Country Music has lost a legend as Merle Haggard has passed away at the age of 79.
NASH Country Weekly reports that Merle passed away today, April 6th … his 79th birthday due to complications of pneumonia.
Merle amassed 38 Billboard #1 hits during his life including some of the most iconic songs in country music history like “Okie From Muskogee,” “Sing Me Back Home,” “Mama Tried,” “Workin’ Man Blues,” “The Fightin’ Side Of Me,” and “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” just to name a handful.
“Hag,” his nickname, was awarded the Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year honor in 1970 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
You can read more about Merle Haggard’s life and career in the NASH Country Weekly story here.
To say that Merle had a major influence on country music and its artists would be a huge understatement. He has been and will forever continue to be a major inspiration to country music singers and songwriters.
I know growing up I listened to Merle’s music as well as sang it with my family. His music will always be a favorite part of my collection.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Merle Haggard’s family and friends.
Below are reactions to the sad news from many of today’s country music stars and some outside of country music…
By: Buck Stevens
To say that he was one of the greatest ever, is an inadequate understatement. – Dwight
In memory: https://t.co/VlCfeYA9K9— Dwight Yoakam (@DwightYoakam) April 7, 2016
RIP Merle Haggard. I was woken up most mornings when I was a kid to Okie From Muskogee being played down the hall n my house. #randombuttrue
— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) April 7, 2016
Saddened by the loss of country music legend Merle Haggard…the world lost an icon but heaven… https://t.co/QYD4LxFTGv
— kellie pickler (@kelliepickler) April 7, 2016
Me and @merlehaggard singing one of the best … There will never be another Merle https://t.co/Dymn0vTSAH
— Jewel (@jeweljk) April 7, 2016
Truly saddened to hear about the passing of Merle Haggard, a legend and one of my heroes!#MerleHaggard #hag pic.twitter.com/Sv6VShfj01
— Easton Corbin (@eastoncorbin) April 7, 2016
Got to chat with @merlehaggard on his bus for an hour or so in 2007. An hour I will never forget…
What a guy.. What a Legend.— Chuck Wicks (@chuckwicksmusic) April 7, 2016
Incredibly sad tonight.. Goodbye Merle Haggard.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) April 7, 2016
Rest in peace Merle Haggard… This ones for you pic.twitter.com/mdWvmQHLul
— Tyler Farr (@tylerfarr) April 7, 2016
.@MerleHaggard, the great storyteller, his voice and his personality will be greatly missed. He was a true original. pic.twitter.com/15LtqpX3ND
— Kenny Rogers (@_KennyRogers) April 7, 2016
Country music lost a legend today. RIP @merlehaggard.
— Dan + Shay (@DanAndShay) April 7, 2016
.@merlehaggard crafted songs that were for every day people. He was relatable and real and will continue to inspire! pic.twitter.com/kHdFp1iTJ1
— Lady Antebellum (@ladyantebellum) April 7, 2016
I’m so sad to hear we’ve lost @merlehaggard. His music was a staple in our home, growing up.
— Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) April 7, 2016
Rest in Peace, Mighty @MerleHaggard.https://t.co/I1s2QqY4ek
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) April 6, 2016
A @WildShotMezcal salute to @merlehaggard #RIPMerle https://t.co/gAQ1tNBOpM
— Buck Stevens (@B104Buck) April 7, 2016
The greatest singer songwriter of my lifetime is gone. Thanks for the music and friendship. R.I.P. Hag – T pic.twitter.com/Dncf3mmSdF
— Toby Keith (@TobyKeithMusic) April 6, 2016
We lost one of the greatest singer/songwriters since Hank Williams. Inspiration to millions, great American, thank you Merle. I’ll miss you. — Alan Jackson (@OfficialJackson) April 6, 2016
One of the gr8 concert memories I have is seeing Merle and the Strangers at the Ryman in Nashville… (Continued…)
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) April 6, 2016
We had a “live” album of his when I was growing up and I felt like I’d fallin’ inside my Dad’s stereo speakers. (Continued…) — Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) April 6, 2016
One of my all time favorite voices – and a master songwriter. Blessings to your soulful spirit Merle & all of you family & loved ones. – KU
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) April 6, 2016
RIP Merle…you paved the way for so many. You had what we all hope for…a voice that matters and survives the ever changing trends. — Kip Moore (@KipMooreMusic) April 6, 2016
Sad day today @merlehaggard has passed. RIP to a true songwriter, a pioneer of California Country, and country music.
