Kern River Blues: Haggard's Final Tune

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  • čas přidán 12. 05. 2016
  • Merle Haggard spent the last few months of his life battling the pneumonia that finally felled him. During those months, he spent a significant amount of time in the hospital, which caused him to cancel a couple of tours. When it was suggested that he not go back on the road and rest at home, he did…while also walking across the road to his studio to record a few nuggets he’d been writing while in the hospital. His final song is titled “Kern River Blues,” which is about his memories of leaving Bakersfield in the late ‘70s.
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Komentáře • 1,5K

  • @bonniejulien8505
    @bonniejulien8505 Před rokem +19

    There will never be another Merle Haggard

  • @trufflehound
    @trufflehound Před 2 lety +85

    No matter if it’s 1966 or 2016 or 7016 … Merle Haggard is the greatest that ever was - for all time, now and forever.

  • @taniastewart2999
    @taniastewart2999 Před 5 měsíci +17

    2024 and still listening to Merle the Hag

  • @tony5006
    @tony5006 Před 3 lety +83

    This is the perfect way for Merle to say Goodbye. What a song. Once heard, never forgotten. RIP my Friend.

    • @laslydia6228
      @laslydia6228 Před rokem

      @Hello Tony how are you doing

    • @ralphmichaels643
      @ralphmichaels643 Před rokem +1

      Merle Haggard and John R Cash. 2 of the Best. God rest their souls 🤍✝️🎶

    • @ornithoptera11
      @ornithoptera11 Před 3 měsíci

      Once heard never forgotten 😂

  • @mikemurray2298
    @mikemurray2298 Před 3 lety +70

    This song was recorded at his home on February 9, 2016 He passed 57 days later on April 6, 2016 God rest his soul.

    • @jeanjones8250
      @jeanjones8250 Před rokem +3

      Do all the cw music have to be bought.. is this a monthly cost.

    • @user-zr7hm7we4x
      @user-zr7hm7we4x Před 4 měsíci +4

      He was always my hero, singing perfection, and now he sings with all his deceased compatriots, entertaining the angels - God bless him ☘️🇮🇪👍🏽🍷

  • @mikeblack7761
    @mikeblack7761 Před 7 lety +45

    This sounds like a farewell to his fans.
    Mere gets no better.
    Love Ya Merle

  • @melissamelodies9760
    @melissamelodies9760 Před 9 měsíci +25

    God made a incredible story teller with a golden set of vocal chords. I will always listen to his music and feel every note he sang. Rest In Peace sir. You will never be forgotten. Ever…..😘🙏🎶🎤❤️💫

  • @pascaldrake8811
    @pascaldrake8811 Před 6 lety +83

    There will never be anyone like him. Thank you Merle for making me love country music and you. The world won’t be the same without you in it. RIP.

    • @annajackson6163
      @annajackson6163 Před rokem +1

      He truly did open my eyes to the wonderful world of country of country music. RIP Mr. Haggard. Many thanks to you!

    • @cliffsimpson4154
      @cliffsimpson4154 Před rokem +3

      I just can’t get enough of his music. I listen to them every day RIP Merle ❤ 4:07

  • @joehagen8854
    @joehagen8854 Před rokem +66

    Merle. His songs were were written from his personal life’s experience
    His voice unique. Once you heard him strike chords on his guitar. No other guitar sounded like it. To me. The greatest country/blues /jaz musician to pull it of with perfection. R I. P. Merle. The. Hag. Your irreplaceable

  • @bonnieandersen9472
    @bonnieandersen9472 Před 7 lety +201

    Seems like he was preparing to have breakfast in the sky as he says in this song. He must have sensed the end was nearing. I miss Merle, It's so hard to believe he's gone. His music and memories will live on forever.

  • @williambrown5822
    @williambrown5822 Před 2 lety +6

    My Billy passed May 20 early morning! LOVED MERLE….he’s with him now. Had the same hat…same hair, same beard, same facial structure….God Bless them both, they were great men.

  • @darrellmcdonald9957
    @darrellmcdonald9957 Před rokem +6

    My uncle Bill introduced me to Merles music in '79. I was 14. I am 57 and Still listen. Thanks Bill. Thanks Merle

  • @bettycooper3308
    @bettycooper3308 Před 3 lety +4

    I think this was his good bye to all of us who loved him and his music.He was one of the greatest!!!

