐑 on ur farm😬🥺

[@jgbuff04]

Headline should read...The Incredible Successful Life of Merle Haggard

[@andywinslow9638]

I know right. Many folks don't get a second chance he did.

[@geoffreythomson2965]

What a great talent , gone but never forgotten , RIP Merle , 👍🥰🍺🇦🇺 .

[@haroldarmstrong5329]

Merle was the ultimate best singer and writer.

[@dannybritt9317]

Haggard was fantastic i love him and his music

[@amythomas1124]

I got to see Merle Haggard live, along with Pam Tillis back in the early 2000’s, at the Midwest Old Threshers in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Got upfront and close in seeing him. I remember listening to his music growing up. Loved it.

[@pedrohilson5461]

Hey amy merry Christmas

[@mychaelpierce8049]

Merle was simply the most complete C&W artist of all time! He was a great and versatile singer, a prolific songwriter, accomplished musician and fine entertainer. Simply put he was a "royal flush".

[@gregcross431]

I take it you've never heard of Slim Dusty??

[@darrenhart3571]

I own every album that was produced by Merle and I will never ever get rid of them! Love you man!

[@jeffphillips5929]

Merle is probably my all time favorite male country singer. Many of the male singers to follow him, used Merle as a guide and reference as to their own vocal range and pitch. The way Merle would pitch the vocal pattern, in each ending line of his songs, was something that is born in him and natural not acquired. He was a brilliant naturally talented singer.

[@cloroxbleach8676]

RVZ

[@markwhelan9887]

My dear old mum who is now up in heaven with Merle introduced me to the legend that was Merle Haggard and even though I'm from Australia, he is still to this day my favourite(C\W\M) and Kern river is my favourite song so strong and powerful. R.I.P MERLE HAGGARD. SIMPLY THE BEST.

[@franklimper2677]

🙏🏼

[@FanmanSteve]

Words can't begin to describe of how much we miss Merle , he was a true American hero , who stood up for working middle class american families , Jonny Cash ,June Carter , Waylon Jennings , George Jones , Glenn Gamble , Charlie Pride and so many others are gone but not forgotten that why we carry on the legacy and listen to there music.

[@davidjones9518]

The real out law country singer ❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@robinmorris5416]

My band had the honor of opening up for Merle on what turned out to be his last tour in August of 2015. It was truly a lesson in class and experience. Hanging out backstage with merles long time manager, rhubarb Jones, a local deejay who was emceeing and various band members all made for a memorable show, and you can bet that I claimed the best seat in the house as Mr. Haggard took the stage. Legendary.

[@ireneirenechristtetroe2997]

Really good singer sad end thou. I hope haggert believed in almighty God and God son Jesus Christ..😆😎😚

[@estebanb7166]

That’s amazing. What an honor. Your band must have been pretty darned good to open for one of the GOATS.

[@TheSilvergold45]

I would say his life was extremely SUCCESSFUL NOT TRAGIC AT ALL.

[@NellieKAdaba]

@Alpha Centauri I agree.

[@demonrat9667]

You cant make a diamond without heat and pressure.

[@jacobcrouse6673]

Listen to his songs. Its clear he was in deep pain, the kind of pain money doesn't fix

[@dimitrizgonis3767]

@Alpha Centauri tragic would mean that it ended poorly. Through all his struggles he became a legend and quite successful in the end.

[@dimitrizgonis3767]

@Alpha Centauri tragic and tragedy are not the same word. A tragedy is a noun defined by its finale. So someone can experience a tragedy, like merles imprisonment, his fathers death, cobains death, etc.Whereas tragic is an adjective that would define an individual or a body of work overall. Merle experienced tragedy but was not a tragic person he came out on top. Kurt was tragic bc he died so young and at the top of it all... tragic to lose a talent and a tragedy that he killed himself. In fact, someone who overcomes adversity as in the case of the Hag is consider more of a hero than a tragic individual... lol this is my English degree at play (my parents said it would be useless)

[@VagaBumAdventures]

Play In Peace, Mr Haggard. Love and respect to your family.

