Topic: R.I.P. Merle Haggard (Read 2710 times)

KelMar · « **on:** April 06, 2016, 06:46:55 PM »

1936-2016

http://youtu.be/68cbjlLFl4U

Critic Kurt Wolff wrote that Haggard always considered what became a redneck anthem to be a spoof, and that today fans — even the hippies that are derided in the lyrics — have taken a liking to the song and find humor in some of the lyrics, leading to cover versions of the song being recorded by such countercultural acts as the Grateful Dead, The Beach Boys, Phil Ochs, String Cheese Incident and The Melvins.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okie_from_Muskogee_(song)

nimrod · « **Reply #1 on:** April 06, 2016, 10:24:15 PM »

Not too familiar with his work but RIP Merle.

Too many dying this year

Hello Goodbye · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2016, 02:58:54 AM »

He is why I bought this Martin D-35 in 1969...

You'll be missed, Mr. Haggard.

KelMar · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2016, 03:31:13 AM »

That's a nice looking guitar Barry.

Hello Goodbye · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2016, 04:48:56 AM »

Thanks, Kelley. I saw a picture taken of Merle Haggard from the rear while he was performing onstage. I noticed his guitar had a three-piece back so I went to Sam Ash and asked about it. The salesman brought over the D-35, in Brazilian rosewood, with a contrasting center section. It played with a beautiful tone. He asked me to try a D-28 with a two-piece back. It had a bit louder country tone. I bought the D-35. That beautiful back and the white neck binding looked so nice...

KelMar · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2016, 04:59:24 AM »

I would have never guessed what was on the back. The design is very striking. Do you play it often?

Hello Goodbye · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2016, 05:13:11 AM »

It's my only six-string acoustic guitar so it gets played often. It was one of the last Brazilian rosewood guitars C.F. Martin made. They switched to Indian rosewood later in 1969. The Indian rosewood has a brown shade to it.

Brazilian rosewood is more available these days and they've gone back to using it.

Hello Goodbye · « **Reply #7 on:** April 07, 2016, 05:19:09 AM »

One day I'll find that picture. It was in a magazine. I left it at Sam Ash in all the excitement.

KelMar · « **Reply #8 on:** April 07, 2016, 05:26:45 AM »

Quote from: Hello Goodbye on April 07, 2016, 05:13:11 AM

It's my only six-string acoustic guitar so it gets played often.

You've taken excellent care of it. I don't see a mark on it except for the dust on my screen. LOL I sure do miss hearing my brother play. His guitar was always nearby and he played every chance he got. I remember one summer night when my mom and I were watching TV. We could hear music coming from outside and it was Kevin outside the window serenading us....on horseback!

Hello Goodbye · « **Reply #9 on:** April 07, 2016, 05:46:33 AM »

I love that guitar, Kelley. It sounds more beautiful as it ages.

KelMar · « **Reply #10 on:** April 07, 2016, 06:04:41 AM »

I'm sure you've seen this video Barry. I found it very interesting.

http://youtu.be/2ja9J9IBQd0

Hello Goodbye · « **Reply #11 on:** April 07, 2016, 06:25:39 AM »

^

Thanks, Kelley. Here's the black D-35 Johnny Cash played on Columbo...

http://youtu.be/vtLYJ4STuXY

Klang · « **Reply #12 on:** April 07, 2016, 04:16:48 PM »

Hello Goodbye · « **Reply #13 on:** April 07, 2016, 08:37:08 PM »

KelMar · « **Reply #14 on:** April 07, 2016, 09:45:05 PM »

Eclectic venue that Longhorn Ballroom!

Hello Goodbye · « **Reply #15 on:** April 07, 2016, 10:04:38 PM »

Quote from: In My Life on April 06, 2016, 06:46:55 PM

http://youtu.be/68cbjlLFl4U

Critic Kurt Wolff wrote that Haggard always considered what became a redneck anthem to be a spoof...

I'm not sure about that...

http://youtu.be/uIxBmyRQlwQ

KelMar · « **Reply #16 on:** April 08, 2016, 03:58:46 AM »

Quote from: Hello Goodbye on April 07, 2016, 10:04:38 PM

I'm not sure about that...

Hmm...what was your impression of him in those days?

Hello Goodbye · « **Reply #17 on:** April 08, 2016, 04:18:14 AM »

There was intense polarization at that time, Kelley. There was Nixon's "Silent Majority" on one side and young college students on the other. Student protests and peace demonstrations were frequent events in response to the daily honor roll call of soldiers who died in Viet Nam which ended each evening's newscasts. Some of us took a more radical stance and marched with North Vietnamese flags calling for a Communist victory in the war. That stance meant more American boys should die in combat.

Merle Haggard was objecting to the radical elements in his songs. He plainly said, in his lyrics to The Fighting side Of Me, that he didn't object to differing opinions and peaceful demonstrations. He expressed a mature sentiment at the time. I respected his feelings and the way he expressed them.

KelMar · « **Reply #18 on:** April 08, 2016, 04:36:21 AM »

Thanks for putting it into context for me Barry. I did catch that sentiment and wondered how it was received. No matter how much I try to absorb the culture of the sixties I know it's impossible for someone who didn't live it to fully understand.

Hello Goodbye · « **Reply #19 on:** April 08, 2016, 04:41:31 AM »

Merle Haggard kept an open mind and softened a bit the following year...

http://youtu.be/8Yz-5gvdHZU
1971

News:

Author Topic: R.I.P. Merle Haggard (Read 2710 times)

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