Ben Haggard should be a country superstar. He has the total package. One problem: he sings real country in an age of crappy southern rock and pop music market as country music.
I had tickets to see Merle on July 1st 2016 in Bayfield WI. He passed away in April 6th 2016. The Oak Ridge Boys quickly filled for the headline. Noel and Ben came there with Merle's band THE STRANGERS to start the night off. I had a vacant seat adjacent to me and Oak Ridge Boys tenor, Joe Bonsall came and sat down to enjoy the music. Joe was a huge cheerleader for the boys. Enthusiastically clapping after each song. I got to talk with Joe between shows and even got a photo. Class act.. I won't forget that night. This clip is so good, thanks for posting it Don. Ben sounds the most like Merle, I think. I also love Mike Johnson on steel guitar...real COUNTRY MUSIC.
Just sittin here stunned. .....music so good. Lyrics so good. These boys can sing too. Country music was so blessed to have the creative influence of Merle Haggard. These two are great singers in their own right. The guy in the dark red shirt and glasses is the older brother Marty Haggard-th-cam.com/video/Qua_UUVfP1w/w-d-xo.html
Actually the guitar Noel is playing is the one Merle played onstage. But they were both his. My brother backed Merle up sometime in the mid '70's. He was a good guy.
This is one really talented family I remember seeing Marty Haggard, for the first time when I was in 5th grade living in CA. He had just started his music career and was either on the show HEE HAW, OR THE BUCK OWENS SHOW, can't remember which I just remember how much Marty Haggard, looked like his father Merle Haggard at that time he had a good voice also, Ben, played in merle's band until he passed away, so sad to lose all these great singer's like HAGGARD, AND JONES, VERN, WAYLON So many are gone from and their families. Thanks Don.
Those guys are two apples who did not fall far from the tree metaphorically- speaking as the Haggard musical gene has been preserved to good effect for all to hear. Ben and Noel have managed to keep their legendary father's musical legacy well and truly alive and one can discern more than a hint of Merle's voice in their own vocal styles. Thanks again for another excelllent review, Don, and keep rockin' dat country.
Wow I'm first. Lol. This is from country's family reunion. I own the DVD set. The guitar was Ben's. His dad and Kris signed it for him. Kris played some shows with Noel and Ben after Merle passed
Also the Guitar that Noel was playing looked like a Merle Haggard signature series telecaster guitar. th-cam.com/video/ubbN2x9bksg/w-d-xo.html Ben is playing a Telecaster too . He started playing in his fathers band when he was 15 up till Merle passed in 2016. Never seen Merle play a plain telecaster with out a pick guard. Maybe he bought it for Ben and Signed it. I looked on Bens Twitter page and He posted a picture that said Dad carved his name in my guitar (Feb 10, 2016 post) his next post was a picture of Kris K on his guitar and he said Thank you Kris Kristofferson (Feb 13 , 2016). Merle Died April 16th 2016. I hope that helps answer your question.
If I recall the first time I seen Merle with Shooter Jennings, two of merles sons was playing in the band that night and busted out fiddles they just went to town!
Ben started playing lead for his dad when he was 15. After hearing how good he was..The guitar also has Kris Kristoffersons autograph carved into it !!!
Don,ive seen this a few times. Lov it. All the big names playing with them. Jimmy,mike Johnson on steel guitar again. Just an all round great show. And playing his dads guitar soo well.👍. Nice.dan2/24/22
You couldn't have picked a better showcase for Ben and Noel. As mentioned, Marty is also there, and I believe he sang, too. One of the ladies doing backup singing is Duane Allen's (Oak Ridge Boys) wife and the other is his daughter. Saw Mo Pitney watching. He is getting some of the best examples of country music right there. It wasn't long after I had finished reading Jimmy Capps' book, that he died. I had received an autographed copy. No matter what we disagree on, my husband and I agree on Merle Haggard being the best ever. Loved this.
