Island Trees Public Library, April 12, 2025 “Streets of Bakersfield” (Homer Joy, 1972). This song was the last of Buck Owens’ 20 No. 1 hits, and an absolute fluke. In 1988 Owens and Merle Haggard were scheduled to appear at the Country Music Association Awards and sing a duet. At the last moment Haggard couldn’t … Continue reading Program Notes: Tennessee Walt’s ‘From Bakersfield with Love’
Merle Haggard
Sing Me a Sad Song
“What is it you like so much about the sad songs?” One of the things I enjoy the most about the country shows I’ve been doing for the past few years is the opportunity to talk to audience members afterward. People come up to tell me that they’ve enjoyed the show, to take issue with … Continue reading Sing Me a Sad Song
Merle Haggard, 1937-2016
On November 4, 2013, my wife and I got into our car in the early morning hours. From our home in Queens, N.Y., we were bound for Kingston, N.Y., a drive of some two-and-a-half hours, allowing for traffic. It was quite a drive, but it was worth it, because we were on our way to … Continue reading Merle Haggard, 1937-2016
Tennessee Walt 