Merle Haggard, country music legend has died as the age of 79.
Grammy Award winning Haggard passed away today, Wednesday April 6, which happens to be his birthday, from pneumonia in his home town.
Songs such as “Okie from Muskogee” and “Fightin’ Side of Me” made Haggard an artist that changed country music by returning to it’s roots. His career spanned over five decades as a songwriter, singer, guitarist, fiddler and instrumentalist with 38 No.1 hits and awards. Along with Buck Owens, Haggard help pave the path for the Bakersfield sound, a twangy, guitar driven, hard edged style of country.
The petty crime as a youth, financial insecurity and freight-car hopping all inspired songs that spoke to the a certain group of people. Many artists looked up to Haggard and were inspired by him. He definitely made his mark in the music industry and leaves behind such an empowering story.
A true hero was lost today. Thank you for your contribution to not only country music but all music. @merlehaggard
— Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) April 6, 2016
Saddened by the loss of Merle. We lost a bad ass man, a great poet! I love you Merle. Prayers for his family. R.I.P. #MerleHaggard
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) April 6, 2016
It felt like the world stopped for a moment when I heard about Merle Haggard…such an icon…thanks for your gift to all of us brother
— Brett Eldredge (@bretteldredge) April 6, 2016
literally just fell to the floor. can't believe we lost the hag. rip merle haggard
— Dierks Bentley (@DierksBentley) April 6, 2016
extremely sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest of all time Mr. Merle Haggard… https://t.co/hmAlAdA8pl pic.twitter.com/s9VhxkXz57
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) April 6, 2016
Love and prayers for the Haggard family. Merle was a pioneer…a true entertainer…a legend. There will never be another like him.
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) April 6, 2016
The world will not be the same without @merlehaggard in it. Voice of reason, good man, true American artist. An original. RIP #MerleHaggard
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) April 6, 2016