To move your song (or bourbon) to the front of the list, please bribe us by sending a bottle of bourbon, preferably one we haven't had on the channel yet, to: BCR 484 E. Carmel Dr. Suite 155 Carmel, IN 46032 Alternately: You can place an order for pickup for "Bourbon Country Reacts" at: vineandtable.com Purchase it for pickup at this store: Vine & Table #301 313 E. Carmel Drive Carmel, IN 46032. If you place an order for pickup, PLEASE get our attention in the comments so we know to go pick it up.
Merle was indeed in prison for getting mixed up in a robbery. He also spent some time in solitary because of his disciplinary issues in prison. Several of his songs about prison were written about guys he met and knew while he was inside. Merle is a really good musician as well. While he has a couple really good guitar players in his band, a lot of the leads you hear in his songs is actually Merle. Cerainly a brilliant writer as well. Which is how he earned the nickname Poet of the Common Man.
the poet of the common man,He turned 21 in prison doimg 5-15.said that didn't work for the song,but yeah it's autobiographical.He was in San Quinton when he saw Cash
Merle is just a legend. The message is just Merle taking responsibility for his own life mistakes. There is a certain authenticity to Merle that everyone appreciates and yes he did do time San Quentin Prison.
back in the mid 80's I saw Merle at Billy bobs in ft worth tx. Great show. Somehow I wound up with a cardboard cutout of Merle. He was leaning on several wooden cases of George Dickle. The caption read "The Hag don't back no dogs". Carry on guys. Good stuff.
Whenever you review Merle you should check these out live on Austin City Limits. You can really appreciate Merle’s instrumental talents on guitar and fiddle. He’s the best EVER - from his vocals to instrumentals and his lyrics - his music never seems to get old! A N Y T H I N G MERLE !!! 💔 ♥️ 🎶🎶
Lead Guitar player for Merle was Roy Nichols until 1987 when he retired, and passed away 2001. In the End the Lead Guitar Player with Merle's band (the Strangers) was his youngest son, Ben Haggard!!
One secret not-so-secret talent of Merle Haggard was his ability to almost PERFECTLY imitate other country singers to the point you can't even tell the difference between the real thing or Merle! There is a vid or two on YT showing that talent.
Ronald Reagan pardoned Merle Haggard when he was governor of California he had done 3 years at San Quentin that is where he saw Johnny Cash he has a lot of great songs. The fighting’ side of me is good and Rainbow stew Misery and gin
I like Merle's song Are The Good Times Really Over For Good. It's even fitting for today. He escaped from many prisons before he was in San Quentin. He was actually put there because they were hoping that he couldn't escape from there. He did not escape from there.
I'm from all the stories out there Johnny Cash changed my old haggard's future and he did it for some prison when he was there recording Folsom prison break blues the album and the TV special. Merle is the guitarist on the song that him bending strength and that's his signature flying or his signature run. His son plays guitar just as well as Merle did world holding and he has that same ability to bend the strings that Merle did. Lord knows we miss Merle Haggard. But he did have a tendency to sometimes showcase darker things pretty much is a life lesson. Whether anybody was listening and actually paid attention to what he was saying well that's another matter entirely. This was a great reaction guys it was wonderful reaction.
Seriously addicted to your reaction videos! Please do Glen Campbell "I'm not gonna miss you" it was the last song he recorded before dying of Alzheimers complications
alot of us are addicted to them and we wait up until they are posted. They are genuinely good ole boys that make us laugh, cry, and think. An excellent way to end a long day.
Merle Haggard did write this. Since you mention Chet Atkins, there's a cute song by Pat Donohue called Sitting In The Basement Stealing From Chet. Chet Atkins joins in on the song later.
When Ronald Reagan was governor he pardoned Merle. One of the cool things about Merle is he never really had a job besides music. He went from prison to playing in bar bands. Me and my crippled soldiers is another great song from Merle
When talking about people not taking responsibility for their own actions, in the wise words of the late great Tim Wilson, "If you've been married nine times, hell, maybe it's you." A lyric from a song called "100 Things Every Man Needs To Know"
I thought of a good old song for you guys today. I had my feather duster at work, cleaning the wine wall and "Dust On The Bottle" by David Lee Murphy started playing in my head.
