NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In observance of legendary outlaw country singer Merle Haggard’s birthday today, April 6, Jamey Johnson is honoring his memory with a cover of Haggard’s 2010 release, “Pretty When It’s New.” Produced by The Kent Hardly Playboys and recorded at The Moose Lodge, Johnson’s version is available everywhere now.
Haggard was born on this day in 1937 and died on this same date ten years ago at age 79. One of the most important figures in the history of country music, the California native was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
Bobby Bare introduced Johnson to Haggard during a party in 2008. Haggard invited Johnson to spend time with him on his bus and they became fast friends, with Haggard calling sometimes at 3 a.m. to talk about music, musicians, fishing, or whatever was on his mind.
Johnson performed with Haggard numerous times, including a memorable collaboration during the 2012 Ohio State Fair, where Johnson joined Haggard on “Long Black Veil” � a performance that some said signified the passing of the torch between two generations of outlaw-leaning country artists.
Haggard and Willie Nelson recorded “It’s All Going to Pot,” written by Johnson, Buddy Cannon and Larry Shell, for their 2015 album Django & Jimmie. Haggard and Johnson also recorded “I Fall to Pieces” for Johnson’s 2012 album Livin’ for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran.
After Haggard’s death, Johnson filled in for him on the nine dates that had been planned with Nelson. Johnson also wrote a tribute to Haggard for Rolling Stone in April 2016.
“Merle Haggard was a mentor to me. But more than that, he cared about me,” Johnson wrote. “Merle taught me how to make music, and that’s how I make my living and feed my family today. I couldn’t owe anybody a greater debt of gratitude than I owe Merle Haggard.”
