A few weeks later, his family and friends gathered in Nashville to tape a special tribute to him for the TV show Country’s Family Reunion, hosted by Bill Anderson. Three of Merle’s sons, Marty, Noel and Ben, came to share stories and sing their dad’s songs.
In this clip, Noel and Ben share the stage.
Noel starts with “The Runnin’ Kind,” a song Merle released in 1978. He sings the first verses alone. Then, right as he reaches the chorus, his younger brother Ben leans in and joins him in harmony. Their voices blend so well that they sound almost like one man singing.
Then the band slides into “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive,” one of Merle’s best-loved songs, and this time Ben takes the lead while Noel plays along with the band.
It is hard not to get a lump in your throat. The phrasing, the tone, even the way they hold the guitar all bring their father to mind. When they finish, the audience gives them a warm round of applause.
Noel jokes, “Next band, please,” and Bill Anderson laughs. Then Bill turns to Ben’s guitar playing and says, “That guitar, we’ve heard that a few times in our lives.”
The tribute aired on RFD-TV in late 2016 as a four-part series. Later in the clip, Ben stays at the mic to sing another of his father’s songs, “It’s All in the Movies.”
Merle may be gone, but as long as his boys keep singing, his music is still very much alive.
Which Merle Haggard song means the most to you? Share this with a friend who grew up on the Hag.