Great reaction guys! My husband I look forward to seeing your videos. Every line in that song was true to Merle's life except doing life without parole. I think you should check out "Branded Man " "The Running Kind" and "Silver Wings" by Merle Haggard.
Merle was such a part of my childhood. He fit right in with Willie and Waylon and Johnny and the rest of the outlaws. Love his fighting side of me and okie from Muskogee. Anything from the hag is 💣
Speaking of Chet Akins his son had some great music Rhett Akins (That Ain’t My Truck in Your Drive, Don’t Get Me Started and I loved his cover of Wonderful Tonight). Now fast forward and HIS son didn’t want to make it on the family name so goes by Thomas Rhett and he is definitely carrying on the family Tradition. He predominately sings what they call “Boyfriend Country” but is very beautifully sang and heartfelt as he does have a wonderful wife who he adores. Speaking of Family Tradition…that is one epic Hank Williams Jr song that is a must watch.
It’s a great song! Chet Atkins was a legend and my father loved him. It’s actually how I loved to play the guitar. My dad played numerous instruments, one of my brothers played several and I wanted to play also. So I took my brothers Chet Atkins music book ( without his knowledge and that’s another story) and taught myself to play at 12 yrs. My father heard who he thought was my brother playing his guitar and that’s how he found out I could play. He died 2 1/2 yrs later but those memories are so fresh in my mind.
Yes Moral haggard was doing 15 years in prison The warden of the prison at the time fall in love with his singing and his Guitar playing And the warden got him pardoned for his crime.. with him saving 2 and half years in .. Johnny Cash was he's person he wanted to be like..
Another great COUNTRY song 🎶. My dad played a lot of Merle. Silver wings was our song. My daughter’s ringtone for me is Mama Tried. She was going down a wrong path and we managed to get her back on track. Now she’s a nurse living on her own and making it great. Thankfully she never went to prison but with my husband being in law enforcement we would always get a call to come get her and ground her from her car and phone and she finally straightened her life up. 🙌🏼
I seriously saying as a man, all men can say Mama tried. We were always meant to be more in Mama's and we did try, but not a man without a soul can say he didn't live up to that standard and made mistakes. But I can also say that Mama didn't love us, she may have expected more and was disappointed, but Mama always loved us.
Merle Haggerd holds the record for prison breaks, for escaping prison.. He hardly could be held..So much so, they sent him to San Quentin (or Folsom), I believe it was, just to hold him inside...
If you like Merle, listen to "Are the good times really over for good". I get the sense that both of you will probably be blown away by how it relates to today still.
That lead guitar playing on this song was actually a young unknown yet Glen Campbell. Also Merle was doing 3 to 15 years in San Quintin. He got out in about 3 years. Thanks for reacting to this Legend and music Icon. Here’s a link to a 1986 video from Austin City Limits that really showcases all of Hag’s talents; singer, songwriter, musician. It’s a 1983 hit called “What Am I Gonna Do, With the Rest of My Life” ua-cam.com/video/eFmmWo63EAU/v-deo.html
I love love love the open appreciation you two have for country OGs. Keith, that opening riff (is that what it is called?) does have a travel feel to it, but imo less "starting out on a road trip" and much more of "running to hop a train" -- I could be being influenced by the fact that I know the first stanza references a train whistle.
Love this song. Merle was good on the guitar but he had Roy Nichols in his band who was great. Check out Workin Man Blues live from Austin to see it first hand.
I doubt you'll see this because its an older video, but the guitar player you complimented is Roy Nichols. Widely regarded as one of the best "Western Swing" guitarists to ever live. He played lead for Merle for many years.
San Quentin, 3 years, Johnny and him became fast friends and when Merle got out, the rest is history, merle outsold any other country singer by far, till the day he died,
I love this song. The guitar work is sublime. But for me the kicker is the line where he states " it leaves only me to blame". A step you don't see very often.
That guitar is Roy Nichols. I don't know his relationship to Chet Atkins, but that sound is a part of the Bakersfield sound, not Nashville. Nichols was a huge part of Merle's sound. Merle loved Bob Wills, but Lefty Frizzell was his biggest influence. Got to sing with him as a boy, set the direction of his life.
