American Songwriter

Merle Haggard’s Pick for “the Greatest Singer I’ve Ever Heard” Has a Surprising Connection to the Goo Goo Dolls

One of Merle Haggard's all-time favorite singers has a surprising connection to The Goo Goo Dolls. Small world indeed.
American Songwriter

On This Day in 1966, Merle Haggard Released His First No. 1 Single—a Song With Two Titles That He Almost Never Recorded

Fifty-nine years ago today, Merle Haggard released what would later become his first single to reach the top of the country ...
Whiskey Riff

Merle Haggard Almost Didn’t Record His First #1 Hit Single, “The Fugitive” – “Made A Whole New Day For Me”

One of The Hag's most autobiographical songs, indeed. On this date in 1966, Merle Haggard released his single "The Fugitive," which would later be know as "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive," which ultimately ...
Whiskey Riff

The True Story Behind Merle Haggard’s “If We Make It Through December” Isn’t Exactly What You Might Think…

One of Merle Haggard's classics. In 1973, Merle released "If We Make It Through December" as the lead single for his Christmas album Merle Haggard’s Christmas Present, but it later became the the ...