[@edwardweaver6360]

This video was very nicely done! I liked his tunes but never knew about his life! Thank you.

[@Impact-it8lv]

He wrote a book called “ Sing me back home” read it on a flight to Korea while in the Army. The book tells of his life from a child to prison, a pardon and fame, he tells it like it was

[@donnieprinnell4857]

Loved his music and the man RIP brother. God bless.

[@markive9907]

The best singer ,songwriter,and always loved his pickin on his tuff dog telecaster ! My all time favorite!

[@christineparis5607]

Merle's looked like a completely different person as he aged, it was as if his entire bone structure rearranged itself...late nights and music I guess...he was incredible no matter what he looked like, a great artist!

[@hotdogflavouredmilkshake]

Lol appreciate his art work bro

[@hotdogflavouredmilkshake]

Your dumb asf for talking shit bout his looks

[@anderander5662]

Heavy smoker.....he was very handsome in his early days.

[@anderander5662]

@@hotdogflavouredmilkshake your are dumb asf for not knowing the difference in "your" and "you're"

[@christineparis5607]

@@anderander5662 You are right...my husband is a heavy smoker for the last many, many years, and I'm way older than him (I know, I know..), originally, it looked like I married my 13 year old cousin from Kentucky, now, he looks like my dad! I never smoked, or drank much, so I aged in the face, slower...however, one of the great benefits of being married to the same person for a hundred years is that, you don't see their looks as much as their insides after awhile. What they look like is immaterial compared to their sense of humor, generosity or understanding..also, you become so used to them that it would be a horrible shock if they did suddenly look like a completely different person, no matter how good looking they might become. I did not really hit age until a year or two ago, when I lost my entire family and 2 dogs, due to a series of unrelated tragedies. I went from 35 to 70 in only 12 months, to the point where people who had not seen me in a year actually did not recognize me (for the record, I'm 60, but didn't look it, just whizzed right past middle age into OLD in a few months). I broached the idea of plastic surgery with my husband only once, thinking it must have been weird for him to see me so ravaged in such a short time, but he was completely against it, so strongly that I dropped it. I think he was relieved that we finally looked like a couple of the same age, instead of one of us always at different times being mistaken for the parent of the other....another benefit of a long relationship seems to be that once someone gets used to you, they want you to stay YOU, and not surprise them with a new face...

[@terrysutton6522]

Greatest country music singer songwriter of all time

[@poesypoet]

If we make it through December Every things gonna be alright I know It's the coldest time of winter And I shiver when I see the fallen snow If we make it through December got plans to be in a warmer town come summer time Maybe even California If we make it through December we'll be fine RIP Merle I'm glad you don't have to be here to witness the outlaws of our government

[@umedavk2011]

Thank you for this great upload. Stars like Haggard will never die (musically)

[@nc7409]

A real artist issued from a rocky road. It takes a huge load of humility to say things like he did.

[@davidjones9518]

The man from real hard time ❤

[@timshade2223]

"Stop rollin down hill like a snowball headed for hell,,,,

[@bryanduke1973]

Stand up for the flag and let's all ring the liberty bell.

[@steveperreira5850]

Is one of his great songs!

[@demonrat9667]

We are rolling right down to hell it seems... glad Merle didnt have to see this...

[@videocast406]

Are the good times really over?

[@demonrat9667]

@@videocast406 yes

[@miguelamaya6246]

Mr. Haggard, I've never held any thing against anyone for tripping and or falling through life's hourney... it's normal to have a few scrapes and bruises, we aren't perfect and isn't life all about that anyway... We will always love your music, thank you Mr. Haggard for all the BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES...

[@martincolvill5453]

A wonderful overview of a complex man Thank you.