  • @janetfarris3739
    @janetfarris3739 Před 3 lety +20

    I can't count how many times I've played this awesome song. I will never lose my love for Merle Haggard

  • @sandracrosbie8468
    @sandracrosbie8468 Před 2 lety +52

    Even to the last , he has told a story from his heart. I love listening to the songs that he wrote and sang. So many amazing singers are unfortunately no longer around. I love the songs with a story to them. He had such a distinctive voice. Amazing.

  • @rontaylor3751
    @rontaylor3751 Před rokem +11

    I grew up listening to him , he will never be forgotten

  • @lynndottry1588
    @lynndottry1588 Před 8 lety +300

    Country music is not Country music anymore, When you listen to the music, from, Merle Haggard, George Jones, hey, that's Country music, .....Now I love Vince Gill, he sings good ole Country music, there is very few and far between out there that still does........I'll tell you one thing, there will never be another Merle Haggard! Love and miss you Merle!!!!!

    • @HowardYoungEagleflight
      @HowardYoungEagleflight Před 6 lety +9

      Mo Pitney is going pick up where Merle left off

    • @scottbell5822
      @scottbell5822 Před 6 lety +1

      Joseph Huber - no one replaces Haggard but Joseph Huber is the best living songwriter in the genre

    • @anthonylewis9572
      @anthonylewis9572 Před 6 lety +4

      Lynn Dottry. Merle. the GREATEST. I forgot about. We. Still Have DWIGHT YOAKAM ...

    • @franallen4508
      @franallen4508 Před 5 lety +4

      George Strait, Alan Jackson and a few more and I mean very few more are trying to keep Country Music Country!! There is only a few good ol country music singers left. Like George Jones sang Murder on Music Row!!

    • @roymoore5210
      @roymoore5210 Před 5 lety +3

      Merl was the greatest writer one of the best singers also
      His writing is extraordinary

  • @patrickmohale5129
    @patrickmohale5129 Před 4 lety +9

    Even on his deathbed Merle still wrote this beautiful sad song!

  • @8422373
    @8422373 Před 2 lety +6

    If you’re here in 2021! You’re a legend❤️ R.I.P Merle! Love from India🇮🇳

  • @jasperwhisper
    @jasperwhisper Před 2 lety +60

    My grandpa's funeral is tomorrow. We're playing this at his request! I'm glad he showed me this beautiful song :)

  • @carolynoakley4224
    @carolynoakley4224 Před 7 lety +105

    My son Steve Hilderbrand died within months of Merle to the rare disease CJD. He loved to play guitar and Merle's songs. I just know they are somewhere enjoying playing together!! RIP Steve & Merle!

  • @user-cy3xi5xc7l
    @user-cy3xi5xc7l Před 7 měsíci +10

    A window into the soul of one of the greatest country story tellers thank you Merle for getting me through some of the toughest days of my life rest easy you are terribly missed

  • @billbrown8006
    @billbrown8006 Před 6 lety +18

    Another great song that will never die

  • @kilmerkey9371
    @kilmerkey9371 Před 5 lety +27

    It was so good he could say good-bye in his last song. The world was so lucky to have such a talent as Merle. RIP Merle, I have a great love for your music.

  • @larrytaggett
    @larrytaggett Před 6 lety +18

    He was the best and always will be, to me.

  • @robertfrankowski8224
    @robertfrankowski8224 Před 2 lety +15

    If anyone is listening and gets a chance to read Merle Haggard biography what a great book it tells a story like no other could about Merle haggard's life

  • @joemackcarter4804
    @joemackcarter4804 Před 3 lety +70

    One of the best singers ever

  • @1931nana
    @1931nana Před 3 lety +13

    A haunting song, a slightly different voice, but still the man..... May it long be remembered as his last gift to his fans.

  • @ronaldgrimes6924
    @ronaldgrimes6924 Před 6 lety +36

    if that don't put a little lump in your throat , Your feelings are gone.

  • @davescott9148
    @davescott9148 Před 6 lety +71

    Never before has there been one as great as the Hag nor will there even be one as great.

