Please, please, please keep on this path. You were born to sing and play music. There is NO one, in country music right now that comes close to you. We will be beyond blessed to see you continue to make your dad proud with such a sound that screams country in every way! Ready to start buying your albums.
George Jones used to sing “Who is gonna fill their shoes” I’m hear to tell you Ben Hagard is gonna fill some shoes ! Ben you are so talented! Just keep on singing and someday you will be as famous as your dad ! I love your music.
Yes but there's another big part to it all a very important one which his Father had in buckets and that is the songs. It's all very well singing amazingly if you can't write them too then he will never be his Father I'm not saying he can't write just saying it's very important.
Ben sang this beautiful song with a broken heart, he had just lost his dad. Beautifully sung Ben, straight from your heart G-d bless you with success and happiness!
When my dad died I was lost. He taught me what real music was and Merle was one of his favorites. He picked like Chet Atkins and cherished his Gibson es335 dot which he left me when he passed. When Merle died another piece of me did to. The world lost the greatest country artist ever. God bless Ben...
Excellent! You are Merle Haggard reborn. My condolences and best wishes at the same time. You've got what it takes, and then some. God bless you and your family.
This young man has the best voice in country music today. And play's that guitar the best. Merle has to be so proud . He looking down watching form above. Keep it traditional. "BEN".
Back again Ben...So Talented, My parent or parents will hear this song at their Funeral. They have been married for over 50 years/ Mom is 90 as of yesterday, Dads 86. God Bless you and your Family
Wo son you are a great singer. I'm sure your dad was proud of you. I lost my dad many years ago. So I kind of know how you feel. I wish I could tell you the hurt will go away in time. But it won't. Over time you just learn to live with it. I think of my dad every dad. I grew up listening to your dad. Merle was my hero. At a time it wasn't cool to like country music. But I did not care. I blared Merle music from my car loud and clear. I got teased but I did not care. They will never be another Merle Haggard. Ben I can see you are hurting. But your dad would want you and your brother's to go on. So just give it time. I wish you and your family well. God Bless You All.
You are absolutely right about the hurt, it never goes away but we learn to live with it. Sometimes the hurt seems so raw at times and feels like it was today our loved ones passed, but we say to ourselves move on for today and still love them because they still love us.
Hi Tammy Harper, I am sorry that you hurt also. My heart goes out to you. Can I ask you where you are located?? Please contact me and let's talk, Thanks.
I have never heard anyone sound and look like their father than you. But you have shifted talent of your own and I know your dad is looking down on you smiling and his chest filled with pride. I'm glad I found u. Keep up the great work, I'm in Denver and hope to catch a show of yours some time, it would truly be an honor! Thanks for the great music!!!!!!♥️♥️♥️
I absolutely love your father. He is one of the greatest artists of all time. I've been wondering about you and hoping that all is well. I hope you continue carrying your father's torch but with a new flame. There's just something that about Merle's music that touches my soul. It sounds like you have it as well.
J. Cheek That truth. I was at last concert at Minnesota state fair and was picture it back then 2015 all greatest hits songs. Now hear it his sons follow his footsteps. Beautiful song.
Dear god thank you for this man, his voice , and where he came from! Please put out an album. We need you now more then ever! Country Music needs you! 💜
One of the most synonymous songs, ever, by Merle Haggard. It's hard to believe he didn't write it. Thanks, Mr. Blaze Foley. Thank you, Ben Haggard, for filling your Dad's shoes. Yours is a talent that only one can possess, and you do it well. Merle was, and still is, one of my favorite singers. I sing this song, often. God Bless, and keep singing!!
This was one of your Dad's favourite songs, always sung with feeling. You have done the song justice Ben and clearly sung from your heart. Keep the legacy going, well done.
