MERLE HAGGARD

Country legend Merle Haggard, often called “the Poet of the Common Man,” whose music reflected his hardscrabble roots and hard-living ways as well as a tenderness that made him a revered songwriter, has died at his home near Redding, California. He was 79.

His website has the following

 post:

 Merle Haggard – April 6, 1937 to April 6, 2016

My Merle passed away this morning peacefully surrounded by his loved ones after a long hard battle with his health.

Today April 6, 2016, which was his 79th birthday. He left to go to a much better place.

He was the best singer, songwriter and performer I’ve ever seen.  Not only did he write the songs he sang, he was the music.

I will miss him forever.

Theresa Haggard

Hank Williams Jnr and Merle Haggard

Merle - 'Poet of The Common Man'