MerleHaggard

Merle Haggard is a man in a hurry. Even though he built a legendary career from almost unimaginably harsh beginnings -- living in a boxcar at age nine after his father died and an early life of crime that ultimately found him facing decades in prison -- he still has plenty he wants to do before his time is up...

The Boot contributor Deborah Evans Price is the author of 'The CMA Awards Vault,' which gives readers unprecedented access to the annual Country Music Association Awards, regarded as 'Country Music's Biggest Night.' The coffee table sized book traces the history of the awards show from its beginning in 1967, when it was broadcast on radio, through the glitz and glamor of last year's festivities a

Merle Haggard fans will have a special treat on September 16, thanks to a few of The Hag's famous friends. Mel Tillis and Ray Price have decided to pitch in and play a concert September 16 in Cape Girardeau, Mo., after Merle had to cancel due to an unexpected respiratory ailment...

Merle Haggard has canceled 10 shows due to illness, but it's likely a chest infection and not anything more serious, say his reps. When The Boot spoke to Merle just last week, he confirmed he had recently been sick but said it wasn't serious...

Merle Haggard gave us a bit of a scare last week when we learned he was ill, but the country music legend says he's in fine health. "I had a little walking pneumonia," Merle tells The Boot. "It was one of those things where you have something in your chest and sinuses and you can't get rid of it, but I finally did...

Merle Haggard has been the recipient of hundreds of awards throughout his career, but the news that he is one of the five entertainers selected for the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors has clearly touched him. "All of the awards mean a lot but this is special...

For his timeless music and poetic lyrics that have "helped to shape the world of country music for nearly five decades," Merle Haggard is among this year's group of honorees to be recognized by the prestigious Kennedy Center for outstanding contribution to American culture...

Gretchen Wilson has had some remarkable memories throughout her career, including her first No. 1 song, her CMA Award win for Top Female Vocalist and some cool collaborations with Hank Williams Jr., Kid Rock and Heart. What means just as much to the Redneck Woman are the special, unexpected moments she has experienced with some of her heroes...

Every Monday, The Boot updates fans on where to find your favorite country stars on TV throughout the week. Here's what's happening for the week of August 30. Tuesday, August 31: Merle Haggard performs on the 'Late Show With David Letterman,' which airs CBS at 11:35 PM ET...

George Richey, the widower of Country Music Hall of Fame member Tammy Wynette, has died. The songwriter, producer, music publisher and manager passed away on July 31, according to Nashville's Tennessean newspaper, after a lengthy battle with with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...