The fact that Merle Haggard was in San Quentin during Johnny Cash's concert causing Merle to change his life and start a music career is something I think more people should talk about
I read his book in the county jail of all places my favorite quote was Merle I haven't seen you in about three years what have you been doing? And he said, about 3 years!🤠🍻😂
Johnny cash’s first performance at San Quentin was in 1958 that was the concert Merle saw. Cash later returned to San Quentin in 1969 and that is the concert that is famous
Silver Wings does represent “the smooth” that Merle could just pull out whenever he wanted. His vocal talents were immeasurable, though. He could lay down the velvet like Jim Reeves, cry a masculine sad as Patsy Cline would have had she been a man, put the sustain on like Carrie Underwood, tie up a song within it’s own track like Billy Joel can package a cut, or tell a rambling story like Hank Sr, Alan Jackson, Nanci Griffith, Johnny Cash, or Marty Robbins. His versatility was always possible but he focused only on his ‘brand’ and never dabbled like Glen Campbell and Kenny Rogers did. But Silver Wings is an amazingly polished track. The delivery was so well thought out and the diction Jim Reeves perfect.
Yep there's just something about Silver Wings that puts it at the top. Maybe it's because it's how he puts a complete picture in your mind about what's taking place and in just a few words and I think everyone can relate to that picture somehow. Everyone knows the sadness of having someone they love leaving their lives forever.
For Me, it’s Merle Haggard. He was in a league of his own. Was an honor and pleasure for me to be around this master of music up close and personal. On and off the stage. And much credit to all the Strangers that complimented Hag on stage ! Great memories 😎
Sing me back home, amazing sound. Way I am You take me for granted Hungry eyes Always on a,mountain when I fall Just so sooo many great songs. His delivery was so unique & raw with feeling. It was never faked.
Two of those, The Way I Am and Always on a Mountain When I Fall...I unno why those aren’t as known. I’m too young to know if they were released as singles, but most will refer back to his mid to late 60s stuff or I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink. Nothing wrong with any of that - it’s some of my favorite, too, but there’s a whole lot of good stuff on his older tapes that seems to get left out and it’s just as good, if not better.
Tough question to answer but he picked the right one. MERLE HAGGARD is the greatest country music Superstar! Big City, Working man blues, that's the way love goes, Swinging doors, Are the good times really over, ... the list is endless. Straight from the heart of hard life experiences. Also in addition to musical talent, his 50 year career demonstrates stamina, persistence, longevity, and determination to go on. He definitely gets my vote.
That's The Way Love Goes is my favorite Haggard tune but it was written by Lefty Frizell. Merle wouldn't record it while Lefty was alive. Merle's version is far better imho, and I think that's why he waited.
Vince , you hit the nail on the head...not only is Merle a great singer and musician , he is also the most relatable song writer. God Bless you Hag ✝️🙏
Agree, Merle was great; HOWEVER, Hank W Sr put country & blues & popular on the map & that was not only living, but more so after he died! "Rock stars" (Beatles, rolling stones Janis, etc, etc) "copied/lived/romantisized) Hank's life. "They" did not live it. "They" only capitalized on it for $$!
@@rhondafortson5205 ok hank sr did make country music great butttt he didn’t have half the talent in the vocals that Merle did, hank really could write a song though but so could merle
I came into Country music 'late', as a Rock, Pop and MOTR musician, I discovered Country music during the wonderful Dwight, Alan Jackson, Mavericks, Garth Brooks etc 1990s period and this led me to explore other eras. Merle Haggard has left the longest-lasting impression on me. His body of work has no equal as far as I'm concerned. I have many musical accomplices who feel the same way I do, that Mr Haggard is the greatest Country music artist of all times. I'm delighted that Vince Gill has endorsed the opinion of myself and my many musician friends.
Art is not a sport, there doesn’t have to be a “best”. We can appreciate all artists and what they have contributed to the catalog. The more the merrier.
Thank you. I agree. I hate this line of questioning, unless it’s merely to get a discussion rolling. But the question in and of itself seems anti intellectual and beneath someone who is supposed to be a highly respected journalist.
I think my favorite Merle Haggard song is 'My Favorite Memory'... his voice is just totally perfect in it... he had the most Phenomenal voice...great choice Vince Gill...but you are such a amazing musician as well.. my precious nephew took his own life on 01/30/2020... your song 'Go Rest High' is so comforting to me when the heaviness closes in on me. God Bless you Vince and thank you for all the joy you've given to me. 🎼🖤
@@69VAJRA Definitely Marty Robbins and then Merle Haggard. Marty was singing and writing country songs 10 years before Merle Haggard came on the scene in 1966.
I just love you Vince Gill. You are my favorite Country Music Artist of all time. My sister loved Merle too. She has passed on, but she was Merle's Fan Club President for many, many years. I did his Fan letter for her for the last few years of her life. We enjoyed seeing you in Chicago a few years back at the Chicago Theatre and then again last Fall at the Arcada in St. Charles, IL. You signed my CD set, but I wish I hadn't been too shy to get a hug like everyone else that night. Hope we will get to see you again.
Jayne Hasselroth Sorry about the passing of your sister. I too am a big Vince Gill and Merle Haggard fan. I believe that my mother, who has also passed on, was Merle's biggest fan. I bet she was friends with your sister. My mother is Wanda Houston. Have you heard of or met her before?
@@mistyescobar8915 I did hear her speak of her often, and I know she loved Dale. She told me how kind he was to her, and how he used to stop by to see her.
Hungry Eyes: “I remember Daddy prayin’ for a better way of life, but I don’t recall a change of any size; just a little loss of courage as their age began to show and more sadness in my Mama’s hungry eyes.”
@@ryanlucey1196 Vince is definitely not boring, very talented. Listen to the album Down to my Last bad habit, it's great from first song to the last song. He jams on the guitar so good.
