British guitarist analyses Merle Haggard live in 1978!

Tonight we're going back to 1978 to take a look at Merle performing 'Working Man Blues'!
Original video - • Merle Haggard - Workin...
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[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

Your preferred genre may be rock, but you appreciate just about anything. Open minds have the most interesting inspirations.

[@texadan314]

Word.

[@djgreg8198]

Had you heard the old man from Soprano's do rap? He's awesome. 🌹

[@caseynicholson9190]

Country, Rock, Blues..they are cousins.

[@RADKRAZY]

Yup

[@glamgal7106]

@@caseynicholson9190 Yes rock n' roll has many influences, including country and blues. It also originates from other musical styles including gospel, jazz, and R&B. The Rock n' Soul Museum in Memphis, TN is great to visit and learn--it did that for me.

[@branon6565]

I grew up listening to my Dad singing Haggard tunes since my first memories that I can recall, Merle was his favorite artist of all time no matter the genre...he just passed away on Aug 9th of this year, and along with a gun safe chock full of guns, a 4wheel drive Ford F-350 powerstroke, and a 74 Bronco, my Dad left me his vinyl record collection...I've got original Beatles albums, Wilson Pickett albums, and every single record Merle Haggard ever released, all in their original sleeves....thanks of paying some attention to an American country music legend, and for making me hear my Dad singin Haggard tunes again if only in my head....seriously, this was way cool....✌🏻🇺🇸

[@TheLouise24]

I was lucky enough to see Merle when he first started out and then saw him a year or two before he died. Both were great performances. Thanks for featuring him here. He was married to Bonnie Owens, Buck's ex-wife. She helped him get his start in country music because she was already performing. She if you can find their early performances. She sang harmony with his band for many years after they were divorced.

[@lastone783]

That Bakersfield country music just doesn’t get any better than Merle. He was also great with gospel music. Thanks, Fil❣️

[@falcon5467]

IMO Merle Haggard was the best country music singer and "Lonesome Fugitive" his greatest song. A truly authentic man.

[@judyhinton7131]

I saw Merle in person in 1974 and everyone was mesmerized with him sitting in a chair for 2 hours giving one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen and it was just him and his guitar and his voice and personality!!! I have never forgot that night.

[@kensod6034]

Merle, And his band is so tight.... Merle sings like an angel not an outlaw... Merle makes his telecaster sing... We love Merle... Thanks teach

[@magirusdeutzjupiter2234]

Your explaining of music and every thing else is second to none, best I have ever known or heard. I have also got to hear many artists that I have not known, so special thanks. Oh by the way, Merle Haggard is amazing, I am going to listen to a lot more, cheers Fil for the FANTASTIC videos.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@aloisemason3044]

Country music legend..what a voice and can play his guitar like the best that he is..Meryl Haggard is fantastic on stage..RIP

[@bjohnson4902]

I love this guy's respect for American music. God bless you sir ✝️🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@valjohnson8297]

So so glad you looked at Merle. The greatest singer-songwriter-musician ever on the planet.

[@cherylann9781]

I'm from Bakersfield and grew up listening to Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. The Bakersfield Sound became distinctive from the Nashville Sound, because Buck Owens made a point of the thumbing his nose at what he considered to be the "over produced" slick sound that Nashville was putting out at the time. Nashville's arrogance frustrated Bakersfield musicians having been told they could never be successful outside of the hallowed Halls of Nashville. Buck Owens proved differently and aggravated the powers that be in Nashville. Merle came after Buck, but was no less influential. My father worshipped both of them and I groaned and grumbled about having to listen to them when I was a child, but really grew to appreciate their music as I got older.

[@bellesmom238]

YOU CANT BEAT THE BAKERSFIELD SOUND , KINDA LIKE THE MOTOWN OF COUNTRY MUSIC

[@marshaward6790]

Add Dwight Yoakum!

[@falcon5467]

May I suggest "Bakersfield Bound" by Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen? Great covers of some classic "western" country songs including 2 Buck Owens standards.