Ben your a awesome singer/player very good voice and I come from five generations of songwriters and musicians.. and I love this song.. its sad but its so country.. love it.. thanks so much for all you do for us fans.. you rock buddy
What a pure and true voice. Pitch perfect intonation, great phrasing. I admire his father, but Ben is a gifted performer in his own right. I'd love to be able to sing like that once in my life.
Been a Merle Haggard fan for almost 45 years and Ben your vocals and simple unplugged sound is just amazing. You introduce new life into true country music as well as retaining all of what true country music is all about, and I know Merle knows he left things in good hands!
Ben, Thank you for sharing the gift you have been given from the Supreme Architect of the Universe. May you continue to be blessed and blessing others like myself. Thank You!
The HAG is alive and doing well... Not only did he leave us a lifetime of songs.... He gave us Ben Haggard.... He looks sounds and plays just like Merle... Some were so much larger than life, can't believe they could just pass away. When comes to country music he's the world, and it wouldn't be all it is without Merle. He won't ever be gone....
I lost my dad 10/19/2016 he was 80 and Merle was our favorite singer, I love listening to you sing your dad songs. I miss my dad so much but music always brings him back to me.
The combination of Blaze Foley's (Michael David Fuller) lyrics to the sound of a Haggard voice, whether father of son, makes my heart tremble and brings a tear to my eye. The quintessential tear jerker and I love every note.
Ben, I had the privilege to meet your daddy one early morning in Baldwin, Fla at a truck stop i was working at, that bus pulled up & when he stepped off & i seen him face to face,... WOW....he ask me, can ya get her serviced young man...i said yes sir, i can keep ya rolling....he gave me a 8x10 autograph picture of him self, a picture i will have & hope to pass it down to my son.. He was as humble as any ole county boy id ever knew!!!! He went in side & i watched him as much as i could,...he ate a early supper(it was 2 am) i serviced his bus, he shook my hand & spoke to me a few minutes & told me he had a show on dn.south... The truck stop is in Duval Co.(Jacksonville, Fla) Man what a night... You keep doing what your doing, i know he's looking dn.& just a smiling...& you sound soooooo much like him!!!! I know he lives through you & your music. I can close my eyes & hear him, in you...GOD BLESS you & yours. Your music is beautiful ole boy....i hope i get to see you in concert, maybe shake your hand!!! Keep it up, don't put that Fender down....go on & do what you were put here to do,.... Thanks for the music, your awesome man. Im in Macclenny, Fla. just 9 miles from where the truck stop is. Boy i cryed, when i heard the news...but not a day passes that this ole country boy, don't let a cd spin in my truck, with the "Mighty Merel" singing me back home!!!! He was the very best!!!!!!! My daddy passed away 12/24/14 at 8:32 pm, he was my M.Haggerd,... I loved him so,so much & he is the one that got me to hear Mr.Hag,....my very 1st country song, "Sing Me Back Home" i know it, word for word....but cant anyone, do it like "The Hag"... You come as close as any i have heard...Thanks again Ben 🎶🎶🎤🎸🎶🎻🎶🎤
donald thigpen Not only can no one do it “like” Merle....the ONLY one who should is Ben. I have yet to hear ANYONE cover a Hag song and do it justice. I simply can’t stop listening to this. It is my daily night cap now. And when Ben is about 3/4 of the way through and his voice has that inflection that sounds EXACTLY like his dads, you simply cannot even tolerate ANYONE one else singing his songs. I won’t listen. They belong to the Haggard boys and Ben especially has been gifted with the “tone”.....that Merle tone....that is soft and not forced....rare and so beautiful. I am so damn proud of this boy I seriously can’t get over it. I grew up in Kern County. I grew up on Merle and outlaw country. It is in my blood. I abandoned country music years ago when it started going in the pop direction. I lived on Vinyl, Jesse Colter, Johnny Cash, and the Okie from Muskogee was my families ANTHEM. Merle made it ok to be an OKIE. Every time we drove by Kern River I was singing his song in my head. If a song didn’t have a steel guitar in it....I didn’t listen. In my opinion, there was no greater song writer than Merle. And we lost the best one when he passed. But now BEN is here to bring country back to its roots and I am so grateful that Merle passed this gift on to his youngest son. Now we are going to watch him shine! And support him in every way! BECAUSE HE IS THE NEW OUTLAW COUNTRY. And he is here to stay.
