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<h1>Merle Haggard</h1>
<p> As a performer and a songwriter, Merle Haggard was the most important country artist to emerge in the 1960s. Haggard became one of the leading figures of the Bakersfield country scene in the '60s. It's impossible to separate Haggard's music from his life. He was born to James and Flossie Haggard on April 6, 1937. The reception persuaded Haggard to actively pursue a musical career. The news sent Haggard over the edge. The conversations and the time in isolation convinced Haggard to turn his life around. Shortly after the recording, Haggard called Talley, who had praised him earlier in his career. Haggard had admired Stewart's vocal style, and it helped shape his phrasing. Early in 1962, Haggard traveled to Las Vegas to see Wynn Stewart's club show. Stewart gave him the song and Merle recorded it for Tally Records in 1963. Late in 1965, Haggard began recruiting a backing band and named them the Strangers. Haggard became a genuine country superstar in 1966, with three Top Ten hits, including "Swinging Doors." Haggard's songwriting was beginning to blossom and audiences embraced his music, sending his "I Threw Away the Rose" to number three early in 1967, beginning a remarkable streak of 37 straight Top Ten hits, including 23 number one singles. Each single was a bigger hit than the previous song, which encouraged Haggard to continue writing in a more personal style. Early in 1981, Haggard had a Top Ten hit with "Leonard," a tribute to his old friend Tommy Collins. From 1983 until the beginning of 1985, Haggard continued to score number one hits, including the number one duet with Willie Nelson "Pancho and Lefty." Haggard released one more album for Anti, 2001's Roots, Vol. 1, before departing.
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