Some of the individuals who sat for interviews include fellow Bakersfield country star Dwight Yoakam, the walking country music encyclopedia himself, Marty Stuart, Merle’s best friend Frank Mull, as well as numerous members of Haggard’s backing band The Strangers, and even Fuzzy Owen who passed away in 2020. Fuzzy is considered the Founder and Father of The Bakersfield Sound, and first discovered and recorded Merle Haggard early in his career, and worked as Merle’s road manager for decades.
The book is said to cover every aspect of Merle Haggard’s life, from his father dying when he was only 9, to being sentenced to San Quentin for 15 years after petty thefts and jail escapes, to releasing 63 albums and earning 37 #1 singles over his illustrious, Hall of Fame career that didn’t just leave a legendary footprint in country, but influenced rock music and American culture at large.
Marc Eliot is an acclaimed author who has also written books on The Eagles, Clint Eastwood, Charlton Heston, Cary Grant, and others.
THE HAG: The Life, Times, and Music of Merle Haggard is currently available for pre-order.
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