[@marshaward6790]

William Harvey 😉 without a doubt!!!

[@RobertLoves]

If you've never checked out The Derailers, their 90s stuff is great. Their influence was 60s surfer music and the Bakersfield sound.

[@davidlayne4147]

Merle was also a great impressionist of other country legends like Buck Owens, Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash. There is a video out there of him doing impressions and they are spot on.

[@prairiebhoy9199]

It's spooky. There's a KZbin of a Glen Campbell show with Merle doing those spot on mimicry of those three....with them on the show too. He was a star at the time....but not as big as he would become so it took balls to do that and they loved it (1972) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKbLd6KYqdFlh9E

[@civlwrbuf]

I still love the guitar intro to his masterpiece song Mama Tried

[@Yesica1993]

YES! One of my favorite songs of all time. (And with the number of songs running about in my head, that's saying a lot!)

[@slothbros7607]

Beautiful song.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

A great song adopted by the Greatful Dead.

[@TexasMagnolia]

Have you heard Keith Urban’s “Coming Home”? He uses the riff paying honor to the Hag.

[@reconnsupernaturalsyndicat1493]

Merle is an Institution. He wrote about the human condition. Not only from a Southern states type style but for everyone. You can't get any better. This man lived and breathed blue collar, railroad hobo living life hard and not apologizing for it and not having to. Blood, Sweat and Beers. Merle & George Jones are the reasons why I got into old school country. Thx brother! Well done.

[@TexasMagnolia]

ReCONN SUPERNATURAL SYNDICATE Spirit Investigations Well written. Have you dug into Willie from the 1950’s to current? If not, highly recommend.

[@55vermeer]

Webb Pierce!

[@reconnsupernaturalsyndicat1493]

@@55vermeer all the original country singers are the best.

[@reconnsupernaturalsyndicat1493]

@@TexasMagnolia of course.

[@55vermeer]

@@reconnsupernaturalsyndicat1493 From Jimmy Rodgers to George Jones, up to about 1965. Genius

[@texadan314]

Memories. Thank you. I graduated HS in 1977. Merle was a favorite and on our Senior Trip someone brought along a Merle Haggard 8-track. We listened to it over and over. I still have a photo of a classmate holding a pool cue like a guitar and another one holding a felt brush like a microphone and I still remember the song was Daddy Frank. I'm 61 years old now.

[@slothbros7607]

great memories :)

[@brettoberry3586]

Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings were on auto repeat in my house growing up in the 70's. My dad loved these tunes and I grew to love them.

[@sistyugler]

Old saying in the Country music world back then. "Nobody wrote 'em like Hank or sung 'em like Merle". So true. His voice was amazing.

[@MickKinneyBassPlayer]

along with George Jones and Cash Merle was one of my biggest inspirations and a young muso. Seen him and this band (same year) At the Empire theatre Liverpool. Lucky also to meet Jones and Cash when l appeared at the Wembley Arena with one of the support acts for Cash. Great Memories. Great. 🎸🎼🎤

[@MrDevtun]

Classic golden era country music. In the early 90's when young artists like Garth Brooks were reaching super stardom, most country music stations refused to play anything before 1987. The way old time country artists were brushed aside was just sad. Rock music stations on the other hand worshipped the classic rock acts of the 60s & 70s. Do one on Don Williams when you get a chance in your busy schedule, Fil.

[@JHargis68]

Country music started to die as an art form, at least on country radio, in about 1990 or so because country radio decided they wanted to jack up their ad revenues by targeting the 18-24 demographic.

[@lorenpriest7604]

Nice take on Merle Haggard Phil!! Love all music mostly but Merle is special!!!

[@carmel1631]

I'm late to your party. It was so great to find this video. Merle Haggard is the best of the best. Thank you!

[@mynewsong9035]

THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT REVIEW. In my opinion Merle Haggard is the greatest country Entertainer that ever lived. He wrote some of the greatest songs I have ever heard. What more can I say.