  • @tatianadamoslog3567
    @tatianadamoslog3567 Před 5 lety +17

    What a way to say goodbye! The greatest and the legend of all country singers.You are gone but your music lives forever.Surely you will be miss

  • @joycecurtis5310
    @joycecurtis5310 Před 3 lety +45

    Merle Haggard was so talented,he wrote so many songs of things other writers wouldn’t even think about,he will never be forgotten.

  • @jeanricketts6880
    @jeanricketts6880 Před 8 lety +284

    That was the the song Merle was waiting to write! He knew he had one more to do....he found it and left us with this special song! See you in the Kingdom sir......

  • @margekamak1
    @margekamak1 Před 8 lety +166

    Good heavens ... I MISS MERLE. What a song for him to leave us with. Never be another Merle. Have tons of his music to listen to for the rest of my time here.

  • @fishingstevie8830
    @fishingstevie8830 Před rokem +14

    This guy just had THE VOICE for country music ..Great voice and top guy seems ..Rip Merle Haggard .

  • @paulchandler4643
    @paulchandler4643 Před 5 lety +19

    He did have his "breakfast in the sky". RIP Merle and thank you for thousands of hours of great listening. Country Music will miss you!

  • @beng808
    @beng808 Před 7 lety +574

    Well folks, earlier this year we lost the single best country singer to ever live. He will be missed but certainly not forgotten. Rest in peace Hag

    • @ragereynolds4374
      @ragereynolds4374 Před 5 lety +7

      The best country singer was George Jones, the best country songwriter may just be Merle. The best country guitarist, Roy Clark.

    • @dotweikel9355
      @dotweikel9355 Před 5 lety +7

      Was the best!

    • @AttilatheHun576
      @AttilatheHun576 Před 5 lety +37

      @@ragereynolds4374 The older I get the less I ponder who is or was the best country singer/songwriter. There are so many to enjoy and so little time left to enjoy.them.

    • @bobcampbell5151
      @bobcampbell5151 Před 5 lety +10

      @@AttilatheHun576 Ken. No truer words could be said/// enjoy///

    • @roymoore5210
      @roymoore5210 Před 5 lety +5

      Your so right

  • @jeanettenetzel6829
    @jeanettenetzel6829 Před 7 lety +178

    Merle was one of the very best, his music will play on in my home forever. ❤️

    • @patriciadavis3181
      @patriciadavis3181 Před 7 lety +4

      Jeanette Netzel yes lord

    • @donaldcornell4562
      @donaldcornell4562 Před 5 lety +3

      Jeanette Netzel yeah his music always play in my home to into my life John Cornell where was one of the greatest people will Johnny Cash George Jones Hank Williams jr. Hank Williams Senior and the great late one

    • @kennywebb7932
      @kennywebb7932 Před 5 lety +1

      Amen

    • @wynprice2008
      @wynprice2008 Před 5 lety +3

      Merle wasnt one of the very best he was THE VERY BEST

    • @tonygovy1
      @tonygovy1 Před 3 lety +1

      .

  • @beverlygallus4625
    @beverlygallus4625 Před 3 lety +8

    Merle was one of the Best. This song is special, I love it.

  • @elizabethtaylor9321
    @elizabethtaylor9321 Před 5 lety +132

    The face of a Farmer, the voice of an Angel , the good old boys are slipping away, bye old friend.

    • @mt3311
      @mt3311 Před 3 lety +2

      My old man was two years younger, and was a Jimmy Rogers Disciple. My old man left us 8 years earlier, and the last pictures I took of him were looking the same. The old man like Merle looked tired. All my old man did all of his life was work to make sure life was easy for us. Same with Merle. They both just looked worn out. Like they were ready to go. Not giving up, but, but ready to go wherever the next destination is. RIP dad, your work on earth is done and rest easy Merle. You both deserve it.

    • @sonnyyanez4870
      @sonnyyanez4870 Před 3 lety +1

      This tune don't get the respect it deserves country n blues rolled up in one.I love ya" Merle...

  • @sharonharris484
    @sharonharris484 Před 2 lety +12

    No Way to forget MERLE he was One of a kind, I’ll never quit listening to Merle!!!!

