Introduction:
Merle Haggard Had Four Sons — And All of Them Carried Country Music in Their Blood
Few names loom larger in the history of American country music than Merle Haggard. Revered for his raw honesty, poetic storytelling, and unmistakable voice, Haggard shaped the sound and soul of country music for generations. With countless hits and a career spanning decades, his influence earned him some of the industry’s highest honors, including a Kennedy Center Honor in 2010, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and a BMI Icon Award. He also holds membership in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Haggard passed away on April 6, 2016—his 79th birthday—surrounded by loved ones at his ranch in Shasta County, California. While the world mourned the loss of a legend, his music lived on not only through recordings, but through his family—particularly his sons, all of whom followed him into country music.
Throughout his life, Merle Haggard was married five times and became the father of seven children. Four of his sons—Marty, Noel, Scott, and Ben—each forged their own paths in music, blending personal identity with deep respect for their father’s legacy.
Marty Haggard (Born June 18, 1958)
Before music fully claimed his heart, Marty Haggard explored acting, landing a recurring role on the CBS series The Fitzpatricks and appearing in a film alongside Henry Fonda. Music soon took center stage, and between 1981 and 1987, Marty charted five singles on the Hot Country Songs chart. His father later invited him to join the legendary road band The Strangers, where Marty sang harmonies and played rhythm guitar. His solo success earned him an ACM nomination for Top Male Vocalist in 1985. Since Merle’s passing, Marty has continued touring to keep his father’s music alive.
Noel Haggard (Born September 4, 1963)
Noel’s voice became familiar to fans through both original recordings and family collaborations. He released his own version of “Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa,” a song famously associated with George Strait, which originally appeared on Merle’s 1986 album Out Among the Stars. Noel also toured extensively with his father as part of The Strangers, strengthening the musical bond between generations.
Scott Haggard (Born December 1968)
Although Scott did not grow up within the Haggard household, he always knew who his father was. After working as a truck driver, he committed fully to music in 2006. Scott has since shared stages with respected artists like Mark Wills and Jeff Bates, and he often honors his father by performing classic Haggard songs, including the timeless “Silver Wings.”
Ben Haggard (Born December 14, 1992)
The youngest son, Ben Haggard, may be the most widely recognized today. A gifted guitarist, he played lead guitar in The Strangers for years before his father’s death. Ben built his own following through heartfelt covers shared on social media and has since become a powerful torchbearer of his father’s sound. After Merle’s passing, Ben and his brothers completed and expanded their father’s tour dates, with support from family friend and songwriting icon Kris Kristofferson.
Together, Merle Haggard’s sons prove that his legacy is not frozen in time. It lives on—on stage, in harmony, and in the enduring spirit of country music passed from father to sons.