[@west4coast77]

What a life! Always liked Merle. Even more - after watching the Ken Burns documentary "Country Music". Thanks for posting!

[@sharons4439]

His parents did appreciate music, His dad played a fiddle.

[@madcornentertainment2008]

Yeah and he died when Merle was 9

[@cindystarling7401]

Awesome, interesting but very sad and definitely devastating. Love a few of his songs.

[@americancameramanmedia1309]

The legendary Mr.Merle Haggard deserves more than 12 minutes & 45 seconds.

[@larrycurrier290]

Merle Haggard had his ups and downs in life but certainly not a tragic life. The man is a legend of Legends in country music. In those ups and downs he wrote songs about his life not buying them from some songwriter sitting in a New York City Apartment. Nobody will ever match the authenticity of the words in his music

[@jk09345568]

Nice vid.

[@jameshartwell4345]

Now that’s a life story that will make plenty of good country songs.

[@vi09]

Merle was a great artist! I loved him so!

[@durwinpocha2488]

Merle devoted Saturdays to music. For the sake of music to everybody on Saturdays. thanks again!

[@happyface4713]

My husband loved the sound of this man and considered "I'VE ALWAYS BEEN CRAZY" as his own song and I see from this that Merle died only a little later in 2016 as my sweet husband of almost 49 years.

[@andrewcrouch2362]

Good video great upload cheers interesting to watch 👍

[@Vivalarosa45]

This is my first time hearing about him. The man lived an interesting life. RIP.

[@baylorattorney]

A real American hero and poet.

[@Maridun50]

Very interesting. I knew his name ...... and that's about it. Never was much of a country-listener. I will go on from here listening to some of his music, though........

[@brendagreen857]

He is one of my favorites I could just listen him always on my way to Texas

[@drterrycreagh756]

Great the influence of the wonderful Johnny Cash!

[@debbieanne7962]

Johnny Cash was a very decent man, not many musicians take the time to perform in prisons. Being Australian I've never heard of Merle Haggard but now I'll listen to his music. What a life!!

[@pedrohilson5461]

Good music attracts good vibes and good quality around 🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶🌲🌲🎅🎅🤶🤶Merry Christmas Debbie

[@donaldphilip6496]

Hello beautiful lady

[@thesinginsweep2259]

Merle was my inspiration for singing

[@subcultural1758]

I'm with you on that. I've been restless all my life. I've had it all done it all and lost it all. Now I just wait.....

[@aaronbyrne1671]

Merle is a sir and a legend of country music.

[@madambutterfly7513]

Why is it every celebrity has had such a tragic life?? We all have problems, most lives are tragic, not just the famous

[@huntfisheat73]

Because who wants to talk about you or me ? We don't matter to most people we are nobody's to most people so you only here about people that are famous .

[@keithclark486]

Yeah tragic lol Seems like he lived a pretty good life and screwed over some people along the way I like Merle's music but it is what it is

[@bradr1913]

Its not tragic. Everything on this channel is tragic. According to them everybody is flying on broken wings. Im not a subscriber.

[@jvak995]

He sounds like a class act

[@aprilgosa5779]

@@keithclark486 that's what you got from that not very smart are you ?

[@lindamateri9906]

Merle and I share the same birthdate,, another Aries , RIPMr Haggard ,, he was my idol when I was a young woman I idolized him ,, still love the man,,

[@jackieknapp6010]

A good guy Bless his heart

[@pedrohilson5461]

Hey Jackie merry Christmas

[@barrydysert2974]

Thanks 🖖

[@lowellirish]

I'm a performer...this weekend, I'm singing "I'm a White Boy!"...love that song! 🤣

[@asullivan4047]

Interesting and informative. Excellent photography job enabling viewers to better understand what/whom the orator was describing describing. Unfortunately I never saw him in concert. Favorite songs “ Okie from Muskogee “. “ Big City 🌆 “

[@lewesleyacklin1408]

I first learned about him in the movie with Clint Eastwood,Bronco Billy, singing misery and gin😞🍻🙂👍👍

[@iansing5278]

Love you, thanks Merle...

