Ray and Merle

[Nick Gerard]

Just saw Ray Price and Merle Haggard today at Stagecoach in Indio, CA. They were both superb!

Ray is 84 and his voice is still in great form. Not the same, certainly, as his biggest years, but still excellent. He sang all the hits - Crazy Arms, Night Life, Release Me, City Lights, You're the Best hing That Ever Happened to Me and more. It was truly a performance to enjoy - not one where you applaud politely out of respect.

Merle Haggard was unbelieveable! It was a surprise to me, because I'd seen him 11 years ago and it seemed then that he was just going through the motions. Not tonight. He sang his heart out and played that Telecaster like a wild man. Merle is 72 - had a little trouble getting some notes, but the melodies were pristene and his showmanship shone through. Opened with "Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink" and the crowd loved it. Silver Wings, Swingin Doors, Workin' Man Blues, Big City, Mama Tried...just wonderful to hear them in person by The Man.

Notable was the crowd reaction - they were just insane! Mostly under 40 and they worshipped Merle like a deity after every song. Surprisingly, lots of the young folk were singing along.

Merle really has become almost a mythic figure in country music and retains the authenticity which I believe continues to attract new fans.

This show was broadcast live on Sirius XM and Merle reminded us of that between practically every song. I swear he mentioned them at least 8 times. It’s like he was a jock whose PD had told him to be sure to say the call letters every time you open the mic. Seemed like he was shilling for Sirius XM, but who knows?

Great, great performances by 2 historic figures in country music. If they’re touring near you, see them while you can – even if you’re not usually a fan of classic country.

Nick Summers

 

[EZway2go]

I just read in Sunday's paper that Merle Haggard has a new CD out.

Just wondering if Merle sang "Okie From Muskogee" and, if so, what the reaction would be from a mostly under-40 crowd. Several years ago I saw Anne Murray and wondered whether she would do "A Little Good News," just as timely now as it was in 1983. She didn't. I later e-mailed her staff and asked about it; and they responded that the omission was random. She still performed it; they just don't like doing the exact same songs at every single show.

I remember seeing a documentary in the late '90s about the history of country music. Ray Price was interviewed - it's fascinating to hear these guys talk about the direction taken by country music. I think Ray said something like country becoming what rock was in the '70s (and that was 10 or 15 years ago). A similar lament by George Jones & Tammy Wynette expressed concern that many of these great artists are still recording, but they can't get their songs played on mainstream radio.