  • @shieldmaiden000
    @shieldmaiden000 Před 7 lety +8

    Miss you so much Mr. Haggard. R.I.P. Thank you for all the many years I spent listening to your voice.

  • @TheMaddog72
    @TheMaddog72 Před 4 lety +2

    Merle you would not believe what is happening today !! rest easy my friend ..

  • @dicklindner3592
    @dicklindner3592 Před 2 lety +9

    He will be remembered for ever with his songs!

  • @sglee6547
    @sglee6547 Před 8 lety +116

    What a beautiful parting song, thank you, Merle Haggard. Heaven is a better place now that you are there. RIP!

  • @Dcvillnz
    @Dcvillnz Před 4 lety +9

    What a great performer- thank you for all the memories Merle !
    R.I.P. 🙏

  • @velmafoust8667
    @velmafoust8667 Před 3 lety +11

    What a beautiful last song Merle left us, even in his last days, he still had it, God rest his soul, he gave us so much to remember him!! He will never be forgotten!!💔😪🙏

  • @SuperDumpfi
    @SuperDumpfi Před 6 lety +62

    Rest in Peace Merle! You are the greatest Country Singer on this Planet!

  • @denisroberts2937
    @denisroberts2937 Před 7 lety +74

    These highly talented singers seemed to have an insight when their time was coming to an end.This is one of the best songs I have ever listened to .

    • @johnnyrebelnc
      @johnnyrebelnc Před 5 lety +6

      It’s beautiful you can hear the age and I can’t listen to it without shedding a tear RIP HAG

  • @denisroberts2937
    @denisroberts2937 Před 7 lety +37

    What a great final song it won't be the same now your gone , thank you Merle for all the wonderful music that you made, I grew old with you and its been a privilege, R I P

    • @estherbraham1228
      @estherbraham1228 Před 2 lety +1

      WHAT A GREAT SONG A GREAT EXIT LOVE ALL HIS SONGS THIS ONE HAS GREAT MEANING FOR ME.REST IN PEACE SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE .

  • @michaelschild4073
    @michaelschild4073 Před 2 lety +11

    I miss you Hag thank for the memories and all the great songs

  • @rhondaboncutter5812
    @rhondaboncutter5812 Před 5 lety +39

    Was a singer until the day he died! God bless and be with him and his family! Loved him for years!

  • @allansouthern7332
    @allansouthern7332 Před 2 lety +37

    REST IN PEACE MERLE YOUR MUSIC WILL LIVE ON

  • @donk9132
    @donk9132 Před 7 lety +52

    The Hag was to me.....The Voice Of Country Music.....I'm saddened w him gone......but his music lives on.....and his boys be pretty dang good too !!

    • @louiscote3183
      @louiscote3183 Před 4 lety

      Been a fan since ‘60 when I first heard that voice. Been to every concert within driving range, met him once , had him autograph two guitars - have all his music, worked himself to death doing his thing, got the hats and t-shirts too🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

    • @louiscote3183
      @louiscote3183 Před 4 lety

      P.S Made a picture in ‘77 with him as well- on my wall next to myself and Queen Elizabeth

    • @laslydia6228
      @laslydia6228 Před rokem

      @Hello Don how are you doing

  • @chrismaxine1
    @chrismaxine1 Před 6 lety +2

    WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS, FROM THE HEART BEAUTIFUL.

  • @vcagan1
    @vcagan1 Před 6 lety +2

    Miss him so much ... Thank you for sharing with us xx

  • @captinbeyond
    @captinbeyond Před 5 lety +9

    What a great song by a great artist giving tribute to his stomping grounds around Bakersfield.Merle was such a gifted artist and here he gives us one more well crafted song. We miss you so much Merle.

  • @user-bp9cq8rd3z
    @user-bp9cq8rd3z Před 3 lety +7

    Wonderful song

  • @ryanfkknvance
    @ryanfkknvance Před 6 lety +29

    RIP Merle, there will never be another you, Thank You

  • @maryfizer9030
    @maryfizer9030 Před 4 lety +16

    ❤Oh wow! What beautiful music. Thanks to Merle & his band.Tears at my heart.💘🎶🎶💙

  • @paulbhesketh
    @paulbhesketh Před 3 lety +14

    Just discovered this video.Wonderful tribute to country's greatest..Many Thanks

  • @1244taylor
    @1244taylor Před 8 lety +80

    beautiful haunting lyrics.. covers his whole life in a song. wow

  • @jackiemcgee9655
    @jackiemcgee9655 Před 7 lety +2

    Merle you gave us so much to country and had a working man's view on life rip Merle thanks for the music and memories

  • @lukeappleberry827
    @lukeappleberry827 Před 4 lety +28

    This song was a heart felt one by Merle, I can feel it now in this moment.

