Merle Haggard has had a ton of chart topping hits but he did it for the first time on this date in 1967. I can remember being a child and living in Minnesota and hearing this coming from my basement. My parents would have parties in our basement and invite their buddy Kenny over who would bring his guitar and sing for us. This was my introduction to live music and helped pave the way to where I am today.

I would hear the sounds of Glen Campbell, Sonny James and Merle Haggard songs coming from the basement and would go sit on the steps and listen. One of the songs Kenny would sing was Merle Haggard's "The Fugitive" which happened to be Merle's first number one hit. It hit number one on this date in 1967. Take a trip back with the Hag and I.

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