Singer and songwriter Merle Haggard died on Wednesday, his 79th birthday. He was a key figure in the Bakersfield sound and the outlaw country movement. Mr. Haggard was inducted into Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
“Big City,” written and performed by Merle Haggard. The song was inspired by a conversation with Dean Holloway, his friend and tour bus driver, who received co-writer credit and half the royalties.
More:
“Merle Haggard dies at 79; legendary outlaw of country music, Jill Leovy, Bakersfield-style,” Los Angeles Times
“Merle Haggard, revered country singer of common man anthems, dies at 79,” Terence McArdle, Washington Post
“Merle Haggard, Country Legend, Dead at 79,” Patrick Doyle, Rolling Stone
“Country music icon Merle Haggard has died,” Jerry Wofford, Tulsa World
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Tags: Bakersfield Sound, C&W, country music, Merle Haggard, music, musicians, obituaries, outlaw country
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