Merle Haggard’s name is synonymous with country music. The 75-year-old musician is surprisingly blasé about this fact.
“I’ve been doing this a long time,” he said. “If I didn’t know what I was doing by now, it’d be a problem.”
Haggard takes that confidence into all of his stage performances.
“I go on stage with a couple of hundred songs to choose from. We never play from a pre-planned set list. It’s 90 minutes of an ad lib show every night, which is why no Merle Haggard show is ever the same,” he said. “People who’ve seen us perform once have no idea what they’ll get again. Reading an audience is a craft I like and the audience seems to like it as well. They tell me where to go and that’s where I go.”
Haggard is making a stop in Macon on Tuesday, and it’s not his first visit. “I’ve been to Macon many times,” Haggard added. “I like my fans there and will do my best to give them the show they want. Also, I want to tell them ‘happy New Year’ and I hope that everyone had a good holiday. Come out and tell me about it.”
Haggard’s songs range from funny to serious, but he has his thumb on the pulse of the American people.
“I write what I know. I write what I’m passionate about and I think more musicians ought to do that. These kids in the garages, those are the people passionate about music. Once we get over the need to use set musicians and go to using kids who have something to say, I think it’ll be a better day for everyone,” he said.
Haggard’s stage show is filled with family. He has children who travel and play with him.
“I’m working on two new albums,” Haggard said. “My son Byron is on guitar and one of my daughters sings with me. I like to take my whole family on the road. We’re a close-knit family and it’s wonderful to have them with me.”
For a man who plays more than 200 shows a year, it’s an understandable sentiment.
“I hate the traffic,” Haggard said. “It’s the thing about traveling I don’t like. I love the people and seeing the country and getting to know people.”
Personally, Haggard’s musical tastes run to everyone from Hank Williams to Bing Crosby.
“I like the Beatles and Elvis. I like big music with the goal of entertaining -- and it helps if people are able to sing,” Haggard said.
“I just want people to know that I’m gonna put on the best show I can. I want people to come out and see it and enjoy what we do. And I’m gonna love you for it,” Haggard said. “We’ll hit some of the highlights and favorites like ‘Mama Tried,’ ‘Workin’ Man Blues’ and ‘Okie from Muskogee.’ Those are some of my favorites; at least, I think they’re all right,” Haggard said. “All I know is that it’s gonna be fun and people should be there.”
Merle Haggard
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Macon City Auditorium, 415 First St.
Phone: 751-9232
Cost: $45.50 and $35.50
