Merle Haggard - Musicians, Career and Family
Merle Haggard's Personal Details
Merle Haggard was an influential and renowned American country singer, song-writer, guitarist, fiddler and instrumentalist
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birthday | April 6, 1937 |
| Died on | April 6, 2016 |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous | Musicians, Guitarists, Lyricists & Songwriters, Country Musicians, Singers |
| City/State | California |
| Spouses | Theresa Ann Lane (m. 1993), Bonnie Owens (m. 1968–1978), Debbie Parret (m. 1985–1991), Leona Hobbs (m. 1956–1964), Leona Williams (m. 1978–1983) |
| Known as | The Hag |
| Childrens | Ben Haggard, Dana Haggard, Jenessa Haggard, Kelli Haggard, Marty Haggard, Noel Haggard |
| Birth Place | Oildale, California, United States |
| Gender | Male |
| Father | James Francis |
| Mother | Flossie Mae (née Harp) Haggard |
| Sun Sign | Aries |
| Born in | Oildale, California, United States |
| Died at Age | 79 |
// Famous Musicians
Ted Nugent
Ted Nugent is a hard rock musician known for his hits ‘Stranglehold’ and ‘Cat Scratch Fever’. This biography of Ted Nugent provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline.
Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters was a blues musician referred to as the 'father of modern Chicago blues.' Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.
Travis Bacon
Travis Bacon is an American musician and actor, better known as the son of veteran actors Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick. Find more about his family, birthday, etc.
Merle Haggard's photo
Who is Merle Haggard?
Merle Haggard was among the most influential figures in country music. He created a unique kind of music by infusing traditional elements with the sound of ‘Fender’ guitar and new vocal styles. A native of Bakersfield, Haggard struggled during his childhood with respiratory condition which didn’t allow him to attend school. Also his father’s untimely death made him rebellious. Even as he learnt to play the guitar, his personal life was extremely turbulent and he repeatedly got imprisoned for various petty crimes. Following many insubordination, he had an epiphany after spending time with a death-row inmate following which, he turned around his life, got parole and started focusing on his music career. He achieved fame very soon with his unique and appealing music and churned out a series of number-one tracks. Over the next two decades, he established himself as one of the most influential and commercially successful country musicians, as well as a supporter of the working classes. His influence spread to other artists as well. In spite of his age and health issues, he retained his passion for music and gave live performances for his devoted fans.
// Famous Guitarists
Israel Houghton
Israel Houghton is a Grammy award-winning American Christian music recording artist, songwriter, producer and worship leader. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family, personal life, etc.
Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters was a blues musician referred to as the 'father of modern Chicago blues.' Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.
Syd Barrett
Syd Barrett was an English musician best known as a member of the band Pink Floyd. Check out this biography to know about his birthday, childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.
Childhood & Early Life
Merle Haggard was born to James Francis, a railroad worker, and Flossie Mae, in Bakersfield, California on April 6, 1937. His family stayed in a boxcar which had been converted into a house. He couldn’t attend school due to a respiratory condition which made him bedridden.
When Haggard was eight years old, his father died of brain haemorrhage, which affected Haggard’s childhood. After this, his mother started working as a bookkeeper. At the age of twelve, Haggard got his brother’s guitar and learned to play it by himself.
Following his father’s demise, he gradually became a rebel and was sent to a juvenile detention centre but to no avail. He indulged in petty thievery, forgery and shoplifting. On being sent to the detention centre again, he ran away to Texas with his friend and travelled throughout the state.
After his return from the trip, he did another stint at the detention centre, but escaped yet again and went to Modesto, California where he did numerous odd jobs such as truck driver, cook, hay pitcher, etc. During this period, he started performing at bars with his friend.
In the early 1950s, he was sent to prison three more times for different offences. At country musician Lefty Frizzell’s concert, Frizzell heard him singing backstage and pushed Haggard to sing on-stage. Due to the audiences’ good response, he made up his mind to take up music as a career.
He ran into financial problems and tried in vain to rob an inn in 1957, subsequently getting arrested and imprisoned that year. He had a turbulent time in prison as he was involved in failed escape attempts, starting illegal activities like gambling, drinking etc.
He spent time in solitary confinement with an inmate on death row, which convinced him to forgo his illegal activities. He studied high-school courses, worked at the textile plant in prison and played guitar for the prison’s country music band. His reformed ways earned him parole in 1960.
Career
Soon after his release, he pursued his music career and performed at a bar in Bakersfield. After some time he moved to Las Vegas and began playing bass guitar for Lynn Stewart. In 1962, he signed for ‘Tally Records’ and recorded five songs.