Hands down Merle Haggard agreed ! He wrote most of his own songs ,simple with great meaning ,his band leading to get the right sound ,his picking on that tuf dog telecaster ,his timing of holding notes at the right times ,from working the honky tanks of oil dale and Bakersfield ,and Vegas .and then his smooth Baritone voice ❤
Like David Naill said in his song ‘Sound of a Million Dreams, “When I hear ‘Mama Tried’ I still break down and cry, and pull to the side of the road...”
There’s a ton of stuff out there most people haven’t even heard of. That four CD compilation ‘Down Every Road’ is a great primer, but it left a lot of good stuff out, namely the RCA years. I think some of his best stuff came out then. Also there’s a company out of Germany called Bear Family...they’ve got several sets of unreleased material of his and lots of other artists.
Vince Gill’s emotions appear always right there ready to squeak out. Like at the end. It’s cool to see a man that seems to be (I say “seems” bc I don’t know him or his heart) in touch with his heart; still sensitive and open to life’s experiences and those around him. Also enjoyed how easy this convo felt between these two.
The song of Merle's that really gets to me is Misery & Gin. "Looking at the world through the bottom of a glass, All I see is a man who's fading fast."
A almost impossible question to answer. Time keeps producing them, just like pro athletes. Still, if you have followed Vince, it was sorta' a slam dunk. He told us why; the body of work. Singer, player and for most people, extra, over the top, writer. Vince and Jones were buds. Lot of people probably expected George to get the nod. Maybe for voice George gets in there, but Merle's body of work and its impact is legendary stuff.
@@JAMESMOORE-gq4vv lyrically you top it with Tulare Dust! Tulare dust in a farm boy's nose Wondering where the freight train goes Standin' in the field by the railroad track Cursin' this strap on my cotton sack I can see mom and dad with shoulders low Both of 'em pickin' on a double row They do it for a livin' because they must That's life like it is in the Tulare dust The California sun was something new That when we arrived in '42 And I can still remember how my daddy cussed The tumbleweeds here in the Tulare dust The wally fever was a comin' fate To the farmworkers here in the Golden State And I miss Oklahoma but I'll stay If I must and help make a livin' in the Tulare dust The Tulare dust in a farm boy's nose Wondering where the freight train goes Standin' in the field by the railroad track Cursin' this strap on my cotton sack
@@bearclaw007 Well, it's not rock or hip hop or rap. I consider "western" to be "country" because there's no "eastern" (in this "country". It's all good, but I stick by my choice. Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings are top notch as well. Hank just doesn't do it for me. Take care.
Nobody mentioned Marty Robbins. He was already a legend at the age of 57, when he died 1982, within his near four-decade career♥♥♥♥He belonged to the Grand Ole Opry, (a membership in the Opry remains one of country music's crowning achievements) and to the Country Music Hall of Fame♥♥♥♥He had won Grammys, Gold & Platinum, and to that time, there were not so many others who had all of that. You don´t have to say more♥♥♥♥He was just ONE OF A KIND, not replaceable. He just died too soon.
Well one of these days a young artist, when asked this same question........will put Vince right up there with the best.....great songwriter and his musical talent and voice set him apart from many in the Country Music genre.....
Glen Campbell is an awesome choice. Do not let this other guy harsh your mellow. As an all-around musician and singer, it is difficult to do better great singer, incredible guitarist. (I would go Verne Gosdin for the one, Roy Clark for the other, but see? That's two guys!)
@Benny Hill do not be too hard on the child. It is not his fault that nobody his age likes good music, or even recognize it when they hear it. They have all been conditioned to like the crap corporations feel like feeding them. They are the victims here.
@Benny Hill certainly, there are exceptions. Glad to hear you are one. (Lanza had an amazing voice. He was my mother's favorite, so I grew up with him. Simply sublime voice.)
Dear Eric Hodge I Love Dan Rather And Most of all Vince Gill Forever I Am A Big Fan of Vince Gill For Many years and There is no Better Singer than Vince Gill ❤❤❤❤❤❤ God bless you and Be Safe 😷 Always 🙏🙂
"If We Make It Through December" is my favorite Merle Haggard song. Although there are others that are right up there near the top of my list. Silver Wings, Okie From Muskogee, Mama Tried, The Fightin' Side Of Me, I'm A Lonesome Fugitive, The Bottle Let Me Down, Sing Me Back Home, Today I Started Loving You Again, Workin' Man Blues, Pancho & Lefty, It's All In The Movies, I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink. The list is endless, it seems. I agree with Vince Gill. Merle Haggard is the greatest country artist of all time.
Marty Robbins for me, followed by Merle Haggard. Both wrote most of their own songs as well. Plus how Merle felt about Marty; he named a son after him.
We will never all agree on whom the all time best Country artist is or was. It doesn't really matter. It only matters that we are able to enjoy the music of our favorites whether they have passed or are still with us.
Vince, my 2 brothers and brother in law passed away,all they wanted to have played @ there memorial "Go rest high on that mountain "I think y'all all You, Waylon Jennings, George,Randy Travis, Travis Tritt,David Allan Coe,and my fav,Ole,Willy Nelson n trigger, Allan Jackson, God bless you all God bless America!
A few years from now some super talented country artist will be asked this same question and possibly mention Vince Gill as the greatest. He is an all around talent and a great person too.
@@ramhagramhag5481 I'm sorry--you're wrong. Vince Gill is an extraordinarily talented songwriter, and an extraordinarily talented guitar player, and besides all that, he's also an extremely talented singer. What have you done, lately, to entertain millions of people? I'm betting nothing.😁
Jody Wilke - no your wrong, Merle is the best of all time- total package , even Vince says that !!!!!!!!!!!! Vince is very good , he just ain’t no Merle !!!!!
