Introduction:
Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, during its grand 75th anniversary celebration in Nashville, Tennessee, country music history came alive once again. Among the most cherished and timeless voices to grace this iconic stage is Merle Haggard — a true legend of American music. This particular moment, captured in conversation with host Freddy Phillips in November 2000, felt less like an interview and more like a heartfelt reunion with one of country’s most enduring heroes.
With the unmistakable presence of The Strangers by his side, Haggard radiated both humility and pride. The occasion was not only about honoring the Opry’s legacy — it was also about celebrating a man whose voice and pen shaped the genre over decades. “It’s not just a pleasure, it’s an honor,” Phillips said, summing up what many fans feel when speaking of Haggard.
The discussion opened with mention of a recent gospel project Haggard had released exclusively through Walmart, a special collaboration featuring none other than Porter Wagoner. Their duet on “The Cabin in the Hills” was particularly memorable — a tender blend of two old friends harmonizing with reverence and depth. Haggard proudly mentioned that this was the first release under his own label, marking a new chapter in creative freedom. Also featured on the gospel record was “Two Old Friends,” a duet with the late Al Brumley, reinforcing Haggard’s deep connection to tradition and spiritual roots.
But that wasn’t all. Haggard had just released a new commercial album, If I Could Only Fly, under Epitaph Records — a project that received glowing reviews and renewed acclaim. “It’s the greatest reviews of anything I’ve ever put out,” he remarked, visibly moved by the response. The album was a return to the raw, honest songwriting that made him a household name.
Reflecting on earlier days, Haggard spoke fondly of his recordings with Wagoner back in the 1970s at Porter’s Fireside Studio in Nashville. Tracks like “Ramen Fever” and “Rose in the Winter” carried the timeless spirit of country music’s golden era, and were recorded alongside legendary voices like Jeannie Seely and Bonnie Owens.
As the conversation turned to the Grand Ole Opry itself, Haggard’s voice softened. “I’ve listened to the Opry since I was too small to do anything else,” he said. That night, he wasn’t just performing — he was standing on the very foundation that shaped his childhood dreams. At 63, he remained dedicated, touring, creating, and living with a passion guided, as he said, by “what the Lord lays out for me.”
Merle Haggard’s appearance that weekend wasn’t merely a performance — it was a reminder of everything country music stands for: resilience, storytelling, and truth. In a world that’s always moving forward, Haggard’s presence is a reassuring link to the soul of the genre. As the music played on, one thing was clear — it truly was a Mighty Merle weekend in Nashville.