OldiesButGoodies

Country

Noel sings a Merle Haggard classic “Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star” with special guest Clint Strong at Granbury Live! in Granbury, TX. August 2021

Noel Haggard

Introduction:

While the specific performance you mentioned of “Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star” by Noel with Clint Strong at Granbury Live! in August 2021 is a unique live rendition, the song itself is a well-known classic by the legendary Merle Haggard. “Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star” was originally released in November 1987 as the first single from his album “Chill Factor”, which came out in 1988.

The genre of “Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star” firmly resides within country music. Merle Haggard was a cornerstone of traditional country, often blending honky-tonk with Bakersfield Sound influences, characterized by its clear vocals, prominent guitar work, and themes rooted in working-class life and heartfelt emotions. This song is a prime example of his later work, maintaining his signature style while showcasing a slightly more mellow and reflective tone.

“Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star” holds a significant place in Merle Haggard’s extensive catalog. It became his last number one single on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in late 1987 and early 1988, spending one week at the top. This achievement marked a notable moment in his career, signifying his continued relevance and connection with his audience even after decades in the music industry. The single also performed well in Canada, reaching number one on the RPM Country Tracks chart. While not garnering major awards like some of his earlier iconic hits, the song’s chart-topping success further solidified Haggard’s status as a country music icon. Its enduring appeal is evident in its continued airplay and the numerous live performances and covers it has inspired over the years, such as the rendition you described. The song remains a beloved piece in Haggard’s vast discography, appreciated for its sincere lyrics and classic country sound.

Video:

https://youtu.be/5YUoK6kDa-U?si=9W32YkpoMmoOfRBg

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Merle Haggard’s childhood was becoming increasingly chaotic when something entered his life that would eventually change everything: a guitar. His older brother Lowell gave him one when Merle was around 12. Merle began teaching himself, absorbing the records and styles of country heroes such as Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell and Hank Williams. There were no expensive lessons preparing him for Nashville. There was simply a troubled California kid listening closely and learning how another man’s sadness could live inside a melody. Merle would still make plenty of mistakes. Music didn’t instantly rescue him from running away, juvenile detention or eventually prison. But the guitar remained. Years later, millions would recognize Merle’s voice within seconds. Perhaps that’s because he wasn’t merely learning how to sing songs as a boy. He was slowly learning how to tell the truth about his own life.

Merle Haggard rarely needed to invent heartbreak. He had known it since childhood. In 1946, when Merle was only nine years old, his father, James Haggard, died following a stroke. For a boy who deeply needed his father’s presence, the loss became a turning point. His mother, Flossie, worked to support the family. Merle, meanwhile, became increasingly restless. He skipped school, ran away, got into trouble, and began a long journey through juvenile institutions that eventually led somewhere far darker. Looking back at his life, it is difficult not to see that nine-year-old boy behind many of the adult Merle Haggard’s songs. People later called him a rebel, an outlaw and a survivor. But before any of those labels existed, there was simply a grieving boy who had lost his dad—and never seemed to completely outrun that loss.

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