Over the next few years, he formed ‘Strangers’, his backing band with whom he released his first studio album, ‘Strangers’. He signed with ‘Capitol Records’ in 1965 and collaborated with songwriter Liz Anderson for two tracks, including ‘I'm a Lonesome Fugitive’, his first number one song.
From 1967 to 1969, he released six number one singles, such as ‘Branded Man’, ‘Mama Tried’ and ‘Workin’ Man Blues’. His song ‘Okie from Muskogee’, which Haggard wrote in response to the American protests against Vietnam War, achieved widespread popularity and acclaim.
At this time many other artists like the rock band ‘Grateful Dead’, country rock band ‘The Flying Burrito Brothers’, folk singer ‘Joan Baez’ and rock and roll singers ‘Everly Brothers’ began using and performing his songs.
In the early 1970s, he consistently delivered number-one hits such as ‘Someday We'll Look Back’, ‘Carolyn’, ‘Grandma Harp’, ‘Always Wanting You’, ‘The Roots of My Raising’ etc. as he dominated country-music charts.
Haggard’s success continued till the mid-1980s as his songs established him as a supporter of the working classes. His most popular albums were ‘The Fightin' Side of Me’, ‘Someday We'll Look Back’ and ‘If We Make It Through December’.
By the later 1980s, many new younger singers started coming to the fore as Haggard’s dominance receded. However, most of these new singers were influenced by Haggard. ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star’ remains his last number one song.
In the 2000s, he returned to mainstream following a period of relative inactivity with a series of albums, including the acclaimed ‘If I Could Only Fly’ and ‘Chicago Wind’.
Major Works
Haggard’s 1969 single ‘Okie From Muskogee’ is among his most famous songs and also served as a political statement. The song is a satire on the reactions of patriotic small-town Americans to the Vietnam War protests. Commercially, the song was a huge success as it spent four weeks atop the ‘U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles’ charts.
Awards & Achievements
Haggard was awarded the ‘Top Male Vocalist’ award in 1966 by the ‘Academy of Country Music’.
In 1969, he received the ‘Album of the Year’ from the ‘Academy of Country Music’ for his album ‘Okie from Muskogee’.
He received a ‘Grammy Award’ in 1984 in the category ‘Best Country Vocal Performance, Male’ for the track ‘That's The Way Love Goes’.
In 1999, he won a ‘Grammy Hall of Fame Award’ for one of his earliest albums, ‘Mama Tried’.
Personal Life & Legacy
Haggard married Leona Hobbs in 1956 and had four children from her. They divorced in 1964.
He got married successful country singer Bonnie Owens in 1965. She played a vital role in shaping his career. The couple divorced after thirteen years together.
His next two marriages to Leona Williams and Debbie Parret and lasted five and six years respectively.
In 1993, he married his last wife Theresa Ann Lane with whom he had two children, Jenessa and Ben.
He admitted past use of marijuana and cocaine, but quit them both soon after starting. In 1995, he was treated by angioplasty to clear blocked arteries.
He contacted Lung Cancer in 2008 and had to undergo surgery to remove a part of his lung containing the tumor. Post the surgery, he recovered rapidly and began touring and performing again.
He died of complications from pneumonia on the morning of April 6, 2016, on his 79th birthday, at his home in Palo Cedro, California.
Trivia
Owing to his popularity at the time, this American country musician was granted a pardon in 1972 for his prison sentence by former actor and then-governor of California Ronald Reagan.
// Famous Country Musicians
Keith Urban
Keith Urban is a Grammy Award winning country music singer and guitarist. This biography of Keith Urban provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline.
Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr is the legendary drummer for ‘The Beatles’. He is also a singer, songwriter and actor. This biography profiles his childhood, life, music career, achievements and timeline.
Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson is an American singer, songwriter and actor. This biography profiles his childhood, career, life, achievements & timeline.
Merle Haggard biography timelines
- // 6th Apr 1937Merle Haggard was born to James Francis, a railroad worker, and Flossie Mae, in Bakersfield, California on April 6, 1937. His family stayed in a boxcar which had been converted into a house. He couldn’t attend school due to a respiratory condition which made him bedridden.
- // 1945When Haggard was eight years old, his father died of brain haemorrhage, which affected Haggard’s childhood. After this, his mother started working as a bookkeeper. At the age of twelve, Haggard got his brother’s guitar and learned to play it by himself.
- // 1956 To 1964Haggard married Leona Hobbs in 1956 and had four children from her. They divorced in 1964.
- // 1957He ran into financial problems and tried in vain to rob an inn in 1957, subsequently getting arrested and imprisoned that year. He had a turbulent time in prison as he was involved in failed escape attempts, starting illegal activities like gambling, drinking etc.
