Country music talent runs deep in the Haggard bloodline. The sons of Merle Haggard, Ben & Noel, carry on their father’s legacy. Having toured and played with their father for years, Ben and Noel will be joined at the Spencer by members of Merle’s band The Strangers (guitars, bass, drums, and pedal steel guitar) for a great evening of memories and music.
With the natural phrasing and richly sonorous voices that one would expect, Ben and Noel add their own fresh takes on Merle’s legendary songs in a program filled with many of his 38 #1 hits, including classics like: “Silver Wings,” “Mama Tried,” “The Fighting Side of Me,” “Sing Me Back Home,” “The Running Kind,” “I’m A Lonesome Fugitive,” “Heaven Was a Drink Of Wine,” “What Am I Gonna Do With the Rest of My Life?” and “Workin’ Man Blues,” among many others.
Both recording artists in their own right, the brothers have honored their father’s legacy ever since Merle’s passing. Ben was The Strangers’ lead guitarist during the last eight years of Merle’s life and a regular on Haggard’s recordings. In one of his father’s more memorable moments, Ben took the stage with “Hag” and the Highwaymen Willie Nelson & Kris Kristofferson, as well as Blake Shelton for a performance at the 2014 Grammys.
Brother Noel has been immersed in the music industry for over 20 years. He scored his own record deal with Atlantic Records in 1997. His debut album, One Lifetime, produced two singles, both of which made the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The second of the two, “Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa,” was covered by George Strait whose version became a hit.
Together with their band at the Spencer, the brothers focus their talents on their father’s amazing legacy. He was an dynamic product of the Dust Bowl, a complicated man whose life story and songs will resonate with everyone who’s ever worked for a living. Ben and Noel do him right. Enjoy!
Ben Haggard on guitar and vocals – Noel Haggard on guitar and vocals accompanied by band members on bass, drums, and pedal steel guitar.