@@ramhagramhag5481 No--I'm not wrong. Everyone has a right to their opinions, and mine is, Vince Gill is an extremely talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist. There have been so many great country music singers, over the years, there is no 'best'. And you've got a stupid name, besides.
"Wake up", "Swinging Doors", "That's the way love goes" "Silver Wings" "Today I started loving you again"- and two he did with Ernest Tubbs, "Walking the floor over you" and "Living with the shades pulled down" Yes I believe Vince Gill is right, he was the greatest
There are Soooo many Merle Haggard tunes to pick from & everyone always says the same few songs..I could name twenty here that I would pick...most before I Okie from Muskogee..I do agree with the Gillster tho...The Hag is the Best!
I should just fall down in complete awe of Vince making this respectful statement from a Musician anyone minimizes is uninvited ! Merle my All ! The guy who if I were granted that one wish ! It would be to be like him !
For me all time favorite is Vince Gill. Angel voice demon guitarist. Sit aside his music abilities and what do you have...a wonderful man. Full of humility and grace.
The Hag and Hank senior George Jones J Cash Much loved and respected her I can understand why he Went for Merle ... Greetings from Dublin Ireland brother and sisters
Keith Whitley for sure. I loved George Jones growing up but once i heard all of Keith Whitleys catalog he blew me away more than any other artist. Most people dont know how great he is cause he died so young and just when he was finally getting recognized for his talent by mainstream country.
Misery and Gin is one of my favs.........I saw Merl in concert here in Calif in the 80s and and again in early 2000s, one of my all time favorites .....
Here's my take and something that nobody, I know of, has said yet. You can add names to the list, as many have done, and you'd be right. You can speak of impact, influence, talent, skills, etc, as many have done, and you'd be right. But the real difference, and the only core element that matters is LOVE. People love other entertainer's music, style or whatever. But with Merle, people just loved the man. Period. For what he was and who he was. You could see it in the faces of the audience at his shows and in the faces of other entertainers as they speak of him and do his music. This is not the faces of "fans". These are not the faces of "keyed up" excited attendees. These were the faces of people engaged, enraptured and entralled. These were people listening to a man that "somehow" "someway" had the key to speak straight to their hearts. And they loved him for it. Because the connection was there. And that connection permeates country music and separates it from other genres. You can speak of entertainers, artists and stars, but the ones in Merle's class are just a handful. The Duke had it. James Garner had it. Emmy Lou has it. Vince is getting it.
@flyrod1000, True but the Duke (John Wayne) and James Garner. Were only actors not country music singers. And even they can't beat Good Ole' Merle. For he was in a class by himself.
Yeah. George was an amazing singer. At least merles equal. But there’s no comparison when u throw in songwriting. Merle is number 1 with no one even close. Maybe Willie and Hank.
I love mister Merlhargard too , he said something that just proves his down to earth , he dident want to leave his money to his family , he dident know them and felt like they might just want his money
I was thinking Vince would name George Jones as the greatest. I was wrong. I think Merle, George, Hank, Jimmie Rodgers and Johnny Cash are all equal. But Vince's opinion is way above my own.
Really surprised Jones did not come up in the discussion. I know Vince was a huge fan. George was not a great songwriter or guitar player. But his voice was the greatest of all time. No discussion.
@@marccohen4571 George did write some of his songs but overall he was the greatest voice in country music.. Merle was able to reach his audience by singing the songs he wrote which was.pretty well all of them. He and Hank Sr were the greatest songwriters singers.
It’s not one of his big hits, but “California Cottonfields” May be his greatest feat of songwriting. He captured the essence of the novel, Grapes of Wrath, into a few verses.
Merle also said that "if ever there were an example of a man with too much talent, it would be Glen Campbell". It's hard to pick just one for me I loved so many of them Conway, Jennings, Merle, , George, Vince, Marty Robbins, Strait, and many others. I do agree with the comment above that no one will ever again sound like George Jones. Hat's off to all of these amazing singers here and beyond!
Merle is a legend for sure, but I never really got into him like I did with Hank, George and Johnny. That's the fun of it. Everyone has their own favorites.
I think it's a toss up between that and Hank's "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" for best country song. And what makes "Today" stand out is that the arrangement was so sparse. It focused on the lyric and the vocal and the harmony of Bonnie Owens.
To me George Jones didn’t seem down to earth like Merle... he seemed like he was full of himself... Merle was just an average down to earth kinda guy... r.i.p. Merle and George❗️
I'll never discredit Merle for his talent. he was one off my favorites. Didn't smoke marijuana in muskogee but threw away a fortune on cocaine. Merle had some some strange thoughts.
@@EclecticHillbilly Marty was a great person, great singer. Dad had every recors he ever did. so that's how i came up. & i've told Dad how much i appreciated him.
IVE SAID THIS BEFORE...........IF HANK HAD LIVED TO OLDER AGE, HE WOULD HAVE BECOME WHAT MERLE HAGGARD IS.....I THINK HANKS MUSIC WOULD HAVE EVOLVED INTO THE STYLE OF MERLE.....BUT I DONT THINK HANK HAD MERLES VOICE ABILITIES, BUT STILL
There are only a few Country music artists who rival Haggard in terms of impact on the genre and an influence on multiple generations. In no particular order (and everyone's preferences are different, which is fine)...George JonesJohnny CashWillie NelsonWaylon JenningsPatsy ClineLoretta LynnHank Williams Sr.Hank Williams Jr. Each of these artists influenced Country music in their own, unique way; some in terms of singing, some in terms of social impact, some in terms of attitude and bringing influences from other genres of music to Country. Merle Haggard seems to me to be the only one who had it all: singing, playing, songwriting, social impact, flavoring Country with Blues & Folk, and attitude. It was like,...if you combined all the other greats on this list and then add that unique "something" he had, you'd get Merle Haggard. ...and 1982's "A Taste of Yesterday's Wine", with Jones & Haggard, is the greatest Country album ever, in my opinion.
