Introduction:
In a heartfelt and nostalgic sit-down on Southern Country, legendary country singer Merle Haggard opened up about the journey that shaped him into one of the most respected voices in American music. Hosted by Horace Upton, this episode was more than just an interview—it was a rare and personal look into the life and career of a man often called the “Poet Laureate of the Common Man.”
Merle Haggard was introduced not just as a country music icon, but as a “living legend,” a title recently given to him by Music City News. What made the accolade special was that it came directly from the fans—a viewer’s choice award that cut through the politics of the industry and spoke to the hearts he had touched.
As the conversation unfolded, Haggard spoke candidly about the raw, lived experiences behind his songwriting. From hopping freight trains to sleeping in hobo jungles, Merle never strayed far from the stories he sang. His lyrics are steeped in authenticity, because, as he explained, he only writes what he knows. “I can’t make up a song very well—I have to live it first,” he said with a quiet conviction.
He recalled the early days of inspiration, listening to Jimmie Rodgers and Lefty Frizzell, and performing in small venues like the High Pockets bar in California. It was in places like these, packed with no more than 40 people, where Merle began to find his voice—a voice that would eventually echo across decades.
With a new album, Blue Jungle, and a fresh start under Curb Records, Haggard continued addressing the themes closest to his heart: love, life, patriotism, and the struggles of everyday people. Songs like “When It Rains It Pours” and “Me and Crippled Soldiers” boldly speak on topics like homelessness and flag desecration, reflecting his deep-rooted sense of American identity.
The episode also revisited some of Haggard’s biggest career moments. From his 1963 debut “Sing Me a Sad Song” to his first number-one hit, “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive,” and of course, the patriotic anthem “Okie from Muskogee.” Released at the height of the Vietnam War, the song stirred both praise and controversy, yet stood as a proud statement of values at a time when it wasn’t popular to be patriotic.
Merle’s career was also filled with notable collaborations—working with Willie Nelson and George Jones, paying tribute to musical pioneers like Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills, and even participating in the Apollo 16 mission with his music traveling to the moon. His musical legacy expanded beyond traditional country into gospel, Dixieland jazz, and Western Swing, always honoring the roots of American sound.
In a closing moment of gratitude, host Horace Upton thanked Merle Haggard for his candor, his music, and his enduring impact. This wasn’t just an interview—it was a reminder that Merle’s voice, shaped by hardship, conviction, and soul, remains one of the most sincere ever recorded in country music history.