Experience Merle Haggard’s Soul-Stirring Version of ‘Silver Wings’ That Will Take You on an Emotional Voyage!
Merle Ronald Haggard (April 6, 1937 – April 6, 2016) was a renowned American country singer, songwriter, guitarist, and fiddler.
Born in Oildale, California, during the latter part of the Great Depression, Haggard faced significant challenges in his early life, including the loss of his father and multiple incarcerations as a youth.
After his release from San Quentin State Prison in 1960, he transformed his life and embarked on a successful career in country music. He resonated with audiences through his songs that depicted the struggles of the working class, often at odds with the anti-Vietnam War sentiments prevalent in some of the music of that era.
From the 1960s to the 1980s, Haggard achieved remarkable success, scoring 38 number-one hits on the US country charts, with many also appearing on the Billboard all-genre singles chart. His musical journey continued to thrive into the 2000s with the release of several acclaimed albums.
Haggard received numerous accolades in recognition of his contributions to music, including a Kennedy Center Honor (2010), a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2006), a BMI Icon Award (2006), as well as induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (1977), the Country Music Hall of Fame (1994), and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame (1997).
He passed away on April 6, 2016—his 79th birthday—at his ranch in Shasta County, California, after battling double pneumonia.
