{"id":2803,"date":"2014-12-01T23:41:52","date_gmt":"2014-12-02T05:41:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/?p=2803"},"modified":"2015-01-22T10:49:43","modified_gmt":"2015-01-22T16:49:43","slug":"merle-haggard-for-the-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.dwrl.utexas.edu\/countrymusic\/2014\/12\/01\/merle-haggard-for-the-win\/","title":{"rendered":"Merle Haggard for the Win"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"merle-haggard_capitol-edit-dl\"A couple of weeks ago, I wrote this post<\/a> about the list CMT has been releasing of the 40 artists who have been the most influential to country music. At that time, the organization had just announced its #4 choice, Dolly Parton. I predicted that the final three would be Merle Haggard, Elvis Presley, and Hank Williams.<\/p>\n

Turns out, I was right about the names but wrong about the order. In the end, it was Elvis at #3, Hank Williams at #2, and Merle Haggard at #1. I am surprised that Hank wasn’t the final list-topper, but I will chalk it up to the fact that he’s been dead for 60 years. It’s hard to get too caught up in exact placements on lists like this one because they’re so crowded with talent and importance.<\/p>\n

Also, I like Haggard. He’s been performing consistently for half a century, and in that time he’s helped country music both progress and stay true to its roots. On one hand, he is a true country music fan, recording songs by up-and-coming writers like Iris Dement (back in the ’90s). On the other hand, he also respects his elders, paying tribute to greats such as Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills. (You can download the Rodgers album here<\/a>, for free).<\/p>\n

We haven’t talked about him much in class, but in case you’re interested, here are two of my favorite Haggard songs:<\/p>\n