You can trace that back a little further. Duane's wife is the daughter of Carol Lee of the Opry's Carol Lee Singers. They did most of the back-up singing at the Grand Ole Opry. Norah Lee took over the group when Carol Lee retired. Carol Lee was the daughter of Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper. Duane and Norah's daughter, Jamie, is married to Paul Martin, formerly of the Exiles.
I just saw Ben again last week. I loved seeing your “hand signs” during Fugitive....I do the exact same thing. Can’t help it. I sing with my voice and my hands. These boys are my favorite memory.
RockNthecountry......thanks for this. These three numbers faves also of this Kentucky farm girl now living in Chicago. Looks like the Y chromosome from Merle very strong coming right on through with birth of Ben's little boy...and Merle's own offspring. You go, Ben....and Marty and Noel too. When you guys were born, God knew the world needed your unmatchable talent.
Wish I still had a list of all the pickers in the house band, especially Mr. Capps. I saw where Gene Watson' s guitar company made a guitar specifically for Capps. What an honor.
The lyrics of Its All in the Movies, what a beautiful song. So much poetry. Some of Merles quiet simple songs are so moving. That's one if Merles best....IMHO.
Simply put, Merle was the greatest all-around country music artist that EVER lived. Singer, songwriter, musician, band leader, impressionist. No one had the combined talents Merle had at the same or a comparable level. It's a race for SECOND place. Because there's Merle...and then there's everybody else. State your case for anyone else. You won't win that argument.
Everything is golden on Country Road T.V... HAVENT Heard A song a that wasn't AMAZINGLY BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL...THEY SIMPLY TAKEIT TO ANOTHER GALAXY....SIMPLY AMAZING...CHECK OUT DARYLE SINGLETARY VERSION OF OLD VIOLIN. ON COUNTY ROAD TV...OR DAVID BALLS SET...
That’s Ben’s guitar given to him by his dad and both Merle and Kris K. autographed it. Ben was Merle’s lead guitar player for 8 years from the age of 15 til Merle’s death.
A Haggard song has a certain sound, whether it's the vocals or the melody, or just the tone from a guitar. " Put a cry in your voice like Haggard " as the Statlers once said.
Another Family offspring carrying on the music of their fathers is Devon Allman and Duane Betts playing the music from their fathers band The Allman Brothers . Devon is Greg Allmans oldest son and Dickie Betts son plays lead guitar. th-cam.com/video/hK6e9JIvWg8/w-d-xo.html
Ben Played guitar in his dad’s band for a long time. I believe all his boys were in the band at one time or another. I heard that Ben snuck on the tour bus once so his Dad said he was gonna have to go to work.
They are very good . Theres also Micheal Twitty(, Conway Twittys son )and his grandson Tre Twitty Who do some of Conways song . There very good also Then theres Dean Miller ,Rogers Millers son who sings some of Roger Millers songs all good ones a video he sings Little Toy Trains I think it is That video in which he then sings a song he wrote his dad its a country road TV video .th-cam.com/video/vmZHBfW64cw/w-d-xo.html
Yes Ben played with Kris and Noel after their father's death in 2016. Kris played lots of shows with Ben. Merle engraved Ben's guitar a few months before he died. I don't know if it were this one or another one -- my feeling is this one was done some time ago and the one Merle engraved is on the back side of a guitar. Love Ben -- Noel was great here but lately seems rather senile as he doesn't sing or play, just seems to be there to distract the audience and get himself attention - in this he really did a great job. However, go it alone Ben with the Strangers, write your own songs which you can do. Get a record out - you will be #1.
Ben Haggard should be a country superstar. He has the total package.
One problem: he sings real country in an age of crappy southern rock and pop music market as country music.
It so nice to hear Ben n Noel Haggard singing just like they father Merel Haggard he has left memories behind that is, soñs . I just love them singing
I love all the Haggard boys. Of course they are covering their father’s songs. Classic songs, classic voices. I could listen to them all day!