He is a legend. And I agree about the message of the song. He's taking responsibility. What would the world be like if more people did that? I'm also convinced that it's only a matter of time before we witness an accidental stabbing here.
So in answer to your question...i heard on the Big D and Bubba radio show a couple yrs ago that Merle did 2 yrs in prison...but he said in the interview that it didnt sound as good as ...life without parole
4:50 - he wasnt doing life without parole but surely he knew someone who was. - I don't agree it was a "messed up message", because I think there are a whole lot of people these days that would benefit from hearing that THEY are to blame for their bad situations and not someone/something else.
Hey guys fairly new to the page noticed the race car reference what kind of racing yall doing I'm a driver myself was just curious on type of racing yall did
He was in FULSOM PRISON when JOHNNY CASH did his.concert there and when merele got out he tracked johnny down to asknfor help to be a singer like him , it worked ...(wrote this comment b4 yall paused) ... 🤣 🤣 🤣
@@deborahgeorge9170 oh and I reached out to them about your request I forgot the song, so I asked them to get in touch. Now far warned it does take time, as I told them, spread people in with my bourbons. I sent them alot, close to 20 to 30 bottles. So just bear with them.
Johnny Cash helped to get him out but he will never or they never mention it because they were real friends and Johnny helped many and didnt take credit.
I think he just did alot of juvenile things and everywhere they put him he broke out of so they sent him to Folsom. There was a man that broke out of there and Merle was going to go with him , but the guy told him not to go because he didn't have much time left. Ronald Regan did
To move your song (or bourbon) to the front of the list, please bribe us by sending a bottle of bourbon, preferably one we haven't had on the channel yet, to:
BCR
484 E. Carmel Dr.
Suite 155
Carmel, IN 46032
Alternately: You can place an order for pickup for "Bourbon Country Reacts" at:
vineandtable.com
Purchase it for pickup at this store:
Vine & Table #301
313 E. Carmel Drive
Carmel, IN 46032.
If you place an order for pickup, PLEASE get our attention in the comments so we know to go pick it up.
Merle was indeed in prison for getting mixed up in a robbery. He also spent some time in solitary because of his disciplinary issues in prison. Several of his songs about prison were written about guys he met and knew while he was inside. Merle is a really good musician as well. While he has a couple really good guitar players in his band, a lot of the leads you hear in his songs is actually Merle. Cerainly a brilliant writer as well. Which is how he earned the nickname Poet of the Common Man.
the poet of the common man,He turned 21 in prison doimg 5-15.said that didn't work for the song,but yeah it's autobiographical.He was in San Quinton when he saw Cash
Merle is just a legend. The message is just Merle taking responsibility for his own life mistakes. There is a certain authenticity to Merle that everyone appreciates and yes he did do time San Quentin Prison.
“If we make it through December” is a good one. Also “That’s the way love goes”.
One of my favorites....
Silver wings!
Thanks for doing my BRIBE 👏🏻👏🏻
No, thank YOU!
He sang this song in a concert to his Mama in the front row that is wonderful to watch.
I really love Merle Haggard to sing Silver Wings
My favorite
This was almost the perfect country and western song. It said things about mama, trains, prison..but forgot trucks and gettin' drunk. Lol
Lol! OMG! I'm dying here!
It’s sad a lot of people won’t understand this.
David Allen coe baby lol
Merle is up there with the greatest Country Guitarist!! Anything Merle live is a must!
Absolutely! Awesome! Great Hag song, he's the greatest! Maybe try "Sing Me Back Home" , "Okie From Meskogie", "If We Make it thru December" and more.
back in the mid 80's I saw Merle at Billy bobs in ft worth tx. Great show. Somehow I wound up with a cardboard cutout of Merle. He was leaning on several wooden cases of George Dickle. The caption read "The Hag don't back no dogs". Carry on guys. Good stuff.
I remember that same cutout ad! Our local bait shop had it sitting in there. (Kentucky)
Whenever you review Merle you should check these out live on Austin City Limits. You can really appreciate Merle’s instrumental talents on guitar and fiddle. He’s the best EVER - from his vocals to instrumentals and his lyrics - his music never seems to get old!
