Merle Haggard (1937-2016) was an American country music singer, songwriter, guitarist, and fiddler. He is widely considered one of the most influential and successful country music artists of all time.
Haggard’s music was often characterized by its traditional country sound, as well as its themes of working-class life, patriotism, and personal struggles. He wrote many of his own songs, including some of his most famous hits, such as “Okie from Muskogee,” “Mama Tried,” and “The Fightin’ Side of Me.”