Marty Haggard’s tribute to his father – Merle Haggard

Marty Haggard: Honoring Real Country Music

Marty Haggard performs real country music and honors his legendary father, Merle Haggard. Marty shares his dad’s songs and his own personal stories of the past.

Early Life and Family Legacy

Marty was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. Of course, everyone knows his dad, Merle Haggard. Marty considers his dad the greatest singer/songwriter ever, and many would agree. Growing up, Marty was able to travel with his dad and witness the writing and recording of all his great songs. He also had the opportunity to know many of the country greats, like Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell, and Johnny Cash, just to name a few.

Career Beginnings and Touring

It’s obvious Marty was influenced by the legendary artists and their music while traveling with his dad. In 1979, Marty began touring with his own band, signing with Dimension Records in 1981. From 1983 to 1985, Marty toured with his dad, playing guitar and singing harmony. Marty signed with MTM Records in 1986 and released Trains Make Me Lonesome, which garnered him a nomination as Best New Male Vocalist. Marty signed with Critique/BMG in 1995 but eventually decided to leave the Nashville lifestyle behind.

A Spiritual Path and New Inspirations

In 1999, Marty began writing and singing spiritual songs inspired by his life spent with his Grandma Haggard after his mom and dad divorced. There were many struggles growing up as the son of such a famous father. For the next ten years, Marty traveled the country with his wife and son, not as a preacher, but to sing and share his love and personal relationship with Jesus. He still found time to return to his country roots and play in country venues as well.

A Tribute to Merle Haggard: “My Dad”

Marty’s love for his dad and his music eventually inspired him to begin a new project titled A Tribute to Merle Haggard “My Dad”. In 2010, he recorded the first album of this project, a 15-song CD of Hag classics, which led to a tribute show in Branson, Missouri, where he performed for two years. In 2011, Marty released A Tribute to Merle Haggard “My Dad,” Volume Two. He then took the show on the road across the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and England. Today, Marty travels a little less but continues to perform throughout the USA. As Marty’s song “Apple” proclaims, “the apple never falls too far from its tree.”