A N Y T H I N G MERLE !!!
💔 ♥️ 🎶🎶
I think I'll just sit here and drink is another good one by the Hag!
Lead Guitar player for Merle was Roy Nichols until 1987 when he retired, and passed away 2001. In the End the Lead Guitar Player with Merle's band (the Strangers) was his youngest son, Ben Haggard!!
hey that's a good idea on the anniversary of your channel do a live reaction to your greatest hits, greatest songs, greatest bourbons.
One secret not-so-secret talent of Merle Haggard was his ability to almost PERFECTLY imitate other country singers to the point you can't even tell the difference between the real thing or Merle! There is a vid or two on YT showing that talent.
Ronald Reagan pardoned Merle Haggard when he was governor of California he had done 3 years at San Quentin that is where he saw Johnny Cash he has a lot of great songs. The fighting’ side of me is good and Rainbow stew Misery and gin
You guys are doing a great job with these reactions. I am happy y'all are finding this great music...I'm glad I found your channel
You should look for Merle doing impersonations. It'll blow your mind, lol
Merle Haggard and Tanya Tucker are my very favorite artists. Loved them since I was young. Tanya's song "Two Sparrows in a Hurricane" is really good.
"Big City" was always a favorite of mine by him.
Great song, awesome reaction. There's a lesson in alot of the OG country. Lol
I like Merle's song Are The Good Times Really Over For Good. It's even fitting for today. He escaped from many prisons before he was in San Quentin. He was actually put there because they were hoping that he couldn't escape from there. He did not escape from there.
I'm from all the stories out there Johnny Cash changed my old haggard's future and he did it for some prison when he was there recording Folsom prison break blues the album and the TV special. Merle is the guitarist on the song that him bending strength and that's his signature flying or his signature run. His son plays guitar just as well as Merle did world holding and he has that same ability to bend the strings that Merle did. Lord knows we miss Merle Haggard. But he did have a tendency to sometimes showcase darker things pretty much is a life lesson. Whether anybody was listening and actually paid attention to what he was saying well that's another matter entirely. This was a great reaction guys it was wonderful reaction.
excellent Merle song
Seriously addicted to your reaction videos! Please do Glen Campbell "I'm not gonna miss you" it was the last song he recorded before dying of Alzheimers complications
alot of us are addicted to them and we wait up until they are posted. They are genuinely good ole boys that make us laugh, cry, and think. An excellent way to end a long day.
I agree to that too but I think they should hear his older stuff first, like "Gentle on my Mind".
Man that’s a good song...sad but
Merle Haggard did write this. Since you mention Chet Atkins, there's a cute song by Pat Donohue called Sitting In The Basement Stealing From Chet. Chet Atkins joins in on the song later.
LOL, that's totally a thing. Guitar players are notorious style/lick thieves. - Keith
When Ronald Reagan was governor he pardoned Merle. One of the cool things about Merle is he never really had a job besides music. He went from prison to playing in bar bands. Me and my crippled soldiers is another great song from Merle
Oh we grew up picking this song on the porch and singing Love me some Merle
When talking about people not taking responsibility for their own actions, in the wise words of the late great Tim Wilson, "If you've been married nine times, hell, maybe it's you." A lyric from a song called "100 Things Every Man Needs To Know"
I thought of a good old song for you guys today. I had my feather duster at work, cleaning the wine wall and "Dust On The Bottle" by David Lee Murphy started playing in my head.
Great reaction guys! My husband I look forward to seeing your videos. Every line in that song was true to Merle's life except doing life without parole. I think you should check out "Branded Man " "The Running Kind" and "Silver Wings" by Merle Haggard.
Every song Merle did was awesome!!! Go for it boys. Let's go down that rabbit hole. Start with "Fightin Side of Me"!
Awesome song and y'all are what I can't wait to get home and watch so you can tell I'm a fan watched every episode
One of my favorites from Merle. Unfortunately, so many of his songs are just too short. Great 👍 reaction.
Very nice reaction, I hope yall check out more of Merle's songs.
