Merle Haggard - The Running Kind: An American Music Legend

The Timeless Musical Journey of Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard, also known as "The Hag," is an iconic figure in American country music. He was born on April 6, 1937, in Oildale, California, and his impact on the genre is immeasurable. With a career spanning more than five decades, Haggard's heartfelt lyrics, unique voice, and captivating stage presence left an indelible mark on music lovers worldwide.

Haggard's passion for music developed at an early age. Growing up in a modest household, he was exposed to various genres, including blues, jazz, and folk. Inspired by the legendary Jimmie Rodgers, Haggard acquired his first guitar at the tender age of 12 and started honing his skills.

The Running Kind: A Glimpse into Haggard's Life and Music

"The Running Kind" is an album released by Merle Haggard in 1967. This critically acclaimed album showcases his ability to blend traditional country sounds with contemporary elements. Infused with his personal experiences and introspective storytelling, each song takes listeners on an emotional journey of love, loss, and life's struggles.

Merle Haggard: The Running Kind (American Music Series)

by David Cantwell(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1222 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	297 pages

FREE

Haggard's deep-rooted connection to his music is evident in the title track, "The Running Kind." The song tells the tale of a restless wanderer who is always on the move, never settling down. Haggard's emotive delivery transports listeners into the shoes of the protagonist, allowing them to feel the yearning for freedom and the constant longing for something more.

Accompanied by his band, The Strangers, Haggard's live performances were nothing short of spectacular. His energetic stage presence and raw, soulful vocals captivated audiences, leaving them craving more. Haggard's ability to connect with his fans on a deeper level made every concert experience unforgettable.

Honoring Merle Haggard's Musical Legacy

The Running Kind American Music Series is a tribute to the incomparable Merle Haggard. This series celebrates his contributions to country music by showcasing artists influenced by his unique style and carrying on his legacy.

Each event in the series features renowned musicians who pay homage to Haggard's timeless classics. The performances showcase the essence of Haggard's spirit, reminding audiences of the impact he had on the evolution of country music. From heartfelt ballads to foot-stomping honky-tonk tunes, the series preserves and revitalizes the essence of Haggard's musical legacy.

Haggard's influence goes far beyond his music. His lyrics touched the hearts of millions, resonating with people from all walks of life. Songs like "Mama Tried" and "Okie from Muskogee" captured the struggles and values of the working class, making him the voice of the common man.

Merle Haggard's impact on country music cannot be overstated. His unique blend of traditional country sounds with contemporary themes pushed the boundaries of the genre, inspiring countless artists to follow in his footsteps. Today, his influence can be seen in the works of renowned musicians such as Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, and Eric Church, among many others.

The Running Kind - A Must-Experience for Music Lovers

If you are a fan of Merle Haggard or simply appreciate authentic country music, attending The Running Kind American Music Series is an experience you cannot afford to miss. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Haggard's music and witness firsthand the power it holds to transcend time and touch hearts.

Join us for a night of nostalgia, celebration, and pure musical bliss. The Running Kind American Music Series is an ode to the legacy of Merle Haggard and a chance to pay homage to a true American music legend.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary musical journey. Buy your tickets now and embrace the spirit of The Running Kind!

Merle Haggard: The Running Kind (American Music Series)

by David Cantwell(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1222 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	297 pages

FREE

Merle Haggard has enjoyed artistic and professional triumphs few can match. He’s charted more than a hundred country hits, including thirty-eight number ones. He’s released dozens of studio albums and another half dozen or more live ones, performed upwards of ten thousand concerts, been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and seen his songs performed by artists as diverse as Lynryd Skynyrd, Elvis Costello, Tammy Wynette, Willie Nelson, the Grateful Dead, and Bob Dylan. In 2011 he was feted as a Kennedy Center Honoree. But until now, no one has taken an in-depth look at his career and body of work.

In Merle Haggard: The Running Kind, David Cantwell takes us on a revelatory journey through Haggard’s music and the life and times out of which it came. Covering the entire breadth of his career, Cantwell focuses especially on the 1960s and 1970s, when Haggard created some of his best-known and most influential music, which helped invent the America we live in today. Listening closely to a masterpiece-crowded catalogue (including songs such as “Okie from Muskogee,” “Sing Me Back Home,” “Mama Tried,” “Working Man Blues,” “Kern River,” “White Line Fever,” “Today I Started Loving You Again,” and “If We Make It through December,” among many more),Cantwell explores the fascinating contradictions—most of all, the desire for freedom in the face of limits set by the world or self-imposed—that define not only Haggard’s music and public persona but the very heart of American culture.