I never listened to Merle much until just recently when I bought an album of duets done with ***** Nelson. Awesome album and makes me want to learn more about Merle's other work through his career.

Gustave

 

What turned out to be his last concert has an interesting story behind it. Merle's lungs gave out, but he didn't want to cancel halfway through the show. Toby Keith happened to be in the audience. Merle asked Toby "How many of my songs do you know?"

"All of them" he replied. "And I won't need a Teleprompter."

So Toby sang while Merle played guitar.

 

Great story about Toby Keith and Merle. The last time I saw Merle live was here in San Diego a number of years ago...he was so drunk that it took him about a half an hour to get into the groove. No one in the audience minded, it was just great to see him in person...at least he showed up. Sorry George.

 

...hmmm.. What truck did Merle Haggard have?

 

He had a FORD truck...

 

..Would love to see pictures of it. Always Always like to see pictures of neat ol Fords.
Stan. ......

 

A friend of mine from my hometown in North Dakota accidently met Merle a few years ago. They sat down & visited about many things and Merle asked Rick what he did for a living. Rick told him he farmed & this lead to discussing crops. One of the crops he raises is pinto beans & Merle said he really like them. After he got home, Rick sent Merle some beans and from that a friendship continued for several years. Rick received an invitation to his funeral & is flying out for it today. Merle referred to Rick as being his "bean guy". My understanding is that Mr. Haggard was a very nice man and that he & Rick both appreciated their friendship.

Grant

 

RIP Merle. I enjoyed his music and had several of his albums. Dude could grow a pair of sideburns!