Artist Merle Haggard

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Merle Haggard

Unlike many country singers, Merle Haggard has truly led the tough life he recounts in his music, growing up dirt-poor and even serving a stint in prison before turning his life around. At the peak of his popularity, Haggard courted don’t-tread-on-me populism, and it’s no coincidence that it was Ronald Reagan who ultimately pardoned him for his legal sins. The ’90s weren’t particularly kind to Haggard, but he’s made a comeback of late, releasing collaborative albums with George Jones and Willie Nelson, along with a couple of live and best-of packages. Haggard was diagnosed with lung cancer late last year, but—proving again that the toughness isn’t just an act—he’s determined to continue touring and recording.

Updated 07/01/2009