Merle Haggard Talks About Watching Johnny Cash in Prison | This Week in Music History

Today we remember Merle Haggard on what would have been his 84th Birthday. Did you know that he attended Johnny Cash's famous San Quentin State Prison concert as a prisoner?
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[@leanajo754]

I hope they'll make a movie about Merle soon. That would be awesome to see.

[@DrVonNostrand]

a black trans can play the role

[@kyliepollert8341]

Happy heavenly birthday, Merle; he actually would've been 85!

[@harleyhoney]

I will always LOVE Merle haggard! I listen to him everyday. Brings so many great memories of my parents. My dad played bass in several bands throughout my life & taught me many of his songs. My parents are gone now and I just like to think he & Merle are picking in the sky.. My favorite Memory & Are The Good Times Really Over are my Favs but I love every song he has ever done! RIP MERLE. I SURE AS HELL MISS YOU! 💋❤️😢🎶

[@jona.874]

Merle was in San Quintin in 1958 (as a 20-year-old) when Johnny did his first prison show there. When he was paroled in 1960 he turned to music instead of crime thanks to Cash's example.
Johnny's "famous concerts" that were recorded were in 1968 (Folsom Prison) and 1969 (San Quintin).
The song "Folsom Prison Blues" was recorded and released in 1955, which is why Merle knew how to play it in 1958.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

In the top 5 of country greats.

[@josephvaldez5256]

I lived in Bakersfield Ca and had been to Oildale (childhood home of Merle) many times. Have been to this train car home at the kern county museum. Saw him perform at the Fox theater. Been down the Kern River many times which he sang about. Kern River wonderful song. Haunting! If you love country grab a bottle of tequila sit in the garage shut the lights have a sit down and enjoy the show and play Merle's music. You'll love it, you'll love the experience.

[@David-tc6rg]

American legend.

[@DebH.]

I love Merle so much and was so blessed to see him twice in a year in Phoenix at Celebrity Theater and it was AWESOME!😊💙

[@DrVonNostrand]

Imagine being able to say Merle Haggard taught you guitar in prison

[@mattyholcombe9258]

No comment needed.

[@DrVonNostrand]

And yet here you are