[@rembrandtpaintingandrestor5007]

Happy Birthday, Merle! Would be 83 today! Love your channel

[@alhollywood6486]

I really appreciate how you get deep into guitar innovators, regardless of genre!

[@lynnettemccreery3937]

Awesome! Of all the 'old country' Merle is my absolute favorite.

[@keithlambert6217]

Anyone can find something to dislike, but you always find the best in whatever you post regardless of the genre. This is the best channel ever.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@jmflyer55]

Merle was such a huge talent. The great heavy voice, and of course that signature Merle Telecaster tone...... And yes, tone IS in the fingers, more so than in the amps and gear.....👍

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

Appreciate how you recognize musicianship across the genres.

[@simonnelerette1971]

for me there was no one any better than Haggard or Jones , glad to see Merle on your video

[@mwgreen9]

If I had teachers in school who were as knowledgeable and enthusiastic as you I'd still be there. Nice video again, Mr. Pegasus.

[@Lockemeister]

In retrospect, I wish I had Fil as a guitar teacher back when I was 16 years old. I probably would have been inspired to pursue a musical career. Of course he probably wasn't even born then. Doh!

[@susieq1565]

@@Lockemeister same here. I've always wanted to be a singer but I'm sure Fil would have seen immediately that I have ZERO talent! 😔lol

[@Lockemeister]

@@susieq1565 Don't sell yourself short Susie Q. I bet you have a wonderful singing voice!

[@susieq1565]

@@Lockemeister I wish! I don't even sing Happy birthday at family gatherings. They won't let me! LOL 🤗

[@1980bwc]

So many people dont realize, that not only did Merle have one of the greatest voices in all of Country music, but he was also an awesome guitarist. I wish he had played more lead guitar in his performances. Roy was amazing, and later on so was Redd and Ben Haggard, but I enjoy hearing Merle play lead from time to time also.

[@frankscarborough1428]

Back again love Merle thanks Fil

[@shanereno3378]

Thanks a million Fil! I love how you teach us about these great artists from the past. My dad was Merle’s veterinarian, and went to his place to work on his horses many times. He loved Merle’s music, as do I. Some of the comments are right on about the Bakersfield sound. Sadly, Trout’s closed down a few years ago, but we have the experiences and memories. Also, Buck Owens built the Crystal Palace, where many big names have played, and many of Merle’s devoted family and friends play frequently. Thank you for putting the Bakersfield sound out there!

[@kayredburn930]

HI FIL GOOD SHOW . MERILE HE IS A GOOD COUNTRY SINGER. I LIKE HIS SONGS.THANKS . SOUNDS GOOD. STAY SAFE OUT THERE .PEACE AND LOVE

[@buckinjb]

You may be the only "reaction KZbinr'" that I know who does homework on the artist being featured, including band members. I do this with my favorite artist, band, record, and recording studios (Including Bray, Pinewood, and of course...Astoria). Good job!!

[@Theearthtraveler]

Thanks!!! He's one of my all time favorites!

[@venesmarie]

wow never listen much to contry in the day ,just a couple ,but now i have a love of all music ,i am impressed

[@davidkarr5119]

Thank you gig guy, appreciate you & what you do.

[@suzannerobbins6293]

Hi Fil! Since I am eclectic with my music I love Merle Haggard! Love his voice...he also could cross over from country to mainstream too! I love how you can analyze so many different sounds! One of many reasons I follow you! You are willing to cover them all! Have a great weekend across the pond! ✌️

[@karlpatterson8437]

I love listening him in his last years. His phrasing was so interesting and mature. Seems like it took fifty years for him to perfect those tones and techniques.

[@Lalrinmawii7]

Fil..thanks. love Merle Haggard.. so sad..he is gone. He was an Awesome singer and sooo talented!!..

[@martymcgill1312]

Not many years after this Merle got heavy into drugs and his hands shook and voice quivered to the point of pity. I loved Merle and as a songwriter myself I saw him from a different perspective, He was unmatched as an all-around music man. Great analysis Fil.

