I was bartending this night and its a wonderful memory of my days in NY. I remember being shocked Merle ordered a Pepsi cause we had all this great bourbon. Thanks for posting this Mr Lenz. I appreciate it
How lovely to see this. Whenever I see Merle Haggard performing, rest his soul, it always reminds me of the story of that time Johnny Cash played San Quinten jail the second time and Merle was on the bill. Apparently he said to Johnny backstage “I really enjoyed the first show you did here”. Cash said “Merle, I don’t remember you being on the bill”? He replied “no Johnny, I was in the audience”.
I seen the Hag at billy bobs n Ft worth. When the concert was over he yell everbody gets a drink on me as long as ya drink jack black. Lov me some merle
I would pay money to watch more of these! They're all great, but i love the ones with Merle, would've liked to see him play one of Les Paul's les pauls!!
It's incredible that Les was able to play as well as he could with his arthritis which can clearly be seen in this video. Funny thing is that Les still sounded like you'd expect, simply classic. Merle really sounded great also, a really full, honest voice. A very enjoyable video, thanks!
So much fun going on on stage.....all the hilarious inside jokes....just a group of old friends having a blast....a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch a show like this.....👍👍
Let's give it up for that "Bob Dylan" Lol You got love Les Paul. He was miles ahead of his time. It seems to me everyone was on the same level. All got treated the same. Thanks Mr. Paul for making it all happen.
He actually wasn't easy to please as i think of it... on that stage he had his band/orchestra/Mr. Freddy/solo/ hell the STRANGER'S!!! WHOMEVER GOT THE PRIVILEGE THAT GIG. MERLE WAS A PERFECTIONIST , A TRUE ARTIST AND POET WHEN HE MADE THAT STUBBORN OLD TELE SING AND THEN TONED DOWN GET READY BECAUSE HE IS ABOUT TO LOOK AT AND SOMETIMES NOD ORCHESTRATING ITS IT'S YOUR TURN!!!
Trouble in Mind - “the original record” was back in 1924 when Les would have been about 9 so that was a joke. Merle was a big fan of Bob Wills who recorded the song in 1936. Also in ‘36, Bing Crosby introduced Pennies from Heaven. Bing and Les had a classic hit at the end of WWII with Its Been a Long, Long Time. His friendship with Bing got Les very early reel to reel tape machines that led to his experiments in overdubbing and multi-track recording.
I have done a little more looking. Georgia White (who was black) sang the song in 1936 also and it’s reported that Les Paul is the guitar player. This would fit in with the time that Les was an accompanist for Decca. Then much later, Les Paul and Mary Ford did Trouble in Mind in 1962 on an album called Swingin’ South.
@@hackbritton3548 3:20 “You know he played on the original record ...”. At first I thought he was making a joke about how far back Les went in his career (like how old Les was). But later when I dug a little deeper, Les probably did play on the record in ‘36. Good of Merle to know, but the original was in ‘24.
Merle was referring to the 1936 version for sure here because when I saw him back in the day at the Lone Star Cafe downtown on 13th & 5th, he introduced the song as “here’s an old song from 1936 called Trouble in Mind…”
Merle is the best, though he's a bit ragged here and even that is captivating. The bass player seems a bit dry, Les Paul says he "doesn't know A" and they just wing it. Seems totally unrehearsed but still comes together well enough. A bit country, a bit jazz, and a lot Merle.
Merle did not want to play in front of Les. he knew Les was somewhat frail, and Merle was too much of a gentleman to cause Les any discomfort in any way. Good old country manners.
Love les I really do but you have to play in the singers key. Haggard did great with his 2nd choice of keys. The musicians here are great and I may be out of line. But crap from A to Bd ain't nothin on guitar- Maybe on piano.?
I was bartending this night and its a wonderful memory of my days in NY. I remember being shocked Merle ordered a Pepsi cause we had all this great bourbon. Thanks for posting this Mr Lenz. I appreciate it
How lovely to see this. Whenever I see Merle Haggard performing, rest his soul, it always reminds me of the story of that time Johnny Cash played San Quinten jail the second time and Merle was on the bill. Apparently he said to Johnny backstage “I really enjoyed the first show you did here”. Cash said “Merle, I don’t remember you being on the bill”? He replied “no Johnny, I was in the audience”.
Must be an incredible memory to have been called up on stage with Les Paul.
Man......, Both gone, but they'll live forever in our hearts and minds as some of the best......the pioneers...
Love Merle's voice -- one of my favorites.
Another great “Les Paul with...”. So glad these vids are up. Man, Merle and that pianist!!
WOW!!! I was at this show!!! After the show Jon Paris who also performed that night introduced me to Les Paul. Great memory!!! THANKS FOR THE VIDEO
I seen the Hag at billy bobs n Ft worth. When the concert was over he yell everbody gets a drink on me as long as ya drink jack black. Lov me some merle
Do you remember the cost of admission at the Iridium?
Tell us more!
Really I mean it I would love to hear it.
A master songwriter and singer. Merle.
What an incredible voice Merle had!
Never gets old, no matter how long ago or how many times you've see and heard them.
So much love and respect for these two old men.
I would pay money to watch more of these! They're all great, but i love the ones with Merle, would've liked to see him play one of Les Paul's les pauls!!
I don't know who put all these videos up but THANK YOU I loved each of them so much!
Love this! Didn't know he loved jazz and could carry it off so well! That voice and phrasing -- right on!
Susanne Stoddard lespaul.org
Oh yes. I'm very familiar with Les Paul and Mary Ford!
Susanne Stoddard lespaul.org
It's incredible that Les was able to play as well as he could with his arthritis which can clearly be seen in this video. Funny thing is that Les still sounded like you'd expect, simply classic.
Merle really sounded great also, a really full, honest voice. A very enjoyable video, thanks!
Vince Gill with eagles
Les was gifted with supernatural powers. You know when you get a melody stuck in your head? That's Les playing it from on high.
Merle almost always sounded great....up til the last year or two of his life. And even then he had his lucid moments!
He played right up until his death at 95 years old. He played weekly gigs in New York City.
Paul Simmons paul i recall thank you for your time the last king of the hobos .........
That pianist though.... Wow!
Does anybody know his name?
So much talent. The pianist really gets me.
what a talent is Merle Haggard????!!! genius!!
So much fun going on on stage.....all the hilarious inside jokes....just a group of old friends having a blast....a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch a show like this.....👍👍
Great work -- all these posts by Chris -- And the muso's wonderful!! Feel sorry for Les -- very bad arthritis, yet he can still work his magic.
Merle can make that voice perform miracles
Great clip. It's like Haggard's singing in a wedding band. Love his voice and I'm so lucky to have met the great Les Paul.
fretkillrlives lespaul.org
Translate it your self pilgrim.
love it REALLY LOVE IT Thanks ! Wish I could be there
One of the most delightful things I have ever seen.
Merle, you will always be the best. Thanks for the video Chris.
What a piano player!
What a bunch of real pros, I miss them both. They don't make em like that anymore!
Yes, they do. I work with musicians, while not iconic, they can really play.
More than anything, musicians would like to work. Les and Merle didn’t get that good without years of playing in front of paying fans.
Let's give it up for that "Bob Dylan" Lol You got love Les Paul. He was miles ahead of his time. It seems to me everyone was on the same level. All got treated the same.
Thanks Mr. Paul for making it all happen.
true true
A great song with Merle & one of his influences.
2 Greats from different music worlds Les and Merle. Nice to hear Merle's varied singing talent.
You think this could perk Les Paul's interest, the spice of blues with that quiet sophistication in there. : )
Beautiful ‘nuff said
I have jammed with old pros who sight read, etc. Surprizingly inflexible. Even here Merle has to adapt to them.
And whatever key they choose..he's easy to please although he's the one singing😂 Merle had a wonderful range of consistent tone of vocals!
He actually wasn't easy to please as i think of it... on that stage he had his band/orchestra/Mr. Freddy/solo/ hell the STRANGER'S!!! WHOMEVER GOT THE PRIVILEGE THAT GIG. MERLE WAS A PERFECTIONIST , A TRUE ARTIST AND POET WHEN HE MADE THAT STUBBORN OLD TELE SING AND THEN TONED DOWN GET READY BECAUSE HE IS ABOUT TO LOOK AT AND SOMETIMES NOD ORCHESTRATING ITS IT'S YOUR TURN!!!
nice clip. all great musicians
thank you for posting this!
Love , love, love this!
This shows how versatile Merle & Less were.
Less is more.
Mighty Merle with brother Les Paul what a combination
Real musicians putting it down
Walks in. A, B flat. Off we go. Legend.
this video is gold such rare video...thank you!
That’s why they called him Merle the Pearl.
Geeze this is my new favorite video of Merle.
Pure Class!!!
Hope to hear them in Heaven!
So good...even with age😢
God what a voice. Great player too, shame he left the Tele home.
The Mighty Merle....RIP
Merle could swing!
Two professionals
Chris these are great 👍
Monumental!!!!🙂
Merle the crooner how fun.
Love it!
Trouble in Mind - “the original record” was back in 1924 when Les would have been about 9 so that was a joke. Merle was a big fan of Bob Wills who recorded the song in 1936.
Also in ‘36, Bing Crosby introduced Pennies from Heaven. Bing and Les had a classic hit at the end of WWII with Its Been a Long, Long Time. His friendship with Bing got Les very early reel to reel tape machines that led to his experiments in overdubbing and multi-track recording.
I have done a little more looking. Georgia White (who was black) sang the song in 1936 also and it’s reported that Les Paul is the guitar player. This would fit in with the time that Les was an accompanist for Decca. Then much later, Les Paul and Mary Ford did Trouble in Mind in 1962 on an album called Swingin’ South.
So what is the joke
@@hackbritton3548 3:20 “You know he played on the original record ...”. At first I thought he was making a joke about how far back Les went in his career (like how old Les was). But later when I dug a little deeper, Les probably did play on the record in ‘36. Good of Merle to know, but the original was in ‘24.
Merle was referring to the 1936 version for sure here because when I saw him back in the day at the Lone Star Cafe downtown on 13th & 5th, he introduced the song as “here’s an old song from 1936 called Trouble in Mind…”
How neat is that!
Wow...that was great.
Mind = blown
WOW!!! It don't get Better than this! Unless Ray Price showed up too!
Love old Lester and Merle
Holy Shit!!! MERLE and LES
Thanks Chris.
Two giants
Les Paul playing a Les Paul!
thanks Chris.
So Sweet!💕
I love it.
I wish I knew what pedals Les Paul kept on his board.
and Lou Pallo (guitar), Jay Leonhart (bass), and John Colianni (piano)
two of the greatest acts,they look down on your appreciation.Dennis Croucher on youtube!
I like the bass player when he tunes in the D string and never miss a beat
Good good good
Damn, pros…😎
What a friendly old ghost.
Yessir
Les was more interested in playing with Bob Dylan than Merle. Merle and Bob were touring together at the same time. They came through our town
Front row, damn
Did Les say Bob Dylan there at the end.
Anyone know the name of the piano player? So good.
Added to the emergency list.
Hags a pretty good jazz man. Wow
Dang, ‘Ole Merle could sing, couldn’t he?
Why does the rhythm guitarist look familiar? Anyone know who he is?
B flat?
Interesting. Remember kids....the notes you don't play are the best ones.....tip from Uncle Lowell
Wonder how much that original Les Paul is worth now ?!
Who's tickling the ivory? Snazzy
A different merle but still great
Merle is the best, though he's a bit ragged here and even that is captivating. The bass player seems a bit dry, Les Paul says he "doesn't know A" and they just wing it. Seems totally unrehearsed but still comes together well enough. A bit country, a bit jazz, and a lot Merle.
Merle looks incomplete without guitar
Merle did not want to play in front of Les. he knew Les was somewhat frail, and Merle was too much of a gentleman to cause Les any discomfort in any way. Good old country manners.
Love les I really do but you have to play in the singers key. Haggard did great with his 2nd choice of keys. The musicians here are great and I may be out of line. But crap from A to Bd ain't nothin on guitar- Maybe on piano.?
Bb was to accommodate the pianist IMHO, playing in A those licks would be a bit tougher;-)
It appears Les doesn't even know who Merle Haggard is/ was. That's a little sad - considering.
You will come to find out he does not know much about many of his guests, no matter how world famous. That's part of what makes him cooler than cool.
Merle Haggard was known for his jazz skills.
You would be surprised. Willie Nelson's big influence was a jazz guitarist.
These two should have recorded an album of this stuff.
what a treat..
David Munson wow great stuff man