SiriusXM is sad report that we’ve learned of the loss of a true icon of country music and close friend of Outlaw Country and Willie’s Roadhouse. “The Poet of the Common Man” and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Merle Haggard, has passed away on his birthday, at the age of 79. More information is forthcoming.
After honing his craft in the California honky tonks, Haggard helped forge the famous “Bakersfield Sound” that stormed the airwaves and jukeboxes of the 1960s with a string of signature songs like Mama Tried, Swinging Doors and The Bottle Let Me Down.
By the end of the decade, his songs Okie of Muskogee and The Fightin’ Side of Me became anthems of the Vietnam era’s “silent majority,” but instead of pandering to expectations, he went back to his country roots and recorded tributes to his musical heroes Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills.
Over five decades of recordings, he scored an amazing 38 No. 1 hits to go along with Grammys, ACMS and CMA awards membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, and the Kennedy Center Honors as a songwriter, vocalist, bandleader, and performing artist.
Last December, Merle Haggard was forced to postpone a string of concert dates after being hospitalized for double pneumonia. He called into the Dallas Wayne show on Willie’s Roadhouse (Ch. 59) to give an update on his condition and thank his fans, the people who helped care for him and said that he really appreciates all Willie Nelson and Willie’s Roadhouse does to support his music.
Merle Haggard stands in a class by himself and has left a permanent mark on America’s music landscape.
Willie’s Roadhouse host Dallas Wayne is mourning the loss and celebrating the life of our dear friend today, along with fans and fellow musicians. Dial 877-3-WILLIE to share your memories.
Rest in peace.
RELATED CHANNELS
John Mayer performed an intimate concert at Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, New York — and listeners can hear the entire performance.
Mick Kern looks at some of the must-hear MLB games this week.
On a new episode of Call Her Daddy with Alex Cooper, Alanis Morissette talks about holiday music, starting her career at a young age, and finding her voice in a male-dominated music industry.
The stars of Practical Magic 2 — Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Lee Pace, Joey King, Maisie Williams, and Xolo Marindueña — join Andy Cohen for a special Front Row event.
SiriusXM’s extensive coverage plans for the 2026 NFL season feature live broadcasts of every game and the addition of multiple new voices on the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel.
The Blue Jays take their drive to capture a wildcard spot to the Royals of Kansas City and the wilds of West Sacramento.