— Jon Pardi (@JonPardi) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard… truly one of the greats. A singer’s singer and musician’s musician. His place in music history is assured. — Huey Lewis (@Huey_Lewis_News) April 7, 2016
Merle Haggard has a real set of silver wings now. RIP to one of the biggest country music legends.
— Holly Tucker (@hollytmusic) April 7, 2016
It looks like it’s raining in Nashville today but really it’s Tennessee tears for Merle Haggard. You’ll always be the best. #longlivetheHag — Jerrod Niemann (@jrodfromoz) April 6, 2016
I’ll never forget this interview I did w/ Merle Haggard about why he was still working later in his life: https://t.co/mvjh5FOKS6 #ripmerle
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) April 6, 2016
Just got back to hotel, wife informed me that Mr. Merle Haggard has passed! I cried!!! Rest in peace old soul! Thx for the inspiration — Chris Cagle (@chriscagle) April 6, 2016
I had almost forgotten about this ACM tribute to Merle Haggard that I was honored to be part of in 1991. https://t.co/eo6XHeKaIy
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) April 6, 2016
The birds are singing a lonesome song today. Pine trees, a warm fire, whiskey, and Merle Haggard is a combo that’ll live in my heart forever — Drake White (@DrakeWhite) April 6, 2016
Deeply saddened about the loss of one of countries great legends and friend Merle Haggard. Will never forget you https://t.co/pctX4OC38p
— Marie Osmond (@marieosmond) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard. The man , the songs , the voice, the attitude – Iconic. pic.twitter.com/yvykBkUdUn — Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) April 6, 2016
Truly tragic, but his legacy will forever live on. #RIP #MerleHaggard pic.twitter.com/ZHxxtTJ0Hu — A Thousand Horses (@athousandhorses) April 6, 2016
We are terribly saddened to hear about the passing of our friend Merle Haggard earlier this morning… https://t.co/eT71seiYRu — Ryman Auditorium (@TheRyman) April 6, 2016
I’m spending the afternoon in my man cave listening to a @merlehaggard box set and remembering. pic.twitter.com/DOpfzzTgcU — Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) April 6, 2016
Heaven’s band just got better! RIP to the LEGENDARY @merlehaggard. Your music will never die! — Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) April 6, 2016
Sad about @merlehaggard today but also believe he, Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills and a host of others are having one heaven of a jam tonight! — Randy Houser (@RandyHouser) April 6, 2016
.@merlehaggard was my all-time hero. Today we lost one of the greatest songwriters of… https://t.co/RcKvPesSUS pic.twitter.com/m56eVFC7iv — GaryAllan (@GaryAllan) April 6, 2016
.@merlehaggard‘s music will always live on. Thank you, Merle, for changing the landscape of country music. https://t.co/eaJeYTrNwU — Grand Ole Opry (@opry) April 6, 2016
His songs wrapped grace & poetry in the unadorned workwear of the common man. RIP #CMHOF member @merlehaggard pic.twitter.com/72WAjfmZ7D — Country Music HOF (@countrymusichof) April 6, 2016
Heart is heavy. You can expect us to sing @merlehaggard tonight at the show. Won’t apologize for it either. — The Swon Brothers (@TheSwonBrothers) April 6, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers with @merlehaggard‘s family. Thankful for all he did for country music. #legend pic.twitter.com/BVTADpPiRp — Florida Georgia Line (@FLAGALine) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard. We just lost arguably the best Country singer songwriter of all time. He was my favorite above anyone else….#RIPHAG — Terri Clark (@TerriClarkMusic) April 6, 2016
We’ve lost more than a legend, we’ve lost an icon. Gonna miss you @merlehaggard pic.twitter.com/XctDnJM2sI — Neal McCoy (@NealMcCoy) April 6, 2016
Sad to have lost this Country music legend #MerleHaggard #RIP pic.twitter.com/CYHgjevjp6 — Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) April 6, 2016
