By Melissa Antoinette Garza
Scared Stiff Reviews says farewell to Country Music Icon, Merle Haggard who passed away today at age 79.
So often the word “icon” is thrown around. Whenever a popular singer is mentioned, you’ll hear someone call them an icon without it being warranted; but with Haggard the word fits. It’s not because he was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame or because he had many mainstream hits that are used in film and TV today, decades after their initial success.
It isn’t even because he had a limited edition C.F. Martin & Company guitar named after him or because he literally defined wild as being more than just having long hair and doing drugs. He knew that the true rebellion in music came from a place inside. It wasn’t just an appearance, theatrics, or superficial stunts. It came from the experiences one went through.
Still as profound as that is, that isn’t what makes Haggard an icon. Simply put, it’s the music he made, the talents he held and the songs that he wrote. Even if Haggard didn’t have the popularity he does, or the love of the fans, he would still be iconic. His achievements in music aren’t measured by the accolades, awards, or recognition of any kind. His achievement is the actual art and that’s a rarity.
Like Johnny Cash, Haggard was one of an elite group that made dark, gut-wrenching songs of time gone by or sad and angry regrets, resonate with the listeners. He could tell a story and paint a picture within the music he sang. His voice was rough and ragged but pleasant and many times hopeful.
It’s sad to see such an amazing and talented man leave us. With that, we still have so much to be thankful for. His music will be echoing through speakers for generations to come.
Thank you, Mr. Haggard.
