Merle Haggard, Country Music Legend and Outlaw Hero, R.I.P.

Merle Haggard, one of the most successful singers in the history of Country and Western music, and best remembered for songs about his rough early life, which included a three-year sentence at San Quentin for burglary, passed away on Wednesday morning at his California home from double pneumonia on his 79th birthday.

Thirty-eight of Mr. Haggard's singles, including "Workin' Man Blues," and "If We Make It Through December," reached number one on Billboard's Country music charts.  Seven of them crossed over into the pop charts.

Perhaps Merle is best remembered for his 1969 hit "Okie From Muskogee," which included these lyrics:

We don’t smoke marijuana in Muskogee
We don’t take our trips on LSD
We don’t burn our draft cards down on Main Street
We like living right and being free.

Thanks. Merle for the memories----and rest in peace.