The Untold Stories of Merle Haggard: A Son's Perspective

🎸Merle Haggard's music was always more than just a career to his son Marty. It was a connection to his father and their shared experiences.

👨‍👦Marty and Merle Haggard had a complicated relationship shaped by their family dynamics, but Marty emphasizes the love and respect he had for his father.

🎤Marty spent eight years as a member of his father's band, The Strangers, and considers it the best musical experience of his life.

🎸Merle Haggard's mom played a significant role in his life, and Marty shares how she also had a profound impact on him.

✝️Faith and Jesus were important aspects of Merle Haggard's life, and Marty reveals the influence of their shared religious beliefs.

What was Marty Haggard's role in his father's band?

—Marty Haggard was a member of his father's band, The Strangers, for eight years. He played guitar and provided vocals.

Did Merle Haggard teach Marty how to play guitar?

—Marty Haggard learned to play guitar on his own, and he didn't let his father hear him until he was confident enough to perform on stage.

Was Merle Haggard strict with his son Marty?

—Merle Haggard wasn't strict, but he had high expectations and wanted Marty to do things the right way. He wanted to ensure that Marty respected the opportunities he had.

Did Marty Haggard ever get fired from his father's band?

—Yes, Marty Haggard was fired from his father's band, but he was eventually rehired. It was a lesson from his father and a way to teach him the importance of professionalism.

What role did Marty Haggard's grandma play in his life?

—Marty Haggard's grandma played a significant role in his life. She raised him when his father was absent and instilled in him the same love for Jesus that she taught Merle Haggard.

00:00Marty Haggard reflects on his earliest memories of his father, Merle Haggard, and their complicated relationship.

04:41Marty shares his experience as a member of his dad's band, The Strangers, and how it was the best musical time of his life.

06:01Merle Haggard's mom had a profound impact on both him and Marty, and their shared love for Jesus strengthened their bond.

09:46Marty sings a heartfelt rendition of his dad's classic song, 'Mama's Hungry Eyes.'

11:20Marty reflects on the importance of preserving Merle Haggard's country music legacy.