Merle Haggard Thought Johnny Cash Was “Kind Of Corny” Until He Saw Him Play At San Quentin Prison

Merle Haggard Said This 1971 Deep Cut Was the Most Cathartic To Write, Despite It Being Unpopular

THE JOHNNY CASH SHOW - "History of Country Music" - Airdate: January 21, 1971. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images) MERLE HAGGARD Merle Haggard’s disagreement with the general public over artistic matters was a familiar theme for the country star throughout most of his career. He was well accustomed to people taking his songs the wrong way, like in “Okie From Muskogee”. Or record labels ignoring son…

Merle Haggard Thought Johnny Cash Was “Kind Of Corny” Until He Saw Him Play At San Quentin Prison

Of all the country stars dubbed an “outlaw,” Merle Haggard is easily one of the most qualified for the title. Merle rebelled early and often after the death of his father, racking up a long rap sheet that included car theft, armed robbery, hopping trains, skipping school, and assault. Some of these crimes were serious and others were petty, but the repeated nature of the offenses was amplified by his ability to escape from many of the work camps…