For many longtime listeners of country music, today's country radio is considered bland, lacking the emotional vocal performances, traditional backing and meaningful songs that made country music a popular genre. On June 7, Merle Haggard turned back the clock and gave the Robinson Center Music Hall crowd exactly what is rarely heard while twisting the radio dial today.
With jeans, a black hat and a black Western jacket, the 72-year-old music legend strolled on stage, opening his show with "I’m a Lonesome Fugitive.” Without interruption, he followed with "Silver Wings” and “Big City.”
From performing his classic ballad "Today I Started Loving You Again" to displaying his fiddle skills on "I Had a Little Gal” to a rocking rendition of "Honky Tonk Night Time Man,” Haggard was in good form throughout the evening. His comments and stage mannerisms indicated he was having a good time during his first Little Rock appearance in nearly two years.
Haggard was born near Bakersfield, Calif., in a home that was built from an old railroad refrigerator car. His youth was plagued by multiple run-ins with the law. At age 20, he was arrested for robbery and spent three years in San Quentin prison. By 1962, his much publicized past was behind him and he was performing full-time as part of the local club scene in Bakersfield. Three years later, he signed with Capital Records and his remarkable recording career was off and running.
In Little Rock, Haggard gave the audience a wide sampling of tunes, ranging from his days as country music’s top performer to some of his more recent recordings. In all, the Country Music Hall of Fame member treated the crowd with such selections as "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink," "Are the Good Times Really Over," "The Way I Am,” “Mama’s Prayers,” “Back to Earth,” “Swinging Doors,” “Old Man from the Mountain,” “Sing Me Back Home” and “Mama Tried.”
Haggard is known for spontaneously performing songs in his shows as opposed to relying on a regular set list. If you followed him on tour, you would likely hear a somewhat different show on consecutive nights. Some fans might have left disappointed that he didn't perform "That’s the Way Love Goes,” while others might’ve questioned his inclusion of a brand new song, “Love Is Always Pretty When It’s New.” However, such tunes as "The Way I Am” and “Going Where the Lonely Go” were pleasant surprises.
The Strangers, Haggard's 10-piece band, were stellar. The group included his 16-year-old son, Ben, on lead guitar as well as harmony vocals from his wife Teresa. Also, one of Haggard’s older children, Noel Lee, served as an opening act.
Haggard closed his one-hour performance with his signature “Okie from Muskogee.” Judging by the loud applause and standing ovation, Haggard proved that age isn't everything and some veteran artists are more than capable of entertaining large audiences and headlining major concerts.
