I talk about not liking country music, but I have certainly played my share, including trips to Bakersfield in 1962-3, backing people like the Burnette Brothers (Tommy and Dorsey), the Browns, and, of course, interacting with Buck Owens and others.

"If we make it thru December" is one of the strongest message songs I have ever played.

"Working Man Blues", with Buck Trent playing lead guitar was just pure fun.

I respect song writers. What I don't like about country music is simple structure (often, for me, boring to play).

What I like about the very good writers of country music is the story telling.

Merle is a monster in that department.

By the way....is Merle really "Haggard"?

Sorry (LOL)


Russ (Buck) Lay