Merle Haggard and The 3 Protégés Who Stood By Him

Merle Haggard was a man who wore many hats. Most notably a singer/songwriter, but also a husband, father, reformed criminal, and mentor to some of country music’s greatest stars. Being the class act he is, Haggard acted as a fatherly figure to many musicians on the rise and still receives partial credit for their success.

Within these relationships, Haggard shared advice regarding music, business, and other general tidbits of wisdom about how a musician can survive and thrive in the unhinged lifestyle the industry entails. That so, the recipients of Haggard’s advice seemingly took it to heart. The three most notable Haggard protégés had prosperous careers thanks to his invaluable advice.

1. Jamey Johnson

Jamey Johnson of Music of Alabama attributes a lot of his success to