Merle Haggard WAS one of the best in the world. Ben you have put a smile on my face! Love your voice..all have that Haggard sound and my heart AND soul will never forget Merle!!!
Usta play alot of Hag at shows, about 10 years ago. Little Tennessee dive bars still loved the old sound. I'm done kicking out footlights, but hearing you always brings a smile, and a beer to my lips. Neither Blaze or your pappy ever did this one better
Ben I would love to hear you come out with an album of your original music done in traditional style. You have a great talent playing guitar and an awesome traditional country voice. I hear inflections in it that resemble your dads voice but I also hear that it is your own. Thank you though for keeping this great music alive.
Does anyone else listening to this catch yourself swaying back and forth, smiling....lost in the beauty of this? I will listen a million times. In absolute awe of the amazing gift. 😇
Thank you Ben for recording this. I have had your dads music in my life for 40 years. Please continue his legacy and sing your heart out and fill this world with another 40. Truly amazing.
The first time I heard Merle Haggard was in 1968. I was 8 yrs. old at the time. I was with my uncle in a brand new "68" Mustang Fastback. He had the radio on "The Big K", AM channel WKCW in Warrenton, VA. "Tomcat Reader" was the DJ. Merle was singing "Days of wine and roses". I'll never forget how I wondered even at that age how somebody could get such a story and emotion in 2 or 3 minutes. I've been hooked on country music ever since. There are songwriters who tell a good story, there are writers who write catchy tunes. There are people with incredible voices. There are players. There are entertainers. There are some really talented people out there but nobody, repeat nobody put it all together like Merle Haggard. Dwight Yoakum a close second in my opinion. There's something about this guy that's like listening to Roger Miller, Lefty Frizzell, Keith Whitley and Merle all rolled into one. I hope, for our sake, that he inherited his fathers writing ability and sense of being able to channel our deepest thoughts and emotions and put it into words. If not, I hope he gets pitched some good songs. He is not his father and he doesn't have to be. Just be himself. What a voice and what a good decent young man. Good luck to you sir
I can hear your dad in your voice. My childhood introduction to country music was an 8 track of your dad from my dad for Christmas. I'll never forget. Always admired his talent. Saw him perform many times. Please carry on his tradition. You are also gifted!
Ben, that is so beautiful. I don't know how you got through it. I am very, very much looking forward to you writing and singing Ben Haggard songs. I love your Dad's music more than any other's....and can't wait to hear yours....Your's. I already know it will be awesome.
Merle's son's were the last great thing he did for us fans. These men are so talented and sound just like their Dad. RIP my friend and thank you for all you ever did in your lifetime.👍😁
OMG.. this made me cry.. beautiful .. thank you for sharing your voice with us .. i used to sing with my dad and when he left this world for a better place i felt lost for a very long time i couldn't sing for 11 years not with out him by my side .. then i realised the piece that was missing in my life was the music.
Thank you Ben for this song, I love it, it brings back memories of your Dad, I will miss Him Forever, His Songs Made My Life Better And Worth Living Another Day, Keep Writing Songs , And I wish You The Best Always, Cousin Figel
I met this extremely talented young man with his equally talented brother Noel and I must say I was extremely impressed with more than just their talent! Merle lives on in them both, all his best and all theirs makes for great entertainment. No wonder Merle asked them to carry on with the tour he started. My deep regret was that I didn’t get to see Merle.
This song really touched me, my Aunt passed away two weeks ago. She was my best friend. I miss her so much, and I wish I could fly up to Heaven to be with her. Beautiful song, Ben.!!!!!