[@casey99ization]

Merle Haggard was an always will be an awesome American artist to ever live. I absolutely love his music. He may be gone but rest assured Merle Haggard will never be forgotten for his music will forever live on through his three gifted sons Marty Neol and Ben Haggard. I Love to hear them sing his songs. Bless them all 🙏

[@violetbennett2407]

Did Merle claim Scott as his son?

[@patricecooper8419]

That Merle Haggard can really get down on that country music! I really enjoyed him!

[@matthewcollins8602]

This guy truly overcame the odds

[@terrygotwhatheheaskedforfo7789]

I seen him live in stockton people and he was great great God Bless merle haggard I could cry 😢

[@dire12343]

I went to see him perform in Chicago before he passed away...very good time...

[@flugplatz21]

"they sound tired but they don't sound Haggard, they got money, but they ain't got Cash.."

[@bucknaked6111]

They got Junior but they ain’t got Hank...

[@davehughesfarm7983]

@@bucknaked6111 JUnior was way way better than SR...I know it blashemy but I dont care..

[@bucknaked6111]

Not trying to take anything away from junior, he had some gigantic shoes to fill and he filled them, his own way. I was just finishing the song lyrics to Long Time Gone...

[@dorothycampbell8635]

I was born the run in' kind With leavin' alway's on my mind. Home was never home to me , At anytime Every front door had me hopin' There would be a back door open There just had to be an exit For the runnin' kind. Within me there's a prison , Surrounding me alone , As real as any dungeon , With it's walls of stone. I know runnin's not the answer, But runnin's bin my nature And a part of me That keeps me hangin' on. I swear this song is the story of my life!! Thanks for the music Merle!! Rest easy ol' friend! Xoxo

[@ollieoneill5961]

Great doc . fair play

[@michaelreece2966]

Why do you always saw “tragic” or “sad ending?” I knew Merle. He would like how you portray him.

[@timfunk4438]

You are blessed to know him, I was a small boy when I heard some of his tunes on a AM channel! The man was simply epic!

[@bradr1913]

Good observation Michael nothing about hagg was tragic.

[@marsomebody5168]

A real country music i con/Love his music!

[@glenncurley680]

My Dad loved this Guy! I love his Telecasters!

[@wilkbor]

Despite his flaws, he was a great man and a great performer. RIP Mr. Haggard.

[@GhostRider-mm6ky]

Merle and I shared a birthday and he past away on it . I cried when him and George and Cash left this world cuz I knew there went the best generation of men. We are all screwed now.. Don’t believe me look around

[@Metalbass10000]

The shittiest thing, and yet the best thing, is that we are all individuals, men and women, and we define who we are by what we choose to think, choose to believe, choose to say or not say, choose to do or not do. All of these choices we make, how we choose to treat each other, and choose to interact, defines the world we live in, because we literally create our world. The shittiest thing is that we COULD be choosing, as individuals, and as populations, to be actively involved in making our world a better place to live. The best thing is that we CAN be choosing, as individuals, and as populations, to be actively involved in making our world a better place to live. As shitty as so much is that our corporate media presents to us, daily, I also see more people, especially young people, getting involved in our communities, investing not just a few dollars, but time, effort, and most importantly, the CHOICE to give a shit about the kind of community, and kind of world, in which we live.

[@johndef5075]

Trump is the sorriest excuse for a man in history.

[@GhostRider-mm6ky]

I don’t think Biden is any better sadly we don’t have anyone looking out for the people anymore. No matter who it is it’s all about lining the pockets and making their own life golden

[@peach495]

His mother isn't "calling" him incorrigible. It's the official term for a parent to relinquish responsibility of an uncontrollable child to the State. Parents can be sued for the actions of their children & is why this is sometimes done.