[@karlpatterson8437]

It is really a driving piece the way they play it - so cool. Fil, when I watch you demonstration, I am hearing Don Everly doing "Wake Up Little Suzy" in there.

[@feedwinnie]

I love Merle. I really love his voice, his singing voice. There's so much there. He gave 100%right up until the end. I always have had his records right along with my rock and roll stuff growing up. He was a part of my growing up years being from California and my dad was in country band on the side for many years and knew many people in the business. You should find the clip of his sons Ben, Noel and Marty. They each one are different yet sound so very much like him and look like him at different stages in Merle's career. His influence and impact on them is so strong and the respect they have for upholding their father's legacy is built on solid ground. I continue to be amazed by you Fil. Thanks!😉 You can do Merle anytime!

[@dougieh9676]

I was just listening to Merle!!! Love your channel. Thumbs up 👍

[@jal2us1]

Hello Fil. I am old so I don't remember exact dates. Willie Nelson was the star attraction at our county fair. 1986? His band was Willie and his acoustic guitar. Nothing more. What courage to not have back-up. He was spell-binding.

[@victoriarachelle89]

The greatest of all times. He stands alone. Love you hag

[@keithenpeirsol8412]

I know this is an older video, but I often find myself searching your name and an artist I like just to see what your analysis will be. Great job, friend! Now I’ll head back to more recent posts of yours. 😂

[@conniemoney4459]

Bakersfield. My hometown, born and raised. Listened to Buck and Merle all my life.

[@darlatidwell6255]

Hard working Okie from Muskogee. RIP Merle Haggard, God bless. Nice video File. 👍

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@josieemery8093]

Here I am again! Out in the no time zone and digging another of your analyses. Merl's always been a favourite because of the raw honesty of the songs. I didn't know about Liz Anderson so will check her out. Ta for that. -)

[@kensod6034]

We can hear the guitar great... The muting lesson is great ... Shapes ... I love your explanations... Super Brotherrrrr...

[@burnindownthehouse]

Cool guitar solo! Short, straight to the point, and creative. Fits the song perfectly. Sounded nice. I dig it! Thanks for the video!

[@Craig_Fussell]

“Okie from Muskogee” was one of he first songs I was taught to play on the guitar by my childhood guitar teacher! Later on, I learned to appreciate just how amazing a musician Merle Haggard was and how fantastic his band was!! ✌🏻🎸🎼

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I listen to your videos first thing in the morning now. But you played this one and I had to have Beer with my breakfast croissant. Your videos have 2 constants, never boring and diverse artists.

[@virginia3619]

Thank you for defining terms that are ambivalent, such as "rough around the edges." I find this approach as important to understanding the songs as are your wonderful demos. Also, I grew up in the 70s knowing country music players such as Haggard, Glenn Campbell, and Roy Clark, seeing them on television, but I never really appreciated their musicianship, nor did I particularly like their music. Now I do, and now I gladly listen to their music, understanding its cultural significance as well, and for this I am especially grateful, Fil!

[@buckjohnson1119]

Great video Fil! It is always a pleasure to escape the non stop Murphy's Law in my day, to relax while watching and listening, to you. 👍🏻👍🏻😁

[@Nation4]

This is such a great "episode"! Love the explanation of what the guitarists are doing.

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

If anyone has Sirius XM satellite radio..Dwight Yoakam's Bakersfield Beat plays alot of this kind of genre/ music .

[@larryolson8619]

You are without a doubt the best reactor. 75yrs old, Round Top…….thanks

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@JHargis68]

Merle Haggard was just the damn best there ever was or ever will be.

[@debtorres7793]

Great analysis on Merle Haggard. My husband and I saw Hag in concert and he was amazing. Thanks for the review of this music legend.

[@Saturday288]

OMG that's a hot track. Excellent analysis Fil. Man u can play that thang. So good.

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

Merle was a Giant!!! And, he was just too cool! Got to see him solo and with Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. I love that you appreciate all music. Merle's voice was so unique. Thanks for your analysis.

[@robertdavis6481]

My go to is rock, but I do like the rockabilly feel to this.Thanks for exposing me to this Fil!