I had tickets to see Merle on July 1st 2016 in Bayfield WI. He passed away in April 6th 2016. The Oak Ridge Boys quickly filled for the headline. Noel and Ben came there with Merle's band THE STRANGERS to start the night off. I had a vacant seat adjacent to me and Oak Ridge Boys tenor, Joe Bonsall came and sat down to enjoy the music. Joe was a huge cheerleader for the boys. Enthusiastically clapping after each song. I got to talk with Joe between shows and even got a photo. Class act.. I won't forget that night. This clip is so good, thanks for posting it Don. Ben sounds the most like Merle, I think. I also love Mike Johnson on steel guitar...real COUNTRY MUSIC.
Haggard boys, coffee and rain on a metal roof. My morning was complete.
Went about a year ago to hear Marty Haggard do a tribute concert to his father. It was fantastic. I would love to hear all of them together.
Just sittin here stunned. .....music so good. Lyrics so good. These boys can sing too. Country music was so blessed to have the creative influence of Merle Haggard. These two are great singers in their own right.
The guy in the dark red shirt and glasses is the older brother Marty Haggard-th-cam.com/video/Qua_UUVfP1w/w-d-xo.html
Ben reminds me so much of Merle. His playing is more refined for lack of a better word. Thanks Don.
What a great video...... making there dad proud..... great talent.... thanks for doing this
The Force is strong with these two. Thanks!
Actually the guitar Noel is playing is the one Merle played onstage. But they were both his. My brother backed Merle up sometime in the mid '70's. He was a good guy.
I started listening to Haggard when I was in my early 20's. I'm now closer to 70 than I am 60.
This is one really talented family I remember seeing Marty Haggard, for the first time when I was in 5th grade living in CA. He had just started his music career and was either on the show HEE HAW, OR THE BUCK OWENS SHOW, can't remember which I just remember how much Marty Haggard, looked like his father Merle Haggard at that time he had a good voice also, Ben, played in merle's band until he passed away, so sad to lose all these great singer's like HAGGARD, AND JONES, VERN, WAYLON So many are gone from and their families. Thanks Don.
WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've seen this before and it's excellent. Thank you, sir.
Those guys are two apples who did not fall far from the tree metaphorically- speaking as the Haggard musical gene has been preserved to good effect for all to hear. Ben and Noel have managed to keep their legendary father's musical legacy well and truly alive and one can discern more than a hint of Merle's voice in their own vocal styles. Thanks again for another excelllent review, Don, and keep rockin' dat country.
Wow I'm first. Lol. This is from country's family reunion. I own the DVD set. The guitar was Ben's. His dad and Kris signed it for him. Kris played some shows with Noel and Ben after Merle passed
Also the Guitar that Noel was playing looked like a Merle Haggard signature series telecaster guitar. th-cam.com/video/ubbN2x9bksg/w-d-xo.html Ben is playing a Telecaster too . He started playing in his fathers band when he was 15 up till Merle passed in 2016. Never seen Merle play a plain telecaster with out a pick guard. Maybe he bought it for Ben and Signed it. I looked on Bens Twitter page and He posted a picture that said Dad carved his name in my guitar (Feb 10, 2016 post) his next post was a picture of Kris K on his guitar and he said Thank you Kris Kristofferson (Feb 13 , 2016). Merle Died April 16th 2016. I hope that helps answer your question.
If I recall the first time I seen Merle with Shooter Jennings, two of merles sons was playing in the band that night and busted out fiddles they just went to town!
April 6th.
I heard an interview and both guitars were there dads!!! Awesome tone!
OMG How did I miss this from the day that you posted it. I have seen this before and I love it. Thank you for doing this one. Love it!
I agree I had been looking for this reaction for art least a year
Ben started playing lead for his dad when he was 15. After hearing how good he was..The guitar also has Kris Kristoffersons autograph carved into it !!!
