American Songwriter

On This Day in 1966, Merle Haggard Released His First No. 1 Single—a Song With Two Titles That He Almost Never Recorded

Fifty-nine years ago today, Merle Haggard released what would later become his first single to reach the top of the country ...
Whiskey Riff

Merle Haggard Almost Didn’t Record His First #1 Hit Single, “The Fugitive” – “Made A Whole New Day For Me”

One of The Hag's most autobiographical songs, indeed. On this date in 1966, Merle Haggard released his single "The Fugitive," which would later be know as "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive," which ultimately ...
American Songwriter

Merle Haggard’s Pick for “the Greatest Singer I’ve Ever Heard” Has a Surprising Connection to the Goo Goo Dolls

One of Merle Haggard's all-time favorite singers has a surprising connection to The Goo Goo Dolls. Small world indeed.
Entertainment Focus

Is Merle Haggard’s ‘If We Make it Through December’ the best Country music Christmas song?

A raw, unfiltered portrait of working-class America at Christmastime—one that still resonates just as deeply half a century ...
Yahoo

Grand Ole Opry celebrates 100 years with 100 top songs: Did Oklahoma hits make the list?

The Grand Ole Opry turns 100, and to celebrate, the iconic institution for country music is letting the fans decide which are the best songs in the genre’s history. The opry has slowly revealed a list ...
Tennessean

Willie Nelson to cover hits by Merle Haggard on new 78th solo album

Willie Nelson is releasing "Workin' Man: Willie Sings Merle," his 78th solo album, as a tribute to Merle Haggard. The new album features 11 covers of Haggard's songs, including "Workin’ Man Blues" and ...