Mel Ronald Haggard is a talented country music artist, primarily known for his vocalist and songwriting skills. In addition to his singing and lyric talents, he is also adept at playing guitar and violin, making him an all-around musician.
Haggard is considered a legend in the country music industry for his outstanding musical talents and a career that spanned five decades.
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- Full name: Merle Ronald Haggard
- Stage name: Merle Haggard
- Date of birth: April 6, 1937
- Date of death: April 6, 2016 (aged 79)
- Birthplace: Olddale, California
- Country: United States
- Occupation: singer, songwriter, guitarist
- Height: 1.75 m
- Parents: James Francis Haggard and Flossie Mae Harp
- Siblings: Lillian Haggard and James Lowell Haggard
- spouse:
- Leona Hobbs (m. 1956, div. 1964)
- Bonnie Owens (m. 1965, divorced 1978)
- Leona Williams (m. 1978, div. 1983)
- Debbie Parrett (m. 1985, div. 1991)
- Theresa Ann Lane ( m. 1993)
- Children: Ben Haggard, Marty Haggard, Noel Haggard, Janissa Haggard, Kelly Haggard, Dana Haggard
- Marital status: Married
- Net worth: $40 million
Early life and education
Mel Ronald Haggard was a beloved American country singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was born on April 6, 1937 in Olddale, California, to parents Flossie Mae and James Francis Haggard.
The Haggards originally lived in Checotah, Oklahoma, but were forced to move to California during the Great Depression after a fire in 1934 destroyed their barn.
Haggard’s upbringing in a working-class family greatly influenced his music and lyrics, which often reflected the struggles and experiences of common people.
Due to his rebellious character and frequent incarceration in reformatories, Haggard’s formal education was likely disrupted and limited. However, this did not stop him from becoming a successful country music singer and songwriter, whose songs often reflected his troubled past.
Despite having no formal education, Haggard’s talent and determination led him to success in the music industry.
Profession
Mel Ronald Haggard is a celebrated country music artist known for his raw, powerful musical style, which was influenced by his early struggles and life experiences.
After being incarcerated as a youth, Haggard moved to Bakersfield, California, where he was exposed to the “Bakersfield Sound,” a style of music characterized by simplicity and authenticity that greatly influenced Haggard’s musical style.
He rose to fame in the late 1960s, with hits like: “The Fugitive” and “Sing Me Home” The play resonated with audiences because of its relatable subject matter and Haggard’s unique voice.
He also became a prominent figure in the “outlaw country” movement, challenging Nashville’s sophisticated mainstream with his rebellious spirit and unconventional lyrics.
Mel Ronald Haggard is one of country music’s most influential and successful figures, leaving a lasting impact on country music and its fans. Known for his chart-topping and critically acclaimed songwriting, he has won numerous accolades and awards.
“Haggard’s legacy extends beyond his musical achievements, as he stood up for his artistic vision and used his platform to address important social issues. His independent spirit and dedication to his art continue to inspire aspiring musicians and fans alike.”
Awards and nominations
Grammy Awards:
- 2006: Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2006 (Nominated): Best Country Collaboration Award ( ‘Politically incorrect’ With Gretchen Wilson)
- 2005 (Nominated): Best Country Collaboration Award ( “Pancho and Lefty” With Toby Keith and Willie Nelson)
- 2002 (Nominated): Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album ( “Two old friends”）
- 2000 (Nominated): Best Spoken Word Album “Merle Haggard’s ‘House of My Memories’ – For the Record”）
Academy of Country Music Awards:
- 2014: Crystal Milestone Award
- 2009: Poet Award
- 2007 (Nominated): ACM Vocal Performance of the Year Award ( ‘Politically incorrect’ With Gretchen Wilson, John Rich and Mark Wright)
- 2006: Triple Crown Award
- 1999 (Nominated): ACM Vocal Event of the Year Award ( “Same old train” With Ricky Skaggs, Randy Travis and Patty Loveless)
Other honors:
- Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (1977)
- Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (1994)
- Inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame (1997)
- Kennedy Center Honors (2010)
- BMI Icon Award (2006)
social media
- Instagram: @merlehaggardofficial
- Facebook: Merle Haggard
- Twitter: @merlehaggard
personal life
Merle Haggard had a complicated personal life. He was married five times, each of which brought unique challenges and joys. His first wife was Leona Hobbs.
They were married from 1956 to 1964 and had four children: Dana, Marty, Kelli and Noel. Marty Haggard followed in his father’s footsteps and became a country music singer.
Haggard’s second marriage to country singer Bonnie Owens was arguably his most important. They were married from 1965 to 1978 and recorded a duet album called “Just between the two of us.”
Haggard credits Bonnie with helping him achieve great success in the music industry, and their duet became one of his most popular songs. Although Haggard and Owens eventually divorced, they remained close friends until Owens’ death in 2016.
His third wife was Leona Williams, an accomplished singer and songwriter, and they were married from 1978 to 1984. Haggard’s fourth marriage was to Debbie Parret in 1985, but they divorced in 1991.
His fifth and final wife was Theresa Lane, to whom he was married from 1993 until her death in 2016. They had two children, Ben and Jenessa.
Record/Movie Works
Merle Haggard discography:
- Studio albums: 66
- Instrumental albums: 5 (performed by his backing band The Strangers)
- Live and compilation albums: Many
Merle Haggard Filmography:
- Bronco Billy (1980): Haggard plays himself in this Clint Eastwood western comedy.
- The Lone Ranger (1981): Haggard composed the music for this TV movie.
- Schick (1993): Haggard had a supporting role in this TV movie about Wild Bill Schick.
net worth
Merle Haggard is an influential figure in country music, known for his unique blend of traditional country music and country honky-tonk sound.
He was a prolific songwriter who wrote many hits and songs for other artists. In addition to his successful music career, Haggard had a net worth of $40 million when he died in 2016.