I’m so incredibly sad to hear about the passing of Merle Haggard. Rest in peace, sir. Thank you for blazing a path and inspiring all of us. — Meghan Linsey (@meghanlinsey) April 6, 2016
His are the footsteps we follow in. Rest easy, Merle. #MerleHaggard pic.twitter.com/nxuW8mcfy3 — The Band Perry (@thebandperry) April 6, 2016
So sad to hear about the passing of Merle Haggard. My thoughts and Prayers are with his family and country music fans. #RIPMerleHaggard — Cole Swindell (@coleswindell) April 6, 2016
When my husband first introduced me to country music, Merle Haggard was one of my favorites. RIP MH — Kim Williams-Paisley (@Kimwilliamspais) April 6, 2016
It felt like the world stopped for a moment when I heard about Merle Haggard…such an icon…thanks for your gift to all of us brother — Brett Eldredge (@bretteldredge) April 6, 2016
A true hero was lost today. Thank you for your contribution to not only country music but all music. @merlehaggard — Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) April 6, 2016
With sad hearts, we’ve learned of 46-time #CMAawards nominee @MerleHaggard’s passing. MORE: https://t.co/MdPiHzreUc pic.twitter.com/iVGWWhgAhc — Country Music Assoc. (@CountryMusic) April 6, 2016
Love and prayers for the Haggard family. Merle was a pioneer…a true entertainer…a legend. There will never be another like him. — Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard sang & wrote the very 1st songs that ALABAMA played in public, “Sing Me Back Home” & “Silver Wings” To the group ALABAMA… — ALABAMA (@TheAlabamaBand) April 6, 2016
No words can describe how I feel about the news about @merlehaggard. He changed my life. He will be missed. #RIP https://t.co/rugom1ALEa — Mary Sarah (@MarySarahMusic) April 6, 2016
Merle Haggard Your name will be honored. Your music celebrated. Your legacy never forgotten. Country music will live on. I’ll be sure of it. — Granger Smith (@GrangerSmith) April 6, 2016
Pains me to say that country music icon @merlehaggard has passed away. So honored to have known him and shared the stage with him. — Josh Turner (@joshturnermusic) April 6, 2016
extremely sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest of all time Mr. Merle Haggard… https://t.co/hmAlAdA8pl pic.twitter.com/s9VhxkXz57 — Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) April 6, 2016
There are no words to describe the loss & sorrow felt within all of music with the passing of Merle Haggard. Thank God for his life & songs. — Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) April 6, 2016
I just told my little girl @merlehaggard has passed away and gone to heaven. She said, “that’s okay daddy,We will get to go to heaven too. — Jake Owen (@jakeowen) April 6, 2016
Hard to believe the news about Merle Haggard. Working with him is something I’ll never forget & will cherish forever pic.twitter.com/XsgqYvbtD5 — Dustin Lynch (@dustinlynch) April 6, 2016
We lost one of the best today. Rest in peace Merle Haggard…. You will be missed pic.twitter.com/672bX7VSEy — Tyler Farr (@tylerfarr) April 6, 2016
There will never be another artist like the Hag… Rest In Peace Merle Haggard — ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) April 6, 2016
You are a cornerstone of country music @merlehaggard…u will be missed greatly. Praying for the Haggard family. — Hillary Scott (@HillaryScottLA) April 6, 2016
Nobody ever sang a song with the heart and emotion that @merlehaggard did. No wonder it’s raining today. Even God is crying. — Jake Owen (@jakeowen) April 6, 2016
rip @merlehaggard thank you for all the great music u blessed us with. we will play it forever — Billy Currington (@billycurrington) April 6, 2016
literally just fell to the floor. can’t believe we lost the hag. rip merle haggard — Dierks Bentley (@DierksBentley) April 6, 2016
My heart is absolutely broken in two at the news of the loss of Merle Haggard. We keep losing all of the good ones. What a sad, sad day… — Jay DeMarcus (@JayDeMarcus) April 6, 2016