Absolutely awesome ❤
That was a treat to listen to.
Don,ive seen this a few times. Lov it. All the big names playing with them. Jimmy,mike Johnson on steel guitar again. Just an all round great show. And playing his dads guitar soo well.👍. Nice.dan2/24/22
They are gifted with their fathers voice. The guitars came as part of there inheritance
Very good. Thanks Don.
You couldn't have picked a better showcase for Ben and Noel. As mentioned, Marty is also there, and I believe he sang, too. One of the ladies doing backup singing is Duane Allen's (Oak Ridge Boys) wife and the other is his daughter. Saw Mo Pitney watching. He is getting some of the best examples of country music right there. It wasn't long after I had finished reading Jimmy Capps' book, that he died. I had received an autographed copy. No matter what we disagree on, my husband and I agree on Merle Haggard being the best ever. Loved this.
You can trace that back a little further. Duane's wife is the daughter of Carol Lee of the Opry's Carol Lee Singers. They did most of the back-up singing at the Grand Ole Opry. Norah Lee took over the group when Carol Lee retired. Carol Lee was the daughter of Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper. Duane and Norah's daughter, Jamie, is married to Paul Martin, formerly of the Exiles.
When I hear any of the 3 Haggard boys sing I sometimes forget and think I'm hearing Merle again!!!!!
@K.G. That happens to me a lot, too!
I just saw Ben again last week. I loved seeing your “hand signs” during Fugitive....I do the exact same thing. Can’t help it. I sing with my voice and my hands. These boys are my favorite memory.
RockNthecountry......thanks for this. These three numbers faves also of this Kentucky farm girl now living in Chicago. Looks like the Y chromosome from Merle very strong coming right on through with birth of Ben's little boy...and Merle's own offspring. You go, Ben....and Marty and Noel too. When you guys were born, God knew the world needed your unmatchable talent.
ben sounds like his daddy
Wish I still had a list of all the pickers in the house band, especially Mr. Capps. I saw where Gene Watson' s guitar company made a guitar specifically for Capps. What an honor.
Beautiful job on these thanks for sharing guys!!!!!
I believe that was a telecaster with humbucker, no pick guard with neck pickup. Gives that signature sound.
and merle will never die as long as ben is alive
Apples do not fall far from the tree. ❤
Ben was playing and his dad's band at 15 listen to him perform the song Sing Me Back Home they say the Apple doesn't fall far from the tree
Still waiting on Ben's solo album.
Wow, just wow! Awesome, Don (Hope you don't mind me calling you Don). Love and hugs for all~stay safe.
@Denise Hughes Don’t mind being called Don at all-it’s what just about everybody calls me except my sisters, who call me everything but that. Ha!!
It has mearl name carved on front so yes it probably his
these boys got it all
Noel (Running Kind) is just super w/this very one episode, when he pulls it down low, just great. Listen to him again! 1: 21 , here goes. 110320.
This was outstanding. Just wow.
Make no mistake, these have the real country sound and belong in every collection.
I get tiery eyed listening to this.
New country artists should be humiliated and ashamed of the shit they pump out, this is first class
You could hear Merle in Ben for sure!!!
Ben plays Merles guitar.
❤❤ love it😊😊
Check out Ben's song as Haggard as they come. Also listen to his son Marty sing his daddy's songs. Marty is Merle's olderst son.
The lyrics of Its All in the Movies, what a beautiful song. So much poetry. Some of Merles quiet simple songs are so moving. That's one if Merles best....IMHO.
I've been looking for a way to articulate just that. Thanks for your words.
Boot city in indiana, Got me some Marty haggard guitar picks! Seen him sitting there he’s in the dark red on right there
Wow amazing
Great job guys
You were right. I did like it! Besides Country Heros, you should also check out Caballo Diablo by Charlie Daniels.