[@miriampoole4037]

Another great singer!!!!

[@susiemathews9653]

All music is a gift.

[@rickypurtle5323]

Greatest singer/songwriter of all time!

[@randyrudd5594]

Fil, I really enjoy and appreciate all of your videos, your musical talent, and the plethora of knowledge of the little historical tidbits of each and every artist you spotlight. I wanted to point out with regard to Merle’s sound, how vital and iconic James Burton was in the late sixties/early seventies. He actually played on “WMB” studio cut in March, 1969, capoing on the fourth fret- I always wondered growing up, why that solo had such a strange and interesting voicing. He played the dobro “roll” intro along with Roy Nichols 7th bends on Mama Tried as well! I so enjoy your videos, talent, knowledge and deference to the artists you feature.😊

[@bjohnson4902]

This was my grandfather's favorite song. He worked all his life, and he had nine kids and a wife. Rest in peace Pop Pop.

[@hildareynolds231]

Another great one!

[@rranger1014]

Thanks for amplifying The Hag's chord showcase!

[@shamnet]

The Hag was and is a Legend..

[@chipurBillWhite]

You’re a very gifted man, Fil.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@mariorabottini5687]

I always really enjoyed Merles style of country music! His great voice along with his solid guitar playing and accompanied with his brilliant band was just awesome! Really cool Fil! Cheers Mario! 😀🤘👌

[@lorigibbs2379]

I am from Bakersfield area.. thank u appreciate this.

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

'I think I will just stay here and drink' ....poetry...thanks Fil

[@slothbros7607]

Could be holding you tonight Could stop doing wrong or start doing right You don't care about what I think I think I'll just stay here and drink Hey, putting you down, don't square no deal Least you'll know the way I feel Take all the money in the bank I think I'll just stay here and drink Listen close and you can hear That loud jukebox playing in my ear Ain't no woman gon' change the way I think I think I'll just stay here and drink Hurtin' me know don't mean a thing Since love ain't here, don't feel no pain My mind ain't nothing but a total blank I think I'll just stay here and drink :) as a former bartender this song is dear to my jaded heart.

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

@@slothbros7607 Poetry..Cool...thanks

[@slothbros7607]

@@mevrammcoyoteV8f150 definitely my fav "screw it" drinking song or "Back Side of Thirty" which was a my favorite sad drinking song.

[@plgplgplg]

Great insight Fil. What am I gonna to do with rest of my life, I think I'll stay, Mama tried and more at New Hillbilly are the best of live Merle. His book Sing me back home is awesome too. I'm a blues rock player and not a country fan but this man transcends all.

[@christinavines559]

Hi Phil Hinley I am so 😃 enjoyed this video of Merle Haggard he is a great Talented Male country Singer because is pretty awesome though especially when this performance is very cool 👌

[@christinavines559]

Phil Hinley I had a great Valentine's day do you have a great Valentine's day too along with your parents

[@christinavines559]

Also the video of this male country singer he can sing that great but he is very fantastic like Travis Tritt can lots of nice things like that is very cool 👌 though

[@christinavines559]

Along with Johnny Cash as well he is a great guy he has was wonderful Talented person who is incredible

[@ericwilliamson9516]

Hi Phil enjoy your video. Your analysis is spot on. You seem like a great guy. Keep up the excellent commentary.

[@TranslateToEnglish]

To play in Merle Haggards band I imagine you had to be very, very good. Thanks, dude!

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Fil you're on a great streak for 2020, more more, thank you, really like Merle, Jeff in LA USA

[@JohnnyPerth]

Yes !!! thanks !

[@davidkarr5119]

Enjoyed video very much, as a musician myself, you hit everything you said correctly, thank you for sharing video & you 're knowledge about guitar playing in which you are very good at yourself. Thank you & God Bless you! Keep bringing great video's.

[@JACKPAVAL]

Omg!!! What Great Tone on that lead guitar (Roy). Awesome!!! Another good find . Great job thank you!

