Born in Bakersfield, California, in 1936, Merle Haggard had a chequered youth, his rebellious nature always to the fore.

He ran away from home at 14, got into a lot of trouble, and was sent to San Quentin Prison after being convicted on an attempted burglary charge in 1957. It was a sobering experience for Merle. A model prisoner, he was released after two years and nine months.

Country music was already shaping his dreams, inspired by such greats as Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, and Jimmie Rodgers.

In the mid-1960s, Haggard signed with Capitol Records and the next decade saw him attain superstar status. A brilliant songwriter, he captured the mood of many in the USA and far beyond, with songs that were destined to become classics of the genre.

In excess of 30 Number 1 hits were to follow as Merle became a national hero. Okie From Muskogee, The Fighting Side Of Me, Today I Started Loving You Again, Swingin’ Doors, Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down, and Sing Me Back Home were among them.

Brendan Quinn from Derry recalls an eventful occasion in the town of Independence, Kansas, back in 1980.

“The Bluebirds band and I had been invited to play the famous Neewollah Festival and Merle was one of the big bill-toppers. He watched some of our gig and liked how we connected with the audience.

“On the way back to the hotel his piano player told us that Merle wanted to see “you Irish guys” and he asked us to bring along the accordion as well.

“The invitation was gladly accepted and we all headed for his room in the hotel. Seamus Costello from Aughrim near Ballinasloe brought the accordion and Stevie Morris from Douglas Bridge in Tyrone brought the fiddle. Jimmy Hendry, Stevie Morris, Brendan McGarrity and myself all joined in. It was a fantastic and unforgettable night in the company of such a legend as Merle Haggard,” recalls Brendan.

“Merle had a different attitude to the Nashville folk. He had his own band, The Strangers, and they had their own sound which was from California. He was truly one of my idols in country music,” says Brendan.

One of his ex-wives, Leona Williams, who has visited Ireland on several occasions in recent years, had this to say: “Merle was and is an icon in American music. He was the poet for the common working man and woman. His music was cherished by people from all styles of music. I don’t know if we will ever see another like him.”

Marty Haggard in Moate

Marty Haggard, the eldest son of the late Merle, will perform in concert in The Well, Moate, next Tuesday night, 3 May. He will be backed by the acclaimed Sheerin Family Band.

Marty was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. He was privileged to be a part of his dad’s career and having the opportunity to meet many of the country.

From 1983 to 1985, Marty travelled with his dad, singing harmony and playing guitar. In 1986, he signed with MTM Records and released Trains Make Me Lonesome, a song which garnered him a nomination as best new male vocalist.

His love for his dad’s music inspired him to begin a project titled A Tribute To Merle Haggard My Dad. In 2010, he cut the first album in his tribute consisting of 15 Hag classics. He performs on a regular basis at The Paramount Theatre in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Last year, Marty joined The Sheerins for a memorable concert in Moate. He returns by popular demand and at a poignant time in the immediate aftermath of the passing of his legendary father.

Tickets are now on sale from the box office, priced at €18. Call 087-6948-827 or 090-6448-766. The show starts at 8pm.