Merle was such a part of my childhood. He fit right in with Willie and Waylon and Johnny and the rest of the outlaws. Love his fighting side of me and okie from Muskogee. Anything from the hag is 💣
Speaking of Chet Akins his son had some great music Rhett Akins (That Ain’t My Truck in Your Drive, Don’t Get Me Started and I loved his cover of Wonderful Tonight). Now fast forward and HIS son didn’t want to make it on the family name so goes by Thomas Rhett and he is definitely carrying on the family Tradition. He predominately sings what they call “Boyfriend Country” but is very beautifully sang and heartfelt as he does have a wonderful wife who he adores.
Speaking of Family Tradition…that is one epic Hank Williams Jr song that is a must watch.
It’s a great song! Chet Atkins was a legend and my father loved him. It’s actually how I loved to play the guitar. My dad played numerous instruments, one of my brothers played several and I wanted to play also. So I took my brothers Chet Atkins music book ( without his knowledge and that’s another story) and taught myself to play at 12 yrs. My father heard who he thought was my brother playing his guitar and that’s how he found out I could play. He died 2 1/2 yrs later but those memories are so fresh in my mind.
Yes Moral haggard was doing 15 years in prison The warden of the prison at the time fall in love with his singing and his Guitar playing And the warden got him pardoned for his crime.. with him saving 2 and half years in .. Johnny Cash was he's person he wanted to be like..
buddy you need to read up on Merle, you got more wrong than right in that statement.
Merle Haggard singing Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison it started from there
Merle saw Johnny at San Quinton were he was serving a 15 year sentence. Luckily he was paroled afer two and half years.
Another great COUNTRY song 🎶. My dad played a lot of Merle. Silver wings was our song. My daughter’s ringtone for me is Mama Tried. She was going down a wrong path and we managed to get her back on track. Now she’s a nurse living on her own and making it great. Thankfully she never went to prison but with my husband being in law enforcement we would always get a call to come get her and ground her from her car and phone and she finally straightened her life up. 🙌🏼
This is my favourite song
I seriously saying as a man, all men can say Mama tried. We were always meant to be more in Mama's and we did try, but not a man without a soul can say he didn't live up to that standard and made mistakes. But I can also say that Mama didn't love us, she may have expected more and was disappointed, but Mama always loved us.
Love that Warrior 12 shirt, there, Dustin.
"Ramblin' Fever", Silver Wings" and "Cherokee Maid". And many others.
Lovin' y'alls reactions lately!
This is an absolute classic. Probably on the mount rushmore of country song. Glad you got to listen to it
Merle Haggerd holds the record for prison breaks, for escaping prison.. He hardly could be held..So much so, they sent him to San Quentin (or Folsom), I believe it was, just to hold him inside...
Great song. My favorite Merle song is "Branded Man."
If you like Merle, listen to "Are the good times really over for good". I get the sense that both of you will probably be blown away by how it relates to today still.
Added that vote -Dustin
He was 18 and sent to San Quentin on a burglary charge if I remember I think he was sentenced to 15 years
That lead guitar playing on this song was actually a young unknown yet Glen Campbell.
Also Merle was doing 3 to 15 years in San Quintin. He got out in about 3 years.
Thanks for reacting to this Legend and music Icon.
Here’s a link to a 1986 video from Austin City Limits that really showcases all of Hag’s talents; singer, songwriter, musician. It’s a 1983 hit called “What Am I Gonna Do, With the Rest of My Life”
ua-cam.com/video/eFmmWo63EAU/v-deo.html
I love love love the open appreciation you two have for country OGs.
Keith, that opening riff (is that what it is called?) does have a travel feel to it, but imo less "starting out on a road trip" and much more of "running to hop a train" -- I could be being influenced by the fact that I know the first stanza references a train whistle.
Blues concept. "Makin' the train go." - Keith
One of my favorites with the same theme is David Allan Coe's "The Only Hell My Mama Ever Raised"
Love this song. Merle was good on the guitar but he had Roy Nichols in his band who was great. Check out Workin Man Blues live from Austin to see it first hand.
Amen to Mama tried
"California Cotton Fields", has always been special to this Okie.
I doubt you'll see this because its an older video, but the guitar player you complimented is Roy Nichols. Widely regarded as one of the best "Western Swing" guitarists to ever live.
He played lead for Merle for many years.