[@abbydubois3112]

Another great lesson Fil! and thanks for you respect and appreciation for Merle and this kind of music! I've loved his music for years

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

I grew up on country, and I've always liked Merle quite a lot...but this is the first time I've heard/seen him perform live. I can't believe I've been missing something this good for this many decades.

[@SWarren958]

Fil, this is your Best Video Ever!!!! Thank you for the examples of Mel's playing style!!!! Would you please do the same kind of analysis with Carl Perkins and "Matchbox."

[@bobdelp2023]

HE'S MY 2ND FAVORITE OF ALLLLLL TIME COUNTRY FIL! :) NIIIIIICCCEEE, MY TOP COUNTRY IS ALABAMA, THEY NEVERRRR HAD A BAD SONG FOR 20 YEARS GR8888 JOB AS ALWAYS

[@stevenbrading1437]

Another great pick Fil!

[@ronnie5129]

FIL, THANKS FOR COVERING MERLE AGAIN, AND YOUR GREAT COMMENTS, I REALLY DIG WHEN YOU GET A GUITAR OUT AND PLAY , A PLUS, MAY MERELE R.I.P., I GOT TO MEET HIM TWICE AFTER A SHOW, HE WAS A GRACIOUS MAN, HE SIGNED THINGS FOR PEOPLE, A LOT OF PEOPLE THOUGHT THAT HE COULD NOT PLAY A GUITAR WELL, BUT HE WAS A GREAT GUITAR PLAYER, COUSIN FIGEL

[@rkkotilley358]

Merle an Leon Russel were both masters of space and time

[@slothbros7607]

Leon was brilliant- I was just watching "The Wrecking Crew" last night. :) He would be a great person for Fil to analyze.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

@@slothbros7607 Leon was cool before cool was cool. Great suggestion. He is the man that inspired Elton John.

[@glamgal7106]

Fil, I've been watching your musical analyses videos for quite some time because I sincerely appreciate what you have to offer in them. I just came across your analysis of Merle Haggard's performance. Because I'm also a musician, you teach me new things and remind of what I've learned. Though you did both in your analysis and demonstration, I'd be here for too long mentioning them LOL. You always have me thinking musically which I'm truly grateful for--many thanks for what you do! :)

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem! and thanks for the kind words!

[@shantefrancess5174]

Cannot wait until you write and perform an old country song similar to this many of us are still waiting for you to roll one out please put it at the top of your agenda you will do wonderful no doubt in my mind

[@jocaroljames5755]

Country Attitude, Amen Phil you’re just best as always. Play that guitar. Been missing that smile. Take care my friend. Jcj

[@ZigbertD]

Man, this might be my favorite Merle song, I've watched this video many times, thanks for the analysis of this quintessential Bakersfield/Outlaw song. Sidenote: Merle's lead guitarist for years (a little later than this video) was Redd Volkaert, absolutely one of the best guitarists I've ever heard in country or any other genre. Until very recently, Redd lived here in Austin TX where he played with the band Heybale, kind of an Austin institution. He left not long ago and moved to Virginia, but Heybale has continued and still play regularly (well until COVID shut all the clubs down). They also feature pianist Earl Poole Ball, another absolute country legend. If you don't know him, google his resume and be amazed.

[@mikemaggio4979]

Great reaction Fil, spot on as always!

[@gingerduran1592]

Hi Fil, this was an outstanding analysis (as per your usual) and I shared it on Facebook and Twitter. I'm really loving your demonstrations with the guitar. It helps to visualize (thus learn) what we're hearing and seeing. I have said it before and I'll say it again, we all love your warmth and enthusiasm for all genres of music. Merle is a favorite of mine (along with the Bee Gees!!)Would love to see you do an analysis of Marty Stuart. I saw him in concert this past weekend in San Antonio...he brought the theater to its feet! His band is excellent as well. Thanks in advance. :)

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@A_Gaye]

Love Haggard! His voice is dreamy. Another great video!

[@user-GodsGirl4ever]

The King of Country. Merle Haggard is the coolest.