The Okie from Muskogee

It's sad to read about the passing of singer and songwriter Merle Haggard. His Bakersfield style definitely opened a fresh approach in country music, encouraging other outlaw singers and moving away from the rigid Nashville style. He's of the same caliber as Johnny Cash; a setter of new directions away from the whiny C-W songs of the 1950's and 1960's or the production numbers.

But he generates controversy with what became his signature song, The Okie from Muskogee. Even after 44 years he still could get some peoples' knickers in a wad! I remember thinking back in 1969 or so, while enjoying a Dixie Beer, "Damn! He stuck it to those counterculture poseurs!"

Anyway, here's Merle Haggard's great song. He will be fondly remembered.