Merle Haggard. Photo: Myriam Santos
Merle Haggard‘s final studio recording, “Kern River Blues,” premieres on SiriusXM on Thursday, May 12.
During his final weeks, after Haggard was advised not to return to touring, he visited the studio to record songs he had written while in the hospital. His final song, “Kern River Blues,” recalls his memories of leaving Bakersfield in the late ’70s.
The song features Haggard’s son Ben on guitar, and was recorded at the legendary singer’s studio on Feb. 9.
After the song’s premiere on Willie Nelson’s SiriusXM channel Willie’s Roadhouse, the song will be available via iTunes and at merlehaggard.com. Ten percent of all proceeds from the sale of the song will go toward charities for the homeless.
Haggard died on his birthday, April 6, at the age of 79 after a long battle with pneumonia.
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Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