[@mahatmacoat6516]

Parents swear out an incorrigibility complaint. I know. They did it to me.

[@edwardrebeaudiii9109]

When my dad passed away in 92 Merle haggard was all I had left of him, now that Merle is gone it’s like my dad passed away all over again.

[@MsFunnybags]

He sure was clean-cut in the early years. He's certainly a role model for those who feel that they are failing at one thing or another. My dad was an Okie, born in Idabel, OK.

[@hotdogflavouredmilkshake]

Merle isn’t from Oklahoma lol

[@terrypollard5618]

Mine born in watson,nearby.

[@MsFunnybags]

@@terrypollard5618 My husband's mom is from Okemah and dad was from Henryetta. He was a Henryetta Hen. They're now the Henryetta Knights.

[@dennisddd8243]

The voice on this video has not a clue about Merle Haggard or country music. Lefty who? Did you say fazila or Lefty Frizzell

[@TiburcioVasquez213]

Legend

[@skeletonshorror5184]

His contemporaries sang about being outlaws, but Merle was the real outlaw. 💀🔥

[@lyleswavel320]

Cash murdered a man, that's outlaw

[@corir1045]

Did Cash really?

[@lovrosvila1942]

@@corir1045 nope, that's untrue.

[@corir1045]

Yea I know brother, was being a sarcastic prick lol

[@skeletonshorror5184]

@@lyleswavel320 cash never murdered anyone but Howlin Wolf killed a man with a shovel

[@billycampbell778]

The best!

[@lox3566]

My dad showed me haggard at the age of 3 and 10 years later i love his music

[@bettyburgess1781]

Good !

[@charleskarski1140]

my love to you and your close ones!!

[@loupaterson2455]

I fail to see how his life was tragic. It was blessed for the most part. Tragic it wasn't. 💯

[@brendamitchell5767]

I love The Hag!!!

[@justaguy3439]

40 #1 hits and country music Hall of fame member

[@kentmorrell4432]

Legend!

[@mameschwarzfischer2806]

I will always love Merle

[@donniehodge2548]

Merle is a Great Singer 👍

[@bennyrico4205]

what a legend.

[@mhauser9457]

Oh man I hate, HATE, Luke Bryan! Just like I hate what is considered country music today by him and so many others

[@pragmaticcat7619]

Love merle!

[@matthill3486]

He was one of the great one's.

[@violetbennett2407]

He was great.

[@joeynice123]

Legend.

[@dmack9884]

This is the way you do it. You turn a bad situation into a good situation. People today cannot do this kind of thing, we have a bunch of pansy's in our world.

[@aleksanderreljanovic]

Luke bryan isn’t worthy of cleaning Merles forks.

[@rbear4014]

I agree. Luke bryan is a clown

[@aleksanderreljanovic]

@@rbear4014 he bashed outlaw country he said I don’t run around and I don’t do cocaine therefore I won’t sing outlaw country.

[@rbear4014]

@@aleksanderreljanovic luke is too stupid to understand what outlaw country is. Neither merle or willy were cocaine users. I think deep down inside luke knows he has no talent and no voice so he criticizes the legends.

[@aleksanderreljanovic]

@@rbear4014 well actually Merle had a severe cocaine problem for about 2 years that almost killed him. He said it himself in an interview. But that still doesn’t matter. Luke bryan is a rip off. Of course he’s making money and he’s a big name in music because his music is selling to younger people who don’t know the roots of the music which is this.

[@rbear4014]

@@aleksanderreljanovic i read just now that he only did it for 5 months in a down period and never did it again. He wrote it in his book.

[@libertyann439]

I had a crush on that bad boy! "Irma Jackson" was a little-known gem. Look it up.

[@brynnrains2946]

I like the 'Let Me Tell You About A Song' version of that because you get to hear him explain how it came to be.

[@SteelGaming420]

Wow

[@kennithminnich]

Had a chance to see him in 2015. I didn't go and sure do regret it...