Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Merle Haggard

Role / Field:

Pioneering country music artist, central figure of the Bakersfield sound.

Born:

1937-04-06

Died:

2016-04-06

Century / Era:

1937s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Merle Ronald Haggard (April 6, 1937 – April 6, 2016) was an American country music singer, songwriter, guitarist, and fiddler. Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential figures in country music, he was a central pioneer of the Bakersfield sound. With a career spanning over five decades, Haggard had 38 number-one hits on the US country charts, several of which also made the Billboard all-genre singles chart. His song "Mama Tried" has become a country staple.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Haggard overcame a troubled childhood, criminal convictions and time in prison to launch a successful country music career. He gained popularity with his songs about the working class; these occasionally contained themes contrary to the anti–Vietnam War sentiment of some popular music of the time, most notably "Okie From Muskogee", and "The Fightin' Side of Me". Haggard received many honors and awards, including a Kennedy Center Honor (2010); a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2006); a BMI Icon Award (2006); and induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (1977); Country Music Hall of Fame (1994) and Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame (1997). In 2017, he earned the number one spot in Rolling Stone's list...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alan Rickman — Contemporary (Died in 2016) (2016): Iconic English actor celebrated for his distinctive voice and powerful stage presence.
• Albrecht Dürer — Shared historical date (04-06 · Died) (1528): Master of the German Renaissance, renowned painter, printmaker, and theorist.
• Alexander Kielland — Shared historical date (04-06 · Died) (1906): A foundational Norwegian realist writer, celebrated among the 'Four Greats' of literature.
• André Previn — Shared historical date (04-06 · Born) (1929): Versatile American musician, composer, and conductor mastering jazz, film, and classical forms.
• Barry Levinson — Shared historical date (04-06 · Born) (1942): Acclaimed American filmmaker known for works like Rain Man, Diner, and Good Morning, Vietnam.
• 1937 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1937
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• 2016 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2016

Frequently Asked Questions about Merle Haggard