BY KAITLYNN LABIT
On April 6, 2016 country legend Merle Haggard passed away on his 79th birthday after complications from pneumonia which he battled for several months.
Merle was a country legend and pioneer with his hit songs like ‘Okie From Muskogee’ (1969) and ‘Mama Tried’ (1969).
Often referred to as the ‘Outlaw of Country Music,’ Merle constructed his own style and twang through the 10,000+ ballads that he wrote throughout his lifetime.
His storytelling lyrics landed more than 100 of his songs on the Billboard Charts as well as multiple ACM and CMA trophies.
The world of country music will miss Merle and the inspiration, mentor, friend and brother he was to many of today’s country music artists:
literally just fell to the floor. can't believe we lost the hag. rip merle haggard
— Dierks Bentley (@DierksBentley) April 6, 2016
Love and prayers for the Haggard family. Merle was a pioneer…a true entertainer…a legend. There will never be another like him.
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) April 6, 2016
The greatest singer songwriter of my lifetime is gone. Thanks for the music and friendship. R.I.P. Hag – T pic.twitter.com/Dncf3mmSdF
— Toby Keith (@TobyKeithMusic) April 6, 2016
https://t.co/U5K6E3CpSe pic.twitter.com/wcvEZbCBFP
— Willie Nelson (@willienelson) April 6, 2016
I just told my little girl @merlehaggard has passed away and gone to heaven. She said, "that's okay daddy,We will get to go to heaven too.
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) April 6, 2016
— Ben Haggard (@BenHaggardMusic) April 6, 2016
