jeffreymark

MERLE HAGGARD MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES

I never really appreciated the Hag until a few years ago. Funny how time changes our perspective on cultural matters including poets. The Hag is indeed a working man's poet laureate. And, the Kennedy Center recently acknowledged as much when they honored him for his life time achievement and outstanding contribution to American culture. 

People familiar with Merle Haggard's music (surely they have heard Working Man's Blues on television recently) know of his honest lyrics and smooth singing style. Few, however, may not realize the Hag, once upon a time, possessed a tremendous gift of impersonation. Listen below as he impersonates the immortals Marty Robbins, Hank Snow, Johnny Cash and Buck Owens. Believable stuff.

 

WAYLON JENNINGS THE ORIGINAL OUTLAW

Today is the immortal Waylon Jenning's 72nd birthday. I was reminded of this fact while riding my Schwinn Airdyne. Engaging in my usual habit of channel surfing, I made a temporary stop at CMT. What I saw there sickened me unto death. Some young greasy haired punk rock figure trying to look tough and sing tough. He was a real bad boy alright. I bet the only mean thing he ever did in his life was slap his baby brother upside the head. I ask you, where have all the outlaws gone? I can answer that question. They died the day Waylon Jennings left this world. Fellow West Texan and Buddy Holly companion Waylon Jennings grew up in cotton fields near Lubbock Texas. The relentless wind, stinging sand, and road weary migrant workers, honed Jennings into a independent, innovative country singer who created a new category of music called "Outlaw" country. These young, runny nosed, so called bad boys of Country music today are a bunch of pussies. Here's the real thing:

WHERE HAVE THE OUTLAWS GONE?

While riding my Schwinn Airdyne today I engaged in my usual habit of channel surfing. I made a temporary stop at CMT. What I saw there sickened me unto death. Some young greasy haired punk rock figure trying to look tough and sing tough. He was a real bad boy alright. I bet the only mean thing he ever did in his life was steal his baby brother's candy cane at Christmas time. I ask you, where have all the outlaws gone? I can answer that question. They died the day Waylon Jennings left this world. Fellow West Texan and Buddy Holly companion Waylon Jennings grew up in cotton fields near Lubbock Texas. The wind and sand along with the tough migrant workers, honed Jennings into a independent, innovative country singer who created a new category of music called "Outlaw" country. These young, runny nosed, so called bad boys of Country music today are a bunch of wannabe's. Here's the real thing: