Missing Merle: Haggard turned 21 in prison, died on his birthday at 79
NOTE: When I published the following post about how Merle Haggard changed my life back in 1969, I had no idea perhaps the greatest influence in the history of country music would lose his battle with lung cancer and pneumonia today (April 6). Bypassing the usual cliches, let's just say the "Silver Wings" are grounded and the "Swinging Doors" will swing no more, except in our memories and as one of the greatest legacies in the history of country music. Rest in peace, Mr. Haggard, and thanks changing my life.
Two of the three items below were major news events of 1969. Can you pick the one that wasn't?
1. Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin Jr. were the first Earthlings to take a little stroll on the moon.
2. Two North Texas State (University of North Texas now) broadcast students, John Ball and Larry Ratliff, launched their broadcasting careers when "Cactus" Ken Carter, Fort Worth radio station KCWM-FM program director, in perhaps a weak moment due to a lack of caloric intake, hired them on the spot, gave them disc jockey shifts and a handful of change and sent them on an emergency run to the station candy machine down the hall.
3. In upstate New York, a little over half a million people descended on Woodstock, N.Y. for four days of rain, sex, more rain, drugs and rock 'n' roll; pretty much in that order.
If you picked the second one, you are, of course, correct. And although Nos. 1 and 3 and many other events of 1969 were profoundly more important, this item -- as many of mine are -- is all about No. 2.
John and I were so excited when we left the KXOL/KCWM studios that day that more than once, in fact numerous times, we blurted out "We're jocks. We're JOCKS!" This had been a longtime dream for both of us. So we figured, "Mission accomplished. This life stuff is easy."
Except for one thing: But ...
It seems that every time I bare my soul about No. 2, there's a big but involved.
KCWM, as it turned out, was a country music station, and I knew nothing about country music. I was into rock 'n' roll: the bad boy Rolling Stones, those melodic, somewhat flippant, brilliant guys who called themselves Beatles.
I had no idea who George Jones was, much less Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash or Dolly Parton. And what was a Willie, anyway.
"Not to worry," I thought. "Music is music, right? It'll be all right, right?"
But ...
I didn't realize until about 15 minutes into the first hour of my 6 to midnight shift that the station log demanded I play a country classic at 45 minutes after the hour. A country classic? What's that?
In a sweaty panic, I called my older, wiser brother Lannie:
"In just under 30 minutes, I have to play a country classic," I blurted with noticeable panic in my voice. "What does that mean?"
Lannie, who loves music as much if not more than me -- all kinds of music I might add -- calmed me down with these words I will never forget:
"Look for a song called Mama Tried by Merle Haggard. You'll be OK."
OK is not the word for it. I fell instantly for the now-legendary Merle Haggard, Willie & Waylon and the boys and girls and country music in general. I'll also never forget how my big brother Lannie came through in a pinch. Thanks, Big Brother!
Rest in peace, Merle. You changed my life and probably millions of others.
Gosh, look at the time. It's 45 past the hour. Time to reach for Mama Tried again.
Do something good for yourself: Click on the video below and crank it up!
Cranking. Tonight is one sad damn night.
Posted by: Photos by Timothy J. Jones | 07 April 2016 at 02:44 AM
Excellent piece amigo! Love you and Merle.
Posted by: Ron Young | 04 April 2016 at 06:15 PM