On the Retro Rack today is a country music legend. Ask any country music star today and they will say they have been influenced by Merle Haggard. He along with Buck Owens helped create what was known as the Bakersfield Sound.
Haggard spent some time in prison. He was released in 1960 and in 1972 he received a pardon by the Governor of California at the time Ronald Reagan.
Haggard's career started in the 1960's and by the 70's he aligned with the growing outlaw country movement. The Hag has recorded 38 number one songs, has been named Academy of Country Music's Top Male vocalist five times and won the Entertainer of Year Award in 1970 from both the ACM and Country Music Association. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in 1994.
In 2010, Haggard accepted the prestigious award for lifetime achievement and "outstanding contribution to American culture from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
With Mother's Day on Sunday I thought it would be appropriate to feature Haggard's number one song from 1968 "Mama Tried". It was also featured in the movie "Radio" that starred Ed Harris and Cuba Gooding Jr.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

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