Ray Price was the most influential in terms of getting the country artists out of the small clubs and into the larger auditoriums. He was also extremely Influential in the area of higher ticket prices for country music artists.
The fact that Merle Haggard was in San Quentin during Johnny Cash's concert causing Merle to change his life and start a music career is something I think more people should talk about
I had no idea about that story!
I read his book in the county jail of all places my favorite quote was Merle I haven't seen you in about three years what have you been doing? And he said, about 3 years!🤠🍻😂
Johnny cash’s first performance at San Quentin was in 1958 that was the concert Merle saw. Cash later returned to San Quentin in 1969 and that is the concert that is famous
Merle Haggard's Silver Wings is one of my all time favorites.
mine was mama's hungry eyes. it reminds me of my mom and how hard she worked to raise the eight of us.
Silver Wings does represent “the smooth” that Merle could just pull out whenever he wanted.
His vocal talents were immeasurable, though. He could lay down the velvet like Jim Reeves, cry a masculine sad as Patsy Cline would have had she been a man, put the sustain on like Carrie Underwood, tie up a song within it’s own track like Billy Joel can package a cut, or tell a rambling story like Hank Sr, Alan Jackson, Nanci Griffith, Johnny Cash, or Marty Robbins.
His versatility was always possible but he focused only on his ‘brand’ and never dabbled like Glen Campbell and Kenny Rogers did.
But Silver Wings is an amazingly polished track. The delivery was so well thought out and the diction Jim Reeves perfect.
fishhuntadventure ok now
Yep there's just something about Silver Wings that puts it at the top. Maybe it's because it's how he puts a complete picture in your mind about what's taking place and in just a few words and I think everyone can relate to that picture somehow. Everyone knows the sadness of having someone they love leaving their lives forever.
Same
For Me, it’s Merle Haggard. He was in a league of his own. Was an honor and pleasure for me to be around this master of music up close and personal. On and off the stage. And much credit to all the Strangers that complimented Hag on stage ! Great memories 😎
Sing me back home, amazing sound.
Way I am
You take me for granted
Hungry eyes
Always on a,mountain when I fall
Just so sooo many great songs.
His delivery was so unique & raw with feeling.
It was never faked.
The Way I Am, I second that emotion! So many and to look many to pick from.
Two of those, The Way I Am and Always on a Mountain When I Fall...I unno why those aren’t as known. I’m too young to know if they were released as singles, but most will refer back to his mid to late 60s stuff or I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink. Nothing wrong with any of that - it’s some of my favorite, too, but there’s a whole lot of good stuff on his older tapes that seems to get left out and it’s just as good, if not better.
Tough question to answer but he picked the right one. MERLE HAGGARD is the greatest country music Superstar! Big City, Working man blues, that's the way love goes, Swinging doors, Are the good times really over, ... the list is endless. Straight from the heart of hard life experiences. Also in addition to musical talent, his 50 year career demonstrates stamina, persistence, longevity, and determination to go on. He definitely gets my vote.
That's The Way Love Goes is my favorite Haggard tune but it was written by Lefty Frizell. Merle wouldn't record it while Lefty was alive. Merle's version is far better imho, and I think that's why he waited.
Vince , you hit the nail on the head...not only is Merle a great singer and musician , he is also the most relatable song writer. God Bless you Hag ✝️🙏
Merle Haggard is a fine choice.
Agree, Merle was great; HOWEVER, Hank W Sr put country & blues & popular on the map & that was not only living, but more so after he died! "Rock stars" (Beatles, rolling stones Janis, etc, etc) "copied/lived/romantisized) Hank's life. "They" did not live it. "They" only capitalized on it for $$!
Haggard was the greatest.
@@rhondafortson5205 ok hank sr did make country music great butttt he didn’t have half the talent in the vocals that Merle did, hank really could write a song though but so could merle
Also Marty Robbins is next in that line I think 💕
@@ronniebishop2496 george jones
Best Hag song...Sing Me Back Home...
Before I die.
Yes I agree
I can't just pick one... your choice, plus Lonesome Fugitive, Running Kind... others.
Rambling fever, Big city, two of my faves
Vince your one of my greatest Country Artists no question. You sit at the table with The man from the mountain. God bless you.
I agree with Vince. Merle was the best ever. My humble opinion.
I came into Country music 'late', as a Rock, Pop and MOTR musician, I discovered Country music during the wonderful Dwight, Alan Jackson, Mavericks, Garth Brooks etc 1990s period and this led me to explore other eras.
Merle Haggard has left the longest-lasting impression on me. His body of work has no equal as far as I'm concerned.
I have many musical accomplices who feel the same way I do, that Mr Haggard is the greatest Country music artist of all times.
I'm delighted that Vince Gill has endorsed the opinion of myself and my many musician friends.
Pretty much because Vince was thinking like a musician that day.
Art is not a sport, there doesn’t have to be a “best”. We can appreciate all artists and what they have contributed to the catalog. The more the merrier.
Well put!
Thank you. I agree. I hate this line of questioning, unless it’s merely to get a discussion rolling. But the question in and of itself seems anti intellectual and beneath someone who is supposed to be a highly respected journalist.
Vince you are one of the best. Your performances with the Eagles solidified that. And I have seen them all
vince gill is the poorest excuse for singer to ever come along just like garth brookes
Lol.. You are out of touch.
I think my favorite Merle Haggard song is 'My Favorite Memory'... his voice is just totally perfect in it... he had the most Phenomenal voice...great choice Vince Gill...but you are such a amazing musician as well.. my precious nephew took his own life on 01/30/2020... your song 'Go Rest High' is so comforting to me when the heaviness closes in on me. God Bless you Vince and thank you for all the joy you've given to me. 🎼🖤
I’m pretty impressed with Dan Rather’s knowledge of the subject.
