Became a huge Haggard fan later in life. Came from similar Bakersfield roots.
Unbelievably gifted singing, song writing and musical talent...as confirmed by many comments from many other artists over many years from across the various parts of of the domestic and international music industry, as well as the many prestigious awards given in his honor while he was alive and some of the tribute songs put out by fellow artists after his death...like Vince Gill and Willy Nelson.
Merle could never categorically be simply defined by his music alone...even though a strong sense of patriotism and populism clearly runs through many of the lyrics with some of his hundreds of published songs...not just “The Fighting Side of Me.” He died leaving in his estate a huge trove of unpublished written songs.
Yes I always thought some of his songs would make great theme songs for political campaigns. Unfortunately his Okie from Muskogee and The Fighting Side of Me served to more or less make him persona non grata with America’s counter culture of the 60s...the progenitors of today’s libtards.
Yes Haggard was quite unique. Few even realize that he was inspired by Johnny Cash. Haggard was in prison and saw Cash do a concert for the convicts. Haggard being one of those convicts.
Years later he was invited on Jonny Cash’s television variety show. Which brought out millions of complaints. Oh, how dare Cash bring a convict on his show to sing.
Haggard was a man who learned his lesson, and went on to become famous for his talent. He was an original American story if there ever was one. He loved America, because America gave him another chance to become something besides an ex-convict.