San Quentin, 3 years, Johnny and him became fast friends and when Merle got out, the rest is history, merle outsold any other country singer by far, till the day he died,
Merle was a master player and so is he’s youngest son Ben.
He was in San Quentin and saw Johnny ... Not doin life without parole. Reagan pardoned him later.
I love this song. The guitar work is sublime. But for me the kicker is the line where he states " it leaves only me to blame". A step you don't see very often.
That guitar is Roy Nichols. I don't know his relationship to Chet Atkins, but that sound is a part of the Bakersfield sound, not Nashville. Nichols was a huge part of Merle's sound. Merle loved Bob Wills, but Lefty Frizzell was his biggest influence. Got to sing with him as a boy, set the direction of his life.
He was in San Quentin not Folsom and he did see Johnny Cash but it was years before the Johnny Cash at San Quentin live album.
Ronal Reagan, when he was governor of California, paroled Merle.
Suggested reaction - Glen Campbell - Gentle on my Mind
I vote for this too. Hopefully a live performance so they can see his guitar skills.
You should play Pledge Allegiance to the Hag.by Eric Church. Its a tribute to Merle Haggard. Great slide guitar work.
He is a legend. And I agree about the message of the song. He's taking responsibility. What would the world be like if more people did that?
I'm also convinced that it's only a matter of time before we witness an accidental stabbing here.
Good one guys.
Great review!!
Nobody believes in you by Joe Nichols hits at the heart ❤️ and is an important message, especially to fathers:)
Y’all’s poor Momma’s lol gotta do something really good for her now if they are still with us 😊
So in answer to your question...i heard on the Big D and Bubba radio show a couple yrs ago that Merle did 2 yrs in prison...but he said in the interview that it didnt sound as good as ...life without parole
4:50 - he wasnt doing life without parole but surely he knew someone who was. - I don't agree it was a "messed up message", because I think there are a whole lot of people these days that would benefit from hearing that THEY are to blame for their bad situations and not someone/something else.
He was serving a life sentence but was given a pardon.
You should check out forever county. It’s a song with many different country artists singing
I think you'd really like They were there by Granger Smith, especially Keith
Hey guys fairly new to the page noticed the race car reference what kind of racing yall doing I'm a driver myself was just curious on type of racing yall did
In my case, not really racing. HPDE on various road courses. Actual series racing exceeds my budget. - Keith
He was in FULSOM PRISON when JOHNNY CASH did his.concert there and when merele got out he tracked johnny down to asknfor help to be a singer like him , it worked ...(wrote this comment b4 yall paused) ... 🤣 🤣 🤣
It was his life and yes paroled
You should check out Roy Clark on the Odd couple
This is a version of his life story
He did time in San Quentin and he really did turn 21 in prison
Merle was in San Quinton. Yes he was serving a life sentence and he was pardoned by none other than the then Governer Ronald Reagan
Roy Nichols was his guitarist
Well,..he does say "I" all through the song.
he escaped multiple prisons so by the time he was in fulsom he was literally serving a life sentence. He got out because he was pardoned.
Check out Workin' Man Blues
"Listen to more Merle"?
If you do not have a wine opener... Get out your drill and a long screw :)
Merle was pardoned by then Governor Ronald Reagan.
Waylon Jennings turn the page...
a reaction video to your reaction lmao
@@deborahgeorge9170 I have a few good ideas occasionally 😉 😅 😜
@@deborahgeorge9170 oh and I reached out to them about your request I forgot the song, so I asked them to get in touch. Now far warned it does take time, as I told them, spread people in with my bourbons. I sent them alot, close to 20 to 30 bottles. So just bear with them.
Best guitar playing in country= Roy Clark
I’m pretty certain he was sentenced to life in prison but his sentence was commuted
Johnny Cash helped to get him out but he will never or they never mention it because they were real friends and Johnny helped many and didnt take credit.
The notorious cherry bombs it's hard to kiss the lips at night
I think he just did alot of juvenile things and everywhere they put him he broke out of so they sent him to Folsom. There was a man that broke out of there and Merle was going to go with him , but the guy told him not to go because he didn't have much time left. Ronald Regan did
Did give him a pardon
Can we see Hank 4 Hank Williams ghost