Simply put, Merle was the greatest all-around country music artist that EVER lived. Singer, songwriter, musician, band leader, impressionist. No one had the combined talents Merle had at the same or a comparable level. It's a race for SECOND place. Because there's Merle...and then there's everybody else. State your case for anyone else. You won't win that argument.
George Jones, a very close second.
Hank sr
Marty, the oldest one sitting down, sounds even more like his daddy, than even Ben does.
The man in the red shirt is Marty Haggard
Another treat from these guys. Radney Foster did a good cover of this song.
Everything is golden on Country Road T.V... HAVENT Heard A song a that wasn't AMAZINGLY BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL...THEY SIMPLY TAKEIT TO ANOTHER GALAXY....SIMPLY AMAZING...CHECK OUT DARYLE SINGLETARY VERSION OF OLD VIOLIN. ON COUNTY ROAD TV...OR DAVID BALLS SET...
React to Marty Haggard singing “Mama’s Hungry Eyes”
Those 4 who dislike this video. Regret it and go away.
Ben is using his dad's guitar
That’s Ben’s guitar given to him by his dad and both Merle and Kris K. autographed it. Ben was Merle’s lead guitar player for 8 years from the age of 15 til Merle’s death.
A Haggard song has a certain sound, whether it's the vocals or the melody, or just the tone from a guitar. " Put a cry in your voice like Haggard " as the Statlers once said.
Good the timing and soung i like it ..sound and timing by sadik mission
Another Family offspring carrying on the music of their fathers is Devon Allman and Duane Betts playing the music from their fathers band The Allman Brothers . Devon is Greg Allmans oldest son and Dickie Betts son plays lead guitar. th-cam.com/video/hK6e9JIvWg8/w-d-xo.html
That is Merles telecaster it is played by Ben.
Ben Played guitar in his dad’s band for a long time. I believe all his boys were in the band at one time or another. I heard that Ben snuck on the tour bus once so his Dad said he was gonna have to go to work.
Ben is not playing Merles guitar. He has told the story of how he acquired it Noel is playing one of Merles tough dog teles
Bens playing his father’s guitar 🎸
i think ben's voice is clearer than merle's.maybe he doesn't smoke?
Yes Ben is playing his father's guitar
Marty is good too
the gutair was the one mr haggard used in the show's and albums i watched the documentary of him
You should do something by the other Haggard son Marty. Mama's hungry eyes is a good one
mike johnson is the best steel player .
They are very good . Theres also Micheal Twitty(, Conway Twittys son )and his grandson Tre Twitty Who do some of Conways song . There very good also Then theres Dean Miller ,Rogers Millers son who sings some of Roger Millers songs all good ones a video he sings Little Toy Trains I think it is That video in which he then sings a song he wrote his dad its a country road TV video .th-cam.com/video/vmZHBfW64cw/w-d-xo.html
I'm wondering what the girls look like. Merle had 3 daughters and 3 sons.
Miss the Sheriff. RIP
Ben is using Merles guitar. Ben always uses one of his dad's everytime he plays.
They do their father well.
They do a damn good version of their Pappys number by two of my favorite hag tunes keep playing real music by real Americans. They can read what the.
I think Ben is playing Merle's guitar.
Noel has one of Merle's guitars, too.
Yes Ben played with Kris and Noel after their father's death in 2016. Kris played lots of shows with Ben. Merle engraved Ben's guitar a few months before he died. I don't know if it were this one or another one -- my feeling is this one was done some time ago and the one Merle engraved is on the back side of a guitar. Love Ben -- Noel was great here but lately seems rather senile as he doesn't sing or play, just seems to be there to distract the audience and get himself attention - in this he really did a great job. However, go it alone Ben with the Strangers, write your own songs which you can do. Get a record out - you will be #1.
Ben has one of Merles guitars
You shod reaction to the ones who don’t make it back home
How about stop interrupting / talking over the music(!!) ...
@Daniel Moose You’d probably do better not watching reaction videos if you’re not into the reactions.
Ben is playing his dads guitar