Hes a texan.
Other than thinking Merle was an Oklahoman, he did a good job.
Can’t argue from his perspective. Would have thought he’d say George Jones, but Merle Haggard is in fact awesomeness
I think George jones...Merle haggard...either or
@@charlesmoore6140 Me too. Both were the greatest country music singers ever.
@@charlesmoore6140 Marty Robbins
Gotta love The Hag,❤️
@@69VAJRA Definitely Marty Robbins and then Merle Haggard. Marty was singing and writing country songs 10 years before Merle Haggard came on the scene in 1966.
I just love you Vince Gill. You are my favorite Country Music Artist of all time. My sister loved Merle too. She has passed on, but she was Merle's Fan Club President for many, many years. I did his Fan letter for her for the last few years of her life. We enjoyed seeing you in Chicago a few years back at the Chicago Theatre and then again last Fall at the Arcada in St. Charles, IL. You signed my CD set, but I wish I hadn't been too shy to get a hug like everyone else that night. Hope we will get to see you again.
Jayne Hasselroth Sorry about the passing of your sister. I too am a big Vince Gill and Merle Haggard fan. I believe that my mother, who has also passed on, was Merle's biggest fan. I bet she was friends with your sister. My mother is Wanda Houston. Have you heard of or met her before?
Was she related to Dale Houston?
Yes, Dale is my brother.
@@JHasselroth it’s always a wonderful experience witnessing Vince perform, he have an amazing voice ... where’re you from. Jayne
@@mistyescobar8915 I did hear her speak of her often, and I know she loved Dale. She told me how kind he was to her, and how he used to stop by to see her.
Hungry Eyes: “I remember Daddy prayin’ for a better way of life, but I don’t recall a change of any size; just a little loss of courage as their age began to show and more sadness in my Mama’s hungry eyes.”
That may not be Merle's best song but he didn't write any that were better.
Vince and Allison Krauss have other worldly voices.
Alison did, until her cigarette smokin' wrecked it.
I would say Vince and Emmylou Harris.
Shame there songs are so fucking boring for the most part
Nothing boring about their songs
@@ryanlucey1196 Vince is definitely not boring, very talented. Listen to the album Down to my Last bad habit, it's great from first song to the last song. He jams on the guitar so good.
Hands down Merle Haggard agreed ! He wrote most of his own songs ,simple with great meaning ,his band leading to get the right sound ,his picking on that tuf dog telecaster ,his timing of holding notes at the right times ,from working the honky tanks of oil dale and Bakersfield ,and Vegas .and then his smooth Baritone voice ❤
Vince Gill is such a superb human being. Talented, humble, funny, and as sweet as chocolate!
The first time we met it was my favorite memory of mine they say time changes all it pertains to but your memory is stronger than time
I always thought" Kern River" was a great song, but everything he wrote and sung was just wondering, nothing but gold !
Kevin.. I'm right in your corner on that one.. Splendid tune.. One of those I always find myself warblin away to.
@@edwardspearing5148 Good to know I'm not the only one who warbles!! Lol Hey I enjoy singing along.
Like David Naill said in his song ‘Sound of a Million Dreams, “When I hear ‘Mama Tried’ I still break down and cry, and pull to the side of the road...”
Most folks pick the same five songs from Merle...He had so much other incredible music he did. I could never pick one favorite.
There’s a ton of stuff out there most people haven’t even heard of. That four CD compilation ‘Down Every Road’ is a great primer, but it left a lot of good stuff out, namely the RCA years. I think some of his best stuff came out then. Also there’s a company out of Germany called Bear Family...they’ve got several sets of unreleased material of his and lots of other artists.
Vince Gill’s emotions appear always right there ready to squeak out. Like at the end. It’s cool to see a man that seems to be (I say “seems” bc I don’t know him or his heart) in touch with his heart; still sensitive and open to life’s experiences and those around him. Also enjoyed how easy this convo felt between these two.
I could listen to Vince Gill talk forever!!!!! Lucky Amy!
I’m thinking lucky Vince lol
Yes Tammy it’s a beautiful experience to witness Vince perform, where’re you from
I think somebody in these comments said it best people just liked the man and his songs just touched our hearts in different ways!❤️
The song of Merle's that really gets to me is Misery & Gin.
"Looking at the world through the bottom of a glass,
All I see is a man who's fading fast."
He Is Amazing And Awesome Goes Deeper Than That. I LOVE My Family Very Very Much.
IT's My Birthday Today.
Yes Yvonne it’s a beautiful experience to witness Vince perform, where’re you from
A almost impossible question to answer. Time keeps producing them, just like pro athletes. Still, if you have followed Vince, it was sorta' a slam dunk. He told us why; the body of work. Singer, player and for most people, extra, over the top, writer. Vince and Jones were buds. Lot of people probably expected George to get the nod. Maybe for voice George gets in there, but Merle's body of work and its impact is legendary stuff.
Bob Wills should be in the conversation.
@Matt Beeman He did sing occasionally, but the topic was greatest country music artist.
Favorite Memory. How do you top "First time we met is a favorite memory of mine"
read my mind.
@@JAMESMOORE-gq4vv lyrically you top it with Tulare Dust!
Tulare dust in a farm boy's nose
Wondering where the freight train goes
Standin' in the field by the railroad track
Cursin' this strap on my cotton sack
I can see mom and dad with shoulders low
Both of 'em pickin' on a double row
They do it for a livin' because they must
That's life like it is in the Tulare dust
The California sun was something new
That when we arrived in '42
And I can still remember how my daddy cussed
The tumbleweeds here in the Tulare dust
The wally fever was a comin' fate
To the farmworkers here in the Golden State
And I miss Oklahoma but I'll stay
If I must and help make a livin' in the Tulare dust
The Tulare dust in a farm boy's nose
Wondering where the freight train goes
Standin' in the field by the railroad track
Cursin' this strap on my cotton sack
I have to cast a vote Marty Robbins. "El Paso City" is pure gold.
