The Incredibly Tragic Life Of Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard had a legendary career, rising to become one of the biggest icons in country music history. But it was far from easy. This is the tragic real-life story of Merle Haggard.

Merle Haggard was born on April 6, 1937 into poverty. His family had moved to California during the Great Depression and set up home in a refurbished old boxcar. Things got even tougher, though, when Haggard's father James suddenly died in 1946 when Merle was just nine years old. Merle told Rolling Stone,

"Something went out of my world that I was never able to replace."

In his father's absence, Merle turned to music. His parents had never appreciated music, and his mother frowned upon entertainers. But Merle found himself sneaking into music halls to listen to the country stars of the day, like The Maddox Brothers and Rose and Lefty Frizzell.

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Tough beginnings | 0:00
Crime and punishment | 1:00
The Man in Black | 2:00
Hard work | 3:05
Abuse and divorce | 4:19
Art imitates life | 5:58
Outlaw legend | 6:46
Return to San Quentin | 8:08
Addiction and money problems | 8:54
Health issues | 10:14
A legend and a legacy | 11:26

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