Country Stars React to the Death of Country Music Legend Merle Haggard
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.