Merle Haggard, RIP -- April 9, 2016

www.listal.com

I sad to learn of the passing of Merle Haggard.  I was never much of a country fan, but his stuff was good, and my father, who had little use for music liked Hag's music. Haggard was born in Oildale and was a pioneer of the Bakersfield Sound, along with Buck Owens.  His parents migrated from Oklahoma and he grew up poor.  He did time at San Quentin.  He used all that in his art. Bob Wills and Jimmie Rodgers were big influences.