Not sure if western is exactly country.
@@bearclaw007 Well, it's not rock or hip hop or rap. I consider "western" to be "country" because there's no "eastern" (in this "country". It's all good, but I stick by my choice. Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings are top notch as well. Hank just doesn't do it for me. Take care.
@@bearclaw007 seriously? Yes, all in the same category.
Damn i love this guy. Such a tremendous talent and so humble. Crazy funny story teller as well.
you can't be talking about vince gill , all he does is whine and calls it singing
"Looking for a Place to Fall Apart" is my favorite
Written by Willie Nelson.
"Going where the lonely go"
There will never be anyone that will do for true country music like Merle
Haggard done, end of story...
Hank Williams was just incomparable
@A Klemmer,
Yes he was definitely one of the best and one of my personal favorites.
Can't even imagine how he, Hank managed to pour 50 years worth of work into 4 short years
Yeah I would put Hank over Merle but it is a close one.
Couldn’t agree more. Many many great, legendary country singers but Merle is pure country.
Nobody mentioned Marty Robbins. He was already a legend at the age of 57, when he died 1982, within his near four-decade career♥♥♥♥He belonged to the Grand Ole Opry, (a membership in the Opry remains one of country music's crowning achievements) and to the Country Music Hall of Fame♥♥♥♥He had won Grammys, Gold & Platinum, and to that time, there were not so many others who had all of that.
You don´t have to say more♥♥♥♥He was just ONE OF A KIND, not replaceable. He just died too soon.
Martin David Robinson(Marty Robbins) was named the Country Music Artist of the Decade for the 1970's.
Well one of these days a young artist, when asked this same question........will put Vince right up there with the best.....great songwriter and his musical talent and voice set him apart from many in the Country Music genre.....
GLEN CAMPBELL FOR ME, BEST GUITARIST IN THE WORLD, WITH THAT VOICE RANGE, AND SWEET VOCALS, YEAH HE WAS THE ONE.
ROTFLMAO
You're an idiot
Glen Campbell is an awesome choice. Do not let this other guy harsh your mellow. As an all-around musician and singer, it is difficult to do better great singer, incredible guitarist. (I would go Verne Gosdin for the one, Roy Clark for the other, but see? That's two guys!)
Geriatric world
@Benny Hill do not be too hard on the child. It is not his fault that nobody his age likes good music, or even recognize it when they hear it. They have all been conditioned to like the crap corporations feel like feeding them. They are the victims here.
@Benny Hill certainly, there are exceptions. Glad to hear you are one. (Lanza had an amazing voice. He was my mother's favorite, so I grew up with him. Simply sublime voice.)
Dan Rather talking country music with Vince Gill. You gotta love it.
Dear Eric Hodge
I Love Dan Rather And Most of all
Vince Gill Forever I Am A Big Fan of
Vince Gill For Many years and There is no
Better Singer than Vince Gill ❤❤❤❤❤❤
God bless you and Be Safe 😷 Always 🙏🙂
the best merle song, i like,is the runnin kind.i sing it, also put my harmony to it,on tape, and it gives it more country sound. love merle.
"If We Make It Through December" is my favorite Merle Haggard song. Although there are others that are right up there near the top of my list. Silver Wings, Okie From Muskogee, Mama Tried, The Fightin' Side Of Me, I'm A Lonesome Fugitive, The Bottle Let Me Down, Sing Me Back Home, Today I Started Loving You Again, Workin' Man Blues, Pancho & Lefty, It's All In The Movies, I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink. The list is endless, it seems. I agree with Vince Gill. Merle Haggard is the greatest country artist of all time.
Here I am again mixin’ Misery and Gin sittin with all my friends and talkin to myself....My personal favorite by Merle. Some great lines in that song.
Crikey forgot how great that song is. Now thinking it's impossible to choose just one.
Dang, I forgot about that song too. At the time one of my favorites!
I can't agree more ! Merle's songs actually turned me into a classic country fan from a classic rock only fan !
My favourite Merle song. Going where the lonely go.
I remember when Merle sang 'Okie from Muskogee' at the Muskogee Civic Center.
Ha ha... kinda like when McCartney sang Back in the USSR in Red Square? “Well this ought to go over okay...”
Marty Robbins for me, followed by Merle Haggard. Both wrote most of their own songs as well. Plus how Merle felt about Marty; he named a son after him.
Yes!!! Marty Robbins arrived on the country music scene in 1956 and Merle followed 10 years later.
Such a soothing voice
Lonesome Fugitive Is Mine!
Wow love his answer! The Merl song that never got enough credit is “In My Next Life”.
We will never all agree on whom the all time best Country artist is or was. It doesn't really matter. It only matters that we
are able to enjoy the music of our favorites whether they have passed or are still with us.
Vince, my 2 brothers and brother in law passed away,all they wanted to have played @ there memorial "Go rest high on that mountain "I think y'all all You, Waylon Jennings, George,Randy Travis, Travis Tritt,David Allan Coe,and my fav,Ole,Willy Nelson n trigger, Allan Jackson, God bless you all God bless America!
Without a doubt...Merle Haggard was and is the best ever!!!
Charles Marshall Absolutely!
Haggard was the man ,but nobody in country touches George Jones voice
Charles Marshall
Yes sir!
Wakenbakefool is the
@@Wakenbakefool Ever hear Gene Watson live?
