One year ago, we lost country icon and close friend of Outlaw Country and Willie’s Roadhouse, Merle Haggard. Today, on what would’ve been his 80th birthday, we honour his legacy with the help of Willie Nelson.
As a tribute to his late friend, Willie premiered a new song titled He Won’t Ever Be Gone, which will be featured on his forthcoming album God’s Problem Child. Written by Gary Nicholson, the song remembers Willie’s outlaw country comrade, whose last album, 2015’s Django and Jimmie, was a musical collaboration with Willie.
At an album premiere event in Nashville this week, Willie spoke about making music and touring with the fellow Country Music Hall of Famer.
“It was one of those really good friend things that over the years we just got together more and more and enjoyed it and decided, ‘Hey, we should do more music together,’” he said. “The next thing you know, we’re touring. I was really glad to see Merle out there at this stage in his career, really out there doing a great tour with him and his band and having a No. 1 album. So I was really proud for Merle.”
The full album premiere special will air later this month on Willie’s Roadhouse (Ch. 59).
Merle Haggard gave his last radio interview on Willie’s Roadhouse a few months before he passed away. He had been forced to postpone a string of concert dates after being hospitalized for double pneumonia. He called into the Dallas Wayne show to give an update on his condition and thank his fans, the people who helped care for him and said that he really appreciated all Willie Nelson and Willie’s Roadhouse did to support his music.
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.
