Merle Haggard: Live From Austin, TX '78 (2008)
When he stepped onto the Austin City Limits stage for the very first time on that brisk January day in 1978, Merle Haggard was at the top of his game. It had been over a decade since his first national hit, "Sing A Sad Song", and not that long after "Okie From Muskogee" had firmly planted his music in the public consciousness. He had already been declared "Entertainer of the Year" by both the Country Music Awards and Academy of Country Music - in the same year (1970). He had just released A Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World (Or MY Salute to Bob Willis), which sparked a revival of interest in western swing. And with his band, The Strangers, it's no stretch to say that he had the best live show in country music of his day. - Terry Lickona (Producer Austin City Limits®). Recorded January 18, 1978 KLRU-TV, Austin, TX.
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Merle Haggard as artist |
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Bonnie Owens as tambourine, backing vocals |
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Ronnie Reno as guitar |
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Biff Adams as drums |
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Roy Nichols as guitar |
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Mark Yeary as piano |
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Norman Hamlet as steel guitar |
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Don Markham as saxophone, trumpet |
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Paul Anastasio as fiddle |
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Gordon Terry as fiddle |
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Wayne Durham as bass |
