Merle Haggard at Bulls on the Beach
Courtesy of Randy Owens Photography
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Country Music has lost a legend. Merle Haggard, who turned 79 today, died Wednesday (April 6th) in California, surrounded by friends and family.

According to UMG Nashville:

The Country Music Hall of Famer had been in failing health for quite some time, diagnosed with double pneumonia in December, which led to the cancellation of several dates, including a two-night stand at the Ryman Auditorium..

Many of country music’s brightest stars took to Twitter to offer their thoughts:

  • Alan Jackson ‏@OfficialJackson 
    “We lost one of the greatest singer/songwriters since Hank Williams. Inspiration to millions, great American, thank you Merle. I’ll miss you.”
  • Luke Bryan ‏@LukeBryanOnline 
    “A true hero was lost today. Thank you for your contribution to not only country music but all music. @merlehaggard
  • Keith Urban ‏@KeithUrban 
    “One of the gr8 concert memories I have is seeing Merle and the Strangers at the Ryman in Nashville. We had a ‘live’ album of his when I was growing up and I felt like I’d fallin’ inside my Dad’s stereo speakers. One of my all time favorite voices – and a master songwriter. Blessings to your soulful spirit Merle & all of you family & loved ones.” – KU
  • Hillary Scott ‏@HillaryScottLA
    “You are a cornerstone of country music @merlehaggard…u will be missed greatly. Praying for the Haggard family.”
  • KACEY MUSGRAVES ‏@KaceyMusgraves 
    “I think I’ll just stay here and drink.”
  • Billy Currington ‏@billycurrington 
    “rip @merlehaggard thank you for all the great music u blessed us with. we will play it forever.”
  • Dierks Bentley ‏@DierksBentley 
    “Literally just fell to the floor. can’t believe we lost the hag. rip merle haggard.”
  • Toby Keith ‏@TobyKeithMusic 
    “The greatest singer songwriter of my lifetime is gone. Thanks for the music and friendship. R.I.P. Hag. – T”
  • GaryAllan ‏@GaryAllan
    “Merle was my all-time hero. Today we lost one of the greatest songwriters of country music and I will always regret not recording with him. He was a legend and I was honored whenever we got the chance to share a stage with him. Thank you for the inspiration, the advice and for always being you. I, as well as the entire music community, will miss you Merle.”
  • Darius Rucker ‏@dariusrucker
    “Heaven’s band just got better! RIP to the LEGENDARY @merlehaggard. Your music will never die!”
  • Jon Pardi ‏@JonPardi 
    “Sad day today @merlehaggard has passed. RIP to a true songwriter, a pioneer of California Country, and country music.”
  • Kip Moore ‏@KipMooreMusic 
    “RIP Merle…you paved the way for so many. You had what we all hope for…a voice that matters and survives the ever changing trends.”
  • Josh Turner ‏@joshturnermusic 
    “Pains me to say that country music icon @merlehaggard has passed away. So honored to have known him and shared the stage with him. Thanks Merle for all you’ve done for us!”
  • Mickey Guyton ‏@MickeyGuyton 
    “RIP Merle Haggard. Heaven’s choir just got a heck of a lot better.”
  • George Strait was a huge fan of Merle Haggard’s. He says, “When I was in the Army and stationed at Schofield barracks in Hawaii, you know Merle came there, and he played Conroy Bowl.  And I remember I was playing an NCO club that night, and before my little gig, I got to run over there and I kinda snuck in and saw Merle and it just blew me away. That’s what I wanted to be like, you know, I wanted to be like the Hag. And so, I can’t tell you how big of an influence he was on me, just huge.”

We got a chance to see Merle Haggard one last time at Bulls on the Beach last September in Windsor. Thanks to Randy Owens Photography for the pictures.

Merle Haggard at Bulls on the Beach
Courtesy of Randy Owens Photography
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