On this day, April 6th, 2024, we at Grateful Web tip our hats to the legendary Merle Haggard, a titan of country music whose sound and soul have vibrated far beyond the boundaries of his genre. It's no secret that the Grateful Dead, icons of the psychedelic rock world, dipped their musical brushes into the rich palette that Haggard laid out before them, covering his classics like "Mama Tried" and "Sing Me Back Home" with a reverence that spoke volumes of his influence.

Country and soul might seem worlds apart, but they come powerfully together on the new collection from Eli Paperboy Reed - Down Every Road (out April 29 on Yep Roc Records) - the "inspired and raw" (NPR) musician's tribute to country legend Merle Haggard. Best known as a soul shouter and balladeer, Reed returns with a twelve-song album that reveals country roots dating all the way back to his childhood.

Mary Sarah’s 'Bridges' will be reissued by Time Life on November 20, a powerful reminder that great country music and great country artists always stand the test of time, bringing joy to the generations who grew up with them and to those who have just discovered them for the very first time.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Sing Me Back Home: The Music Of Merle Haggard, An All-Star Concert Celebration with performances by Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney,

Led by the Tim Bluhm’s caramel smooth baritone vocals, a unique bunch of renowned San Francisco Bay area-based players got together on May 11 to deliver a musical tribute to the recently fallen Merle Haggard. The show took place at the intimate Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, California.

As previously announced, G Fest organizers are continuing plans for the inaugural event in honor of the late Okie from Muskogee, Merle Haggard. The festival, which features some of the biggest names in Country, Rock and Americana, along with the best up-and-coming and local talent, will take place as scheduled June 16-18 in Muskogee, Okla. Additionally, GRAMMY-award winning singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves will perform at the festival to celebrate one of her heroes.

We've lost one of the greatest writers and singers of all time. His heart was as tender as his love ballads. I loved him like a brother. Rest easy, Merle. -- Dolly Parton