Travis Tritt has released a statement regarding the passing of his early inspiration and legendary country music outlaw, Merle Haggard
Tritt commented, “I first met Merle Haggard when I was a rookie opener for Tanya Tucker in 1990. Merle was the closing act at a festival show we all were playing together and he invited Tanya and me onstage to sing ‘Okie From Muskogee’ with him. It was the thrill of a lifetime for a greenhorn like me to hang out with this musical icon for several hours after the show. I remember being awestruck just being in his presence that night! I admired every aspect of Merle’s talent, but I told him that it was his songwriting that inspired me the most. He was more than just a great talent. He was a true modern day poet for the common blue-collar worker. His lyrics gave a voice to an entire class of people who couldn’t put their feelings into words.”
“I’m so grateful for the inspiration that his music and his life’s story were to me. Merle Haggard will go down in history as one of the greatest inspirations that the entire country music world has ever known. Just think about how many times you’ve heard the names ‘Haggard and Jones’ used to describe our brand of music! RIP Merle.”
Merle Haggard received his “Silver Wings” after a battle with pneumonia on his 79th birthday, April 6, 2016.
