Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

Story by Mike Morgan

“I live the kinda life most men only dream of. I make my livin’ writin’ songs and singin’ them. Those lines are from a Merle Haggard song called “Footlights”.

For fans of the late legendary country music great Merle Haggard, his youngest son, Ben is no stranger. He was a member of Merle’s band, The Strangers, for over eight years as his Dad’s lead guitar player.

Merle didn’t even know his young son, Ben, could play that good until one evening while walking down the hallway of his house with wife, Theresa, he heard this great sound coming from Ben’s room. Merle asked his wife, “How did he learn to play like that”? Theresa said, “Merle, he’s been watching you”. It wasn’t long before Merle needed a lead player, and he knew where to find one, right down at the end of the hallway.

Ben Haggard was a regular on Merle Haggard’s recordings, took the stage with him, and also played some with the Highwaymen, Blake Shelton for a memorable performance at the 2014 Grammys, and for the 2012.

“All for the Hall” show alongside two of his idols, Vince Gill and Keith Urban. Earlier this year, Ben was featured with the Strangers backing Toby Keith for a Merle tribute on the nationally televised American Country Countdown Awards. He also contributed on versions of “Mama Tried” and “Sing Me Back Home” to 2014’s Working Man’s Poet: Tribute to Merle Haggard album which also featured Toby Keith, Jason Aldean, Jake Owen, Luke Bryan, and Dierks Bentley. And he debuted on the Grand Ole Opry.

Since his father’s death on April 6, 2016, Ben Haggard hasn’t missed a beat. Passing on the legacy of his Dad’s music with brother, Noel and the Strangers, joined on several dates by longtime friend Kris Kristofferson, and opening for another frequent Hag partner, Willie Nelson.

Noel has done many shows with his Dad. He frequently opened Merle’s shows. He, along with younger brother Ben bears a uncanny resemblance to his legendary father.

Ben recalls a conversation he had with Merle, who sported what his son described as “a look of great depth in his eyes”. He was always right about something he said, because he had thought about it for so long. He overanalyzed everything to the finest degree in the most artistic way possible”. Ben recalls Merle telling him, “You’d be an idiot not to take my guitar and my bus, not to sing my songs for as long as you can. Go out there and play until there’s nobody to play to”.

Merle might just be looking down on Roundup, Montana on Saturday, July 2nd as Ben and brother, Noel will be on stage with the band doing a Merle Haggard Tribute Show. It will be a night to remember, especially if you’re a Hag fan. Also on the show is 2019 American Idol winner Laine Hardy. Caleb Johnson won American Idol in 2014, and he’ll rock the joint on Friday, July 1st to kick off RIDE. For more information on all RIDE events, go to roundupride.com or check out RIDE on Facebook. You can get early wristbands at First Security Bank in Roundup, Roundup #44 Liquor Store, KLMB Radio, IGA, or on roundupride.com. website. Also the Visit Roundup website has access to band sales. There’s only a short time left to get discounted bands. The price goes up on June 1st to $45 for adults.

Also, new to RIDE this year is the Midway West Carnival that will be in the park from July 1-4th. You’ll have to purchase separate tickets for the Carnival, but, soon you can get all day passes for $20. There’s the Roundup Sportsmen’s Association Top Shot Competition on Saturday, July 2nd, along with Kids Kountry at noon. Cowboy Church with Dave Bergeson will move to the Outdoor Stage for the first time on Sunday, July 3rd.

It won’t be long. See you in Roundup for RIDE, the Carnival, the Rodeo, Parades, and much more.