Whether planned as his farewell or not, the show was very special, with Merle Haggard's legendary band, the Strangers, backing...Kristofferson on stage for a set that included several Haggard covers in addition to Kristofferson's own hits.

Fifty-four years ago today, on May 16, 1969, Merle Haggard recorded one of the biggest hits of his career....It was on that date the the singer recorded "Workin' Man Blues," from his 1969 album A Portrait of Merle Haggard.

Haggard and more...."Among country acts, only Merle Haggard and Alan Jackson have written more of their own hits, and if Toby were here, he'd tell

Fifty-three years ago today, on May 22, 1970, Merle Haggard landed at the top of the charts....“We wrote it to be satirical originally,” Haggard explains.

You know you're a legend when you get name-checked -- and Merle Haggard's name comes up in quite a few country songs....is well-known for its title track, in which he sings about the original and irreplaceable talents of Haggard, Waylon Jennings,

California native Merle Haggard may not have actually been an "Okie from Muskogee," but that very city will soon award the influential...On Wednesday (March 29), the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the Merle Haggard Statue Committee announced their plans to install

At various points it'd be easy to argue for legends including Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Garth Brooks — heck, maybe it still..."Not only does George Strait belong on the mountain, I think he’d be second to only Merle Haggard," writes @hfled on YouTube.

Like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard." "90s country too," Jelly adds.

Hardin (another TCB band mate, who has also recorded with Merle Haggard, Kenny Rogers and many more) and steel guitar player Red

Fifty-three years ago today (March 14, 1970), Merle Haggard scored his ninth No. 1 hit with his single "The Fightin' Side of Me...Merle Haggard, "The Fightin' Side of Me" Lyrics: I hear people talking bad / About the way they have to live here in this country