  • @Rayroadguy
    @Rayroadguy Před 7 lety +22

    Thank you Merle Haggard. I'm so glad you were in my life. God Bless You My Friend!

  • @jakesmith8753
    @jakesmith8753 Před 7 lety +51

    I will always grieve his passing, yet, I got to see his concert in Gt. Falls Montana back in the early 80's and then again in Vegas. His music is about real life!....Jake

    • @larryrorer4376
      @larryrorer4376 Před 4 lety +2

      I got to go backstage with Merle I'm metropolis Illinois in 2008. He was truly a good man. I'll always cherish getting to meet my hero.

  • @johnharris9395
    @johnharris9395 Před 6 lety +3

    Thanks for all the great songs Merle Hope too See You In Heaven

  • @janetfarris3739
    @janetfarris3739 Před 2 lety +3

    There will never be a replacement for My Merle Haggard

  • @heatherbrown4632
    @heatherbrown4632 Před 6 lety +45

    OH MERLE THE WORLD IS NOT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU THANK YOU FOR ALL THE YEARS OF MUSIC YOU SO GENEROUSLY GAVE US RIP

  • @janjohnson329
    @janjohnson329 Před 3 lety +7

    I do Love this song .. A world of us really relate to Merles Last Song !! Thank you Merle Hagard from The Bottom of My Heart !! 💙🎸💙

  • @marksoliba9715
    @marksoliba9715 Před rokem +2

    RIP..MERLE HAGGARD..
    I USED TO PLAY YOUR SONGS BACK HOME ..I was interested and LEARNED TO PLAY A COUNTRY SONGS..
    SILVER WINGS
    BRANDED MAN
    MUSKOGEE
    MAMA TIED..
    I've got no reasons to quit
    etc..you are still a country LEGEND..

  • @sasquachbigfoot9070
    @sasquachbigfoot9070 Před 6 lety +2

    I miss you everyday my friend, thank you so much for everything

  • @PalmerUtterback
    @PalmerUtterback Před 8 lety +33

    This song strikes me as profoundly soulful and poetic. They say this is the last song Merle recorded. It does feel like the veil between life and death was very thin when Kern River Blues was written and recorded. I love this song!

  • @elizabethschreffler9182
    @elizabethschreffler9182 Před 3 lety +9

    We will forever love Merle and his music.

  • @marvingoodman7381
    @marvingoodman7381 Před 6 lety +23

    There'll never be another one like "The Hag." For those of us who are his fans, we will never forget him because of all the great songs we have to remember him by. R.I.P. Merle Haggard...

  • @janetfarris3739
    @janetfarris3739 Před 2 lety +6

    I can't let a day or night without playing this last song of Merle Haggard. It just breaks my heart 💔

  • @rafaleiva3892
    @rafaleiva3892 Před 4 lety +14

    Hasta siempre maestro !! El cielo está de fiesta con su música!! Buen viaje Señor Merle Haggard.

  • @tietzewerner9696
    @tietzewerner9696 Před 2 lety +13

    Solche Menschen sind einfach super und werden nie vergessen! Ihre Musik ist und bleibt super!!!

  • @rondavis1730
    @rondavis1730 Před 3 lety +2

    No One could say it Better 👍 Merle Haggard

  • @janetfarris3739
    @janetfarris3739 Před 2 lety +3

    We are still playing your awesome music 🎶🎶 and will always.

  • @colinwood387
    @colinwood387 Před 2 lety +14

    Merle was one fantastic artist as a song writer and performer nothing short of incredible what a brilliant talent this man had, rest in peace Merle
    You have left us with so much to remember and respect you for, god bless you and thank you.

  • @DJB66
    @DJB66 Před 8 lety +71

    Now that is music! Simple yet elegant. Nobody comes close. Very powerful.

