KEEPING CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC ALIVE: Classic Influences

Folks, as big of a fan of Merle Haggard as I am and will always be, I’d like to go into other classic country artists that Haggard, Hank Williams Sr., and others such as Ray Price, Lefty Frizzell, and Webb Pierce influenced. One singer is George Strait. While Strait may be known as “the king” of country music, he is quick to acknowledge Merle Haggard’s contribution to the industry. Strait wrote that Haggard’s music is what pushed him toward a career as a country artist. He wrote on the day of Merle Haggard’s death, “that he honestly thought that had it not been for Haggard, he would not have chosen the path that he chose.” A quote from Strait on that day, “When I was in the army and stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, Merle came over there for a show. I remember I was playing a gig at the NCO club that night, and before my little gig, I got to go over there to where Merle was playing, and I kinda snuck in and saw him. It just blew me away. That’s what I want to be like, I want to be like “The Hag.” And we now know that George has gone on to become one of the biggest names in country music today. Along with Haggard and Hank, other classic country artists such as George Jones, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, and ladies like Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Lynn Anderson, and others have had a tremendous influence on keeping classic country alive. Artists such as Don Williams with hits like “Tulsa Time,” “Lord, I hope this day is good,” and “Amanda” have a tremendous influence. Don Williams, is nicknamed “The Gentle Giant.” Other artists rose up because of the influence of earlier country artists. Artists like Donna Fargo, who was a school teacher before becoming a Nashville star. Two of her biggest hits were “The Happiest Girl in the USA” and “Funny Face.” Others such as Earl Thomas Conley with “Silent Treatment” and “Fire and Smoke”; Charlie Pride with “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” and “Burgers and Fries”; John Denver with “Always on my Mind” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” as well as “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” Charlie Daniels had “Devil Went Down to Georgia”; Kenny Rogers had “The Gambler” and “Lucille”; John Conlee sang “Rose Colored Glasses”; and Dolly Parton had “I Will Always Love You” and “Jolene.” There are more classic country artists that have decided to pursue a career as a result of the artists of the 1950s and the 1960s. I will close for now and will continue the history of the classic country next time. Until then, keep on keeping classic and traditional country music alive!