- // 1960He spent time in solitary confinement with an inmate on death row, which convinced him to forgo his illegal activities. He studied high-school courses, worked at the textile plant in prison and played guitar for the prison’s country music band. His reformed ways earned him parole in 1960.
- // 1962Soon after his release, he pursued his music career and performed at a bar in Bakersfield. After some time he moved to Las Vegas and began playing bass guitar for Lynn Stewart. In 1962, he signed for ‘Tally Records’ and recorded five songs.
- // 1965Over the next few years, he formed ‘Strangers’, his backing band with whom he released his first studio album, ‘Strangers’. He signed with ‘Capitol Records’ in 1965 and collaborated with songwriter Liz Anderson for two tracks, including ‘I'm a Lonesome Fugitive’, his first number one song.
- // 1965He got married successful country singer Bonnie Owens in 1965. She played a vital role in shaping his career. The couple divorced after thirteen years together.
- // 1966Haggard was awarded the ‘Top Male Vocalist’ award in 1966 by the ‘Academy of Country Music’.
- // 1967 To 1969From 1967 to 1969, he released six number one singles, such as ‘Branded Man’, ‘Mama Tried’ and ‘Workin’ Man Blues’. His song ‘Okie from Muskogee’, which Haggard wrote in response to the American protests against Vietnam War, achieved widespread popularity and acclaim.
- // 1969Haggard’s 1969 single ‘Okie From Muskogee’ is among his most famous songs and also served as a political statement. The song is a satire on the reactions of patriotic small-town Americans to the Vietnam War protests. Commercially, the song was a huge success as it spent four weeks atop the ‘U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles’ charts.
- // 1969In 1969, he received the ‘Album of the Year’ from the ‘Academy of Country Music’ for his album ‘Okie from Muskogee’.
- // 1972Owing to his popularity at the time, this American country musician was granted a pardon in 1972 for his prison sentence by former actor and then-governor of California Ronald Reagan.
- // 1984He received a ‘Grammy Award’ in 1984 in the category ‘Best Country Vocal Performance, Male’ for the track ‘That's The Way Love Goes’.
- // 1993In 1993, he married his last wife Theresa Ann Lane with whom he had two children, Jenessa and Ben.
- // 1995He admitted past use of marijuana and cocaine, but quit them both soon after starting. In 1995, he was treated by angioplasty to clear blocked arteries.
- // 1999In 1999, he won a ‘Grammy Hall of Fame Award’ for one of his earliest albums, ‘Mama Tried’.
- // 2008He contacted Lung Cancer in 2008 and had to undergo surgery to remove a part of his lung containing the tumor. Post the surgery, he recovered rapidly and began touring and performing again.
- // 6th Apr 2016He died of complications from pneumonia on the morning of April 6, 2016, on his 79th birthday, at his home in Palo Cedro, California.
// Famous Singers
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell is an American singer and songwriter. Check out this biography to know about her childhood, family, personal life, birthday, etc.
Isaak Presley
All about American actor and singer Isaak Presley including his age, birthday, family life, girlfriends, net worth, and some fun facts.
Sophia Montero
Sophia Montero is an American singer and YouTuber. Let’s have a look at her family and personal life including age, date of birth, net worth, relationships, and fun facts.
Zach Herron
All about American singer and Instagram personality including his age, birthday, girlfriends, net worth, and some fun facts.
Devin Gordon
All about American Pop singer and internet celebrity Devin Gordon, including his age, birthday, family life, girlfriends, net worth, and some fun facts.
Omarion
Omarion is an American singer, rapper, and actor. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about his life.
Merle Haggard's FAQ
What is Merle Haggard birthday?
Merle Haggard was born at 1937-04-06
When was Merle Haggard died?
Merle Haggard was died at 2016-04-06
Where was Merle Haggard died?
Merle Haggard was died in Palo Cedro, California, U.S.
Which age was Merle Haggard died?
Merle Haggard was died at age 79
Where is Merle Haggard's birth place?
Merle Haggard was born in Oildale, California, United States
What is Merle Haggard nationalities?
Merle Haggard's nationalities is American
Who is Merle Haggard spouses?
Merle Haggard's spouses is Theresa Ann Lane (m. 1993), Bonnie Owens (m. 1968–1978), Debbie Parret (m. 1985–1991), Leona Hobbs (m. 1956–1964), Leona Williams (m. 1978–1983)
Who is Merle Haggard childrens?
Merle Haggard's childrens is Ben Haggard, Dana Haggard, Jenessa Haggard, Kelli Haggard, Marty Haggard, Noel Haggard
Who is Merle Haggard's father?
Merle Haggard's father is James Francis
Who is Merle Haggard's mother?
Merle Haggard's mother is Flossie Mae (née Harp) Haggard
What is Merle Haggard's sun sign?
Merle Haggard is Aries