I will Try!

[bob adams]

To get as much quality video of this man as I can find! If ever there was 'vintage wine' it's Merle, His recent stuff is undoubtedly 'the best yet', as are his guests, Willie, Asleep at the Wheel, etc., and Janie Fricke just there! Great little harmony spar with Norm there at 3.20..

Of a number of people I would love to have met 'in life' Merle has to be tops! There is no other like him, such a shame he's gone!




Give yourself time to watch this one! Poignant towards the end ..... It is for real!

[Danny Mitchell]

Superb, Bob. Great post.

[Ken Byng]

Mike Johnson played on Merle's last album, the one with Willie Nelson - Django and Jimmie. Mike told me last month over dinner that he was able to have a one on one with Merle for about 5 minutes during a break in recording. He said that he was so overawed at that moment that he could hardly string two words together. I can understand that, as meeting a hero can have that effect. Mike said that Merle was very approachable and put him at ease.

I have most of Merle Haggard's albums and live show DVDs, since I was first introduced to his music in 1969. I even have all of the Strangers instrumental albums. Saw him play live twice at my local theatre in Southampton and he was superb. Haggard has a lot of soul in his voice, and people who take the mickey out of country music should treat themselves and give at least one listen to a Haggard track or two. As an aside, Merle Haggard holds the Guinness Book of Records for the biggest round of drinks bought in one go, which was at the Billy Bobs show above. He bought the whole audience a drink!! Great thread Bob.

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Thanks Bob, that was an hour and 23 minutes very well spent.

[Donny Johnston]

Good one Bob.

[Barry]

Nice one Bob, I enjoyed every second.

[johnherring]

Great stuff. I hope you caught The Smith and Rogers show last night. It was all Merle from the 60's on. If you missed it, watch out for the repeats, you won't be disappointed.
All the best.
John H.