Merle Haggard
1937—2016
Country music’s brightest stars took to Twitter to offer their thoughts:
Eric Church @ericchurch
Rest in peace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00IEK9KdWgE …
Alan Jackson @OfficialJackson
“We lost one of the greatest singer/songwriters since Hank Williams. Inspiration to millions, great American, thank you Merle. I’ll miss you.”
Luke Bryan @LukeBryanOnline
“A true hero was lost today. Thank you for your contribution to not only country music but all music. @merlehaggard”
Keith Urban @KeithUrban
“One of the gr8 concert memories I have is seeing Merle and the Strangers at the Ryman in Nashville. We had a ‘live’ album of his when I was growing up and I felt like I’d fallin’ inside my Dad’s stereo speakers. One of my all time favorite voices – and a master songwriter. Blessings to your soulful spirit Merle & all of you family & loved ones.” – KU
Hillary Scott @HillaryScottLA
“You are a cornerstone of country music @merlehaggard…u will be missed greatly. Praying for the Haggard family.”
KACEY MUSGRAVES @KaceyMusgraves
“I think I’ll just stay here and drink.”
Billy Currington @billycurrington
“rip @merlehaggard thank you for all the great music u blessed us with. we will play it forever.”
Dierks Bentley @DierksBentley
“Literally just fell to the floor. can’t believe we lost the hag. rip merle haggard.”
Toby Keith @TobyKeithMusic
“The greatest singer songwriter of my lifetime is gone. Thanks for the music and friendship. R.I.P. Hag. – T”
GaryAllan @GaryAllan
“Merle was my all-time hero. Today we lost one of the greatest songwriters of country music and I will always regret not recording with him. He was a legend and I was honored whenever we got the chance to share a stage with him. Thank you for the inspiration, the advice and for always being you. I, as well as the entire music community, will miss you Merle.”
Darius Rucker @dariusrucker
“Heaven’s band just got better! RIP to the LEGENDARY @merlehaggard. Your music will never die!”
Jon Pardi @JonPardi
“Sad day today @merlehaggard has passed. RIP to a true songwriter, a pioneer of California Country, and country music.”
Kip Moore @KipMooreMusic
“RIP Merle…you paved the way for so many. You had what we all hope for…a voice that matters and survives the ever changing trends.”
Josh Turner @joshturnermusic 5m5 minutes ago
“Pains me to say that country music icon @merlehaggard has passed away. So honored to have known him and shared the stage with him. Thanks Merle for all you’ve done for us!”
Mickey Guyton @MickeyGuyton
“RIP Merle Haggard. Heaven’s choir just got a heck of a lot better.”
