Today is Merle Haggards, 79th birthday. It is also, sadly, the day he died. He actually told his family a week ago that he would probably pass away on his birthday…and he did.
The “Okie from Muskogee” was another one of my Dad’s favourite country singers, so he was one of mine too. I remember going with Dad to a concert featuring Merle Haggard, Willy Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. My Mom was supposed to go but wasn’t feeling well so I met Dad in Vancouver, we had some dinner and then went to the show.
To be honest, I probably would not have bought a ticket of my own to go; however, I was so glad I did. All three were so good individually and when they got together it was like we were invited into their own little jam session.
Country music is so much about telling stories and Mr. Haggard was very good at it – songs like “Okie”, “Mama Tried”, “Working Man Blues”, and “I Wonder If They Ever Think Of Me”.
I don’t think there is any chance of us not thinking of you, Merle. Thank you for all your good music and memories.
Lydia!
Being Lydia! 
aaaw bless you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. My Dad really gave me a gift in the appreciation of all genres of music.
LikeLike