TITLE: Honoring country music legend Merle Haggard.

SUMMARY: Honoring country music legend Merle Haggard.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, For nearly half a century, the music of Merle Haggard has championed those familiar with the hardships of life, and the evocative songs of this country music legend have made a lasting mark on American music and earned him recognition as the poet of the common man; and WHEREAS, Merle Haggard was born in Oildale, California, in 1937, the son of Dust Bowl migrants from Oklahoma; the loss he felt at the death of his father set him on a troubled path during his youth, and he spent time in a number of juvenile detention centers before ultimately being sentenced to a term in San Quentin State Prison in 1957; there, he resolved to turn his life around and was inspired to join the prison band after seeing Johnny Cash perform for the inmates; and WHEREAS, Following his release in 1960, he began performing in California clubs with his band, the Strangers, helping to popularize the rousing, guitar-driven "Bakersfield sound"; in 1966, he had his first number one hit with "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive," and in the years that followed, he began using his songwriting skills to acknowledge his turbulent past and to reflect on the experiences of those close to him; and WHEREAS, Mr. Haggard went on to record nearly 40 chart-topping songs, including the self-penned classics "Hungry Eyes," about the despair of Great Depression labor camps, "Mama Tried," describing a son's guilt for being sent to prison, and "Okie from Muskogee," channeling his father's Oklahoma roots for what would become a patriotic anthem; and WHEREAS, Whether he's singing of the thrill of love, the bitterness of loss, or the day-to-day grind of the "Workin' Man Blues," Mr. Haggard has enjoyed critical acclaim in addition to great popular success; he has won three Grammys and numerous Academy of Country Music awards, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994; moreover, his lifetime achievements were lauded in 2010 with his selection as a Kennedy Center Honoree; and WHEREAS, Merle Haggard gives voice to the struggles, demons, and dreams of everyday people, and his extraordinary gifts as a writer and performer have earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of countless fans across the United States and beyond; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to country music legend Merle Haggard and extend to him sincere best wishes for good health, continued success, and happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Haggard as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Miller of Comal Otto Stephenson Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 634 was adopted by the House on March 13, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House