Vince Gill has the most amazing guitar collection I've ever seen in my entire life and I've seen many
A few years from now some super talented country artist will be asked this same question and possibly mention Vince Gill as the greatest. He is an all around talent and a great person too.
Zoetropeification - he will never be close to Merle Haggard
@@ramhagramhag5481 I'm sorry--you're wrong. Vince Gill is an extraordinarily talented songwriter, and an extraordinarily talented guitar player, and besides all that, he's also an extremely talented singer. What have you done, lately, to entertain millions of people? I'm betting nothing.😁
Jody Wilke - no your wrong, Merle is the best of all time- total package , even Vince says that !!!!!!!!!!!! Vince is very good , he just ain’t no Merle !!!!!
@@ramhagramhag5481 No--I'm not wrong. Everyone has a right to their opinions, and mine is, Vince Gill is an extremely talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist. There have been so many great country music singers, over the years, there is no 'best'. And you've got a stupid name, besides.
Jody Wilke - fuck you , you so stupid, your comparing Vince Gil to Merle Haggard, lol , your so dumb
"Wake up", "Swinging Doors", "That's the way love goes" "Silver Wings" "Today I started loving you again"- and two he did with Ernest Tubbs, "Walking the floor over you" and "Living with the shades pulled down" Yes I believe Vince Gill is right, he was the greatest
There are Soooo many Merle Haggard tunes to pick from & everyone always says the same few songs..I could name twenty here that I would pick...most before I Okie from Muskogee..I do agree with the Gillster tho...The Hag is the Best!
M no hie to no no k no okl
.
Silver Wings!
@@williammayes6851 I couldn't have said it any better. 😆
I should just fall down in complete awe of Vince making this respectful statement from a Musician anyone minimizes is uninvited ! Merle my All ! The guy who if I were granted that one wish ! It would be to be like him !
Today I started loving you again was my favorite.
Me, too! What a song!
I can't pick one or another, because Hank Williams Sr and Hag are both my favorite country artists.
Merle is my choice too! Although Vince Gill is not too far behind him....
Yes Judie it’s a beautiful experience to witness Vince performance... where’re you from
For me all time favorite is Vince Gill. Angel voice demon guitarist. Sit aside his music abilities and what do you have...a wonderful man. Full of humility and grace.
No 1 Merle Haggard. Best song "Today I Started Loving You Again."
Yep !
My favorite, too. I understand he wrote that after a one night stand with his ex-wife Bonnie Owens. So full of feeling and meaning.
Vern the voice Gosdin.
Yes Beryl it’s a beautiful experience to witness Vince perform, where’re you from
@@scottrileypeter8941 I live in the Orkney Islands in Scotland.
The Hag and Hank senior
George Jones J Cash
Much loved and respected her I can understand why he
Went for Merle ...
Greetings from Dublin Ireland brother and sisters
I think I’ll just stay here and drink.....
@fastdude2002,
Ahhh, yes bartender I'll take a beer 😊🥳
Best ever: "Today I Started Loving You Again" and "Sing me Back Home." Just my humble opinion.
I think it’s a toss up between Johnny Cash, George Jones, Hank Williams, and Merle Haggard
Vince is right there.
Keith Whitley for sure. I loved George Jones growing up but once i heard all of Keith Whitleys catalog he blew me away more than any other artist. Most people dont know how great he is cause he died so young and just when he was finally getting recognized for his talent by mainstream country.
I would take Johnny and George out of there they were great don’t get me wrong but not comparable to Merle, Conway, or Vern
I would add Waylon Jennings.
Hank for sure.
Misery and Gin is one of my favs.........I saw Merl in concert here in Calif in the 80s and and again in early 2000s, one of my all time favorites .....
Here's my take and something that nobody, I know of, has said yet.
You can add names to the list, as many have done, and you'd be right.
You can speak of impact, influence, talent, skills, etc, as many have done, and
you'd be right. But the real difference, and the only core element
that matters is LOVE. People love other entertainer's music, style
or whatever. But with Merle, people just loved the man. Period.
For what he was and who he was. You could see it in the faces of
the audience at his shows and in the faces of other entertainers
as they speak of him and do his music. This is not the faces of
"fans". These are not the faces of "keyed up" excited attendees.
These were the faces of people engaged, enraptured and entralled.
These were people listening to a man that "somehow" "someway" had
the key to speak straight to their hearts. And they loved him for it.
Because the connection was there. And that connection permeates
country music and separates it from other genres. You can speak of entertainers, artists
and stars, but the ones in Merle's class are just a handful. The Duke
had it. James Garner had it. Emmy Lou has it. Vince is getting it.
I agree, his music was very relatable. However, that would have been a real hard question for me to answer.
You hit the nail on the head with your comment. Totally agree.
@flyrod1000,
True but the Duke (John Wayne) and James Garner. Were only actors not country music singers. And even they can't beat Good Ole' Merle. For he was in a class by himself.
Talents like Merle come around once in a lifetime!
I expected him to say George Jones as close as they were. Learn something new everyday
swampmammytheone Me, too! I would've almost staked my life on Vince saying George Jones!
Yeah. George was an amazing singer. At least merles equal. But there’s no comparison when u throw in songwriting. Merle is number 1 with no one even close. Maybe Willie and Hank.
Matt Beeman no George wrote lots of his early hits. Window up Above, Color of The Blues, Southern California just some .
Well it makes sense, Merle was George's favorite musician as well.
I love mister Merlhargard too , he said something that just proves his down to earth , he dident want to leave his money to his family , he dident know them and felt like they might just want his money
I was thinking Vince would name George Jones as the greatest. I was wrong. I think Merle, George, Hank, Jimmie Rodgers and Johnny Cash are all equal. But Vince's opinion is way above my own.
Really surprised Jones did not come up in the discussion. I know Vince was a huge fan. George was not a great songwriter or guitar player. But his voice was the greatest of all time. No discussion.
