RIP indeed Merle Haggard.
The last time I saw him play was a few years ago at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. His band was tight, his sense of humor was as irreverent as ever and his health was clearly not good. After every few songs, two young women in, how can I say this, "naughty nurse" costumes would wheel an oxygen tank to him, he'd wave to the audience to signal a short interruption and breathe with the mask on his craggy face. Finally the two young women -- who were just about the same age -- stood by the microphone, hugged Merle and sang some harmony. "Folks," he said, "I want to introduce you to my youngest wife and my oldest daughter." Absolutely classic.
Listening to:
"Until We Meet Again" -- Johnny Otis