Merle Haggard

Merle Ronald Haggard (April 6, 1937 in Bakersfield, California) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Also known as "The Hag."

In the 1950s, Haggard emerged as the first native of Bakersfield to ge

Merle Ronald Haggard (April 6, 1937 in Bakersfield, California) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Also known as "The Hag."

In the 1950s, Haggard emerged as the first native of Bakersfield to get involved in the Bakersfield Sound. By the 1970s, he was aligned with the growing outlaw country movement, and has continued to release successful albums through the 1990s and into the 2000s. Haggard was perhaps the best and most influential songwriter in country music since Hank Williams. He performs in a raw, unpolished form about familiar themes – jail, betrayal, drinking, wandering and work in a directness that reflects his own life experience.