@@marccohen4571 George did write some of his songs but overall he was the greatest voice in country music.. Merle was able to reach his audience by singing the songs he wrote which was.pretty well all of them. He and Hank Sr were the greatest songwriters singers.
If We Make it Through December, Working Man Blues, Figthing Side of Me, Today I Started Loving You Again and Big City. Merle is my pick too.
It’s not one of his big hits, but “California Cottonfields” May be his greatest feat of songwriting. He captured the essence of the novel, Grapes of Wrath, into a few verses.
One of my favorites by my favorite.
This coming from one of countries greatest musicians confirms my choice of the greatest country stars...Mr. Merle Haggard! I miss him every day!
Hank Sr - Cash - George - Willie - Merle, that's a royal flush - with Waylon as a wild card
cant leave out Willie... ;
or Johnny. :)
Conway twitty
agree with everything you said. But Waylon is not a wild card. He is as good as anyone on that list.
Merle Haggard is the damn best there ever was or ever will be.
That's pretty funny because Merle Haggard said Marty Robbins was the Best singer he has ever heard. Can you see the irony here.
Merle also said that "if ever there were an example of a man with too much talent, it would be Glen Campbell". It's hard to pick just one for me I loved so many of them Conway, Jennings, Merle, ,
George, Vince, Marty Robbins, Strait, and many others. I do agree with the comment above that no one will ever again sound like George Jones. Hat's off to all of these amazing singers here and beyond!
True!! Merles my favorite but one could easily argue Marty Robbins voice simply amazing. Let me add Ray Price too
@@pennybenton5607 I agree and could add many more but it would get crazy, lol.
@@pennybenton5607 Marty could out sing anybody what a voice
@Matt Beeman I loved Merle's songwriting but wrote Marty wrote some of the biggest songs of all time.
Merle is a legend for sure, but I never really got into him like I did with Hank, George and Johnny. That's the fun of it. Everyone has their own favorites.
Merle is my choice too.....Vince is great too!
I saw a country interview show where he said his best song was "Today I Started Loving You Again"
I think it's a toss up between that and Hank's "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" for best country song. And what makes "Today" stand out is that the arrangement was so sparse. It focused on the lyric and the vocal and the harmony of Bonnie Owens.
Looking for a place to fall apart
I would also pick merle, because he did it all and it was all great!!! RIP😞
My favorite Haggard song is "What Do You Have Planed Tonight Diana".
My cousin who left us in 1994 gave me the 45 of this song many years ago. I still have it and it still makes me cry.
Almost forgot all about that one, good choice Cherokee Maiden was on that album, like that one too
my favorite too...workin man blues my favorite song
Working Man Blues!
Mighty Merle is my all time favorite and was lucky enough to see him in person. Hank Sr. and George Jones are right near the top.
Jim Reaves. Beautiful voice.
Yes Phyllis it’s always a beautiful experience to witness Vince perform , where’re you from
Vince Gill, a country music great himself. 100% pure class.
Merle was the best all around, for sure. But nobody will ever match the voice of George Jones!
Amen
To me George Jones didn’t seem down to earth like Merle... he seemed like he was full of himself... Merle was just an average down to earth kinda guy... r.i.p. Merle and George❗️
I'll never discredit Merle for his talent. he was one off my favorites. Didn't smoke marijuana in muskogee but threw away a fortune on cocaine. Merle had some some strange thoughts.
WAYON could and surpass George. Sad both are gone.
You hit it straight on the head
Class guy.seen him at the opry .real genuine guy and humble as he is you could put his name in the mix
Merle Haggard and Marty Robbins.
people have forgotten marty robbins. he probably had the greatest voice of any singer ever. i grew up with my dad listening to him almost daily.
@@timacosby Very true. Marty Robbins even sang great versions of Hawaiian music, which few ever even try to do.
@@EclecticHillbilly Marty was a great person, great singer. Dad had every recors he ever did. so that's how i came up. & i've told Dad how much i appreciated him.
Yup.
Merle Haggard was my fav too ! I have several of his albums thanks to my parents 💗
IVE SAID THIS BEFORE...........IF HANK HAD LIVED TO OLDER AGE, HE WOULD HAVE BECOME WHAT MERLE HAGGARD IS.....I THINK HANKS MUSIC WOULD HAVE EVOLVED INTO THE STYLE OF MERLE.....BUT I DONT THINK HANK HAD MERLES VOICE ABILITIES, BUT STILL
I like merle but Dolly Parton!!!
I dont think any1 can surpass the career & legend that she's been All her life
and doing it w/ class & style!!! ; )
There are only a few Country music artists who rival Haggard in terms of impact on the genre and an influence on multiple generations. In no particular order (and everyone's preferences are different, which is fine)...George JonesJohnny CashWillie NelsonWaylon JenningsPatsy ClineLoretta LynnHank Williams Sr.Hank Williams Jr. Each of these artists influenced Country music in their own, unique way; some in terms of singing, some in terms of social impact, some in terms of attitude and bringing influences from other genres of music to Country. Merle Haggard seems to me to be the only one who had it all: singing, playing, songwriting, social impact, flavoring Country with Blues & Folk, and attitude. It was like,...if you combined all the other greats on this list and then add that unique "something" he had, you'd get Merle Haggard. ...and 1982's "A Taste of Yesterday's Wine", with Jones & Haggard, is the greatest Country album ever, in my opinion.
Ray Price was the most influential in terms of getting the country artists out of the small clubs and into the larger auditoriums. He was also extremely Influential in the area of higher ticket prices for country music artists.
@@tonyhemingway7980 Great point. Very true.
Dolly might belong somewhere on that list.
Love all Merles songs but my all time favorite is Sing me back home..
Yes Lisa it’s a beautiful experience to witness Vince perform, where’re you from