Man, this is so good. Today is 5 years that Merle passed and it is hard. This was so beautiful and can't stop listening. And the song is such a good song too ❤
Beautifully done. Your Dad will be spending his first Father's Day in paradise with our Heavenly Father. He was the greatest country music singer that ever lived. The first time I saw him in concert Waylon Jennings opened for him. Please continue to keep his music and legacy alive. I wonder if he knew how much he was loved by his fans. You are paying him a wonderful tribute with this song. If I Could Only Fly...You are very talented and looking forward to you recording an album(s) both of your Dad's songs and new original songs. God bless.
Ben, I could tell you miss your dad. Such talent, I'm teary eyed, so proud of you and I'm not even your mother! You play so well, and that is natural, not taught. The night your dad passed away, I went on FB and made a toast to Merle (with coffee). When Silver Wings was released, radio stations played it non stop in Clarksville, TN army base, where we were at the time. His greatest accomplishment, in my opinion, is not his music, but his kids. What a legacy to leave this world. Love to watch you and Noel, Marty. Wish all of you would get together and do a family show. Would be great near Christmas. God bless you all. We love you.
Played this video at my dad's funeral. He loved your performance of one of his most favorite Merle Haggard songs even though he knew your dad didn't write it. Thank you so much.
I was born in 1967 grew up listening to my parents Merle Haggard albums on their record player while serving in the Marines in New England I was able to see him in Concord, New Hampshire in 1997 I believe it was. It was had to believe I was really at his concert after hoping to do so most of my life. Merle Haggard accomplished a lot and his boys are equally talented and all favor him in one way or another. God Bless his soul and grant him peace.
This is so really beautiful! I'm sure your dad is proud of you somewhere over the rainbow... He will live forever through his music. It's great you can carry it on.
It was certainly written by Blaze Foldy, but I'm not aware of any recording of him doing it. It was he title song of Merle's 2000 album "If I could only fly".
You have no idea what your Dad meant to a lot of us. Listening to this takes me back there. Different guy different voice, but man you're spot on. I'm a 60 year old tuff guy crying like a little girl. Thank you!!!!, I needed that
I remember the first time I heard this song...It was at a HAG show right before this album was released. Great stuff. Album released in 2000 titled, "If I Could Only Fly".
Thanks from France. Wow ! Just wow ! What a beautiful song, the tone of the guitar and your voice Ben are just amazing ! Haggard for ever ! I love country music, keep going ! Merci encore. Du grand art !
Can not wait to see Ben sing in April at the Sing Me Back Home tribute concert for Merle. He's the only reason why I'm driving 8 hours for a show! Thanks Ben!
Ben Haggard To me, your humble demeanor and selfless service of giving us the music and sound that we long for is the true compliment.....and a undying compliment to your Dad. Thanks again man!
I'm gonna try my best to go see him at the civic center in marion IL March 4th. It will be an 11 hour drive for me. The reason I want to go see him so bad is because I've always loved his father's music but was never able to see merle in concert because I grew up too late in merles life sadly. Ben represents what country music is truly about just like his daddy. Not to mention Ben sounds so much like him too!
@@fiddlinjazz heck yeah!! We drove 9 hrs to Nashville for the 1 yr anniversary of Merle's Birthday/and passing date. A ton of big artists were there. But Ben was my sole purpose of traveling that distance. He's fantastic
Just saw Merle Haggard Tribute show at Dauphin Manitoba Countryfest, and Ben channeled his father in some of Merle's classic songs. The original Strangers (Norm Hamlet, Scott Joss et al) were there and they were all clearly having a great time. Wonderful show, so much better than the rest of the so-called country music program that weekend.
Holy crap! Don't ever quit singing Ben!..Even if they don't play this kind of pure gold on the radio anymore people still love to hear it! That was unreal!
There will never be another Merle Haggard. Your Dad was the best singer/songwriter who ever lived. Ben I wish you all the best and I hope Nashville recognizes your amazing talent!!