  • @dandavis7831
    @dandavis7831 Před rokem +2

    We love and miss you Merle. Rip, you were the best in my eyes.

  • @mmchenry
    @mmchenry Před 6 lety +2

    The man , this man will live on and on ....His talent and honesty and brilliance will never be matched . Copied but never matched !

  • @gregorystone3572
    @gregorystone3572 Před 8 lety +38

    Merle's music touched my heart more and for longer than any artist I have enjoyed. "Drove by the Kern River, and it's still dry"

  • @char4him99
    @char4him99 Před 7 lety +42

    Seems like a final good-bye and one of his most up-beat tunes. Love it.. RIP Merle. You are sorely missed.

    • @williamrolls8007
      @williamrolls8007 Před 2 lety

      Hello friend, how're you doing today?

    • @evaengel6299
      @evaengel6299 Před 2 lety +1

      R.I.P. good old Merle! Wonderful music!🎸😘🎼😪😪🕊️🕊️❤️

  • @patrickyoung9327
    @patrickyoung9327 Před 5 lety +13

    This is a tune for anybody who's seen their beloved hometown ruined by city sprawl. Merle left us with one more poignant song that touches our hearts. Rest in Glory now, brother.

  • @DMFSTUDIO
    @DMFSTUDIO Před 6 lety +3

    RIP Mr Haggard 😎
    Thank You for the memories👍

  • @frankcorbett4307
    @frankcorbett4307 Před 8 lety +7

    Great Beautiful Farewell.

  • @thomastommy1192
    @thomastommy1192 Před 8 lety +86

    I find myself wondering back to this song. It really is a great song and tune. Merle had it right about the politicians, lol. Merle was the best of the best. I hope this song makes a number one hit. And stays in the charts for a long time. Merle was for the working man and everything that is right. I hope Millon's buy this CD. We owe that to Merle and his family. Americans please buy this CD, God bless you Merle Haggard.

    • @sandijordan664
      @sandijordan664 Před 7 lety +1

      Thomas Tommy pp

    • @thomastommy1192
      @thomastommy1192 Před 7 lety +1

      Sandi what does pp mean?

    • @fredjohn8517
      @fredjohn8517 Před 7 lety +2

      yery good

    • @fayerichard6203
      @fayerichard6203 Před 7 lety +2

      Thomas Tommy

    • @GeorgeMansfield
      @GeorgeMansfield Před 7 lety +21

      I've been a lover country since a child. Lot of singers where my seasonal favorites. But when Merle came along there was no other. He came and went with class. I'm and old man but I feel like crying. Bye Merle.

  • @carolhollandhutto8931
    @carolhollandhutto8931 Před 7 lety +3

    Merle Haggard I Salute You For Being A True, Honest, great Man, Your Music has touched my life in so many ways. RIP Always Love you. MERLE HAGGARD

  • @olethienhaus3890
    @olethienhaus3890 Před 4 lety +19

    What a song! What a legacy!

  • @jerryspianobar
    @jerryspianobar Před 7 lety +48

    It sure sounds like he knew what was coming ahead. The song is sadly beautiful.

  • @1339LARS
    @1339LARS Před 7 lety +56

    Bye Merle, hope to meet you some time !!

  • @guitarman3396
    @guitarman3396 Před 5 lety +5

    What an enduring legend. Never to be duplicated but respectfully remembered. Thanks, Merle! RIP and God bless.

  • @maniogichidaa9278
    @maniogichidaa9278 Před 7 lety +5

    One of the best originals that broke the mold. Country the way it should have stayed. Rest easy Merle.

  • @dodgedavis
    @dodgedavis Před 7 lety +24

    Excellent tune from the Hag! God rest his soul!

  • @allanhughes7859
    @allanhughes7859 Před 7 lety +14

    Short words are best and the old words when short are best of all !!! R.I.P. Mr Haggard..

  • @TheTompkins1
    @TheTompkins1 Před 7 lety +3

    Merle was hands down the best country singer in the business!

  • @jodycopeland1
    @jodycopeland1 Před 9 měsíci +2

    Merle was no doubt a magician with lyrics and the absolute best way to deliver them RIP Merle Haggard