Bob Wills as his Godfather
Well, in Merle Haggard’s heart, he was.
Each morning, he plays Bob Wills records while he drinks tea. He loves Will’s fiddling and decided to make his band like that of his idol’s. A nostalgic soul, Bob Wills music takes him back to his country home and he felt good.
In 1970, he released a tribute album for Bob Wills. It’s called, A Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World. Merle didn’t know much about playing fiddle, but he persisted. For four months, he practiced each night that his band members would have to cover their heads in order to catch some sleep.
Other than his satisfaction from that 1970 album, Merle Haggard was exhilarated upon meeting Bob Wills in the flesh. The older man patted his cheek and told Merle that he’d been praying for him. The boy in Merle could never have been happier.
Kids growing up deprived of father’s love may act up for some time. But God does as he promised. He provides surrogate fathers. Even when these kids turned into adults, the psychological and emotional damages have to be repaired. Otherwise, men would not be effective in their role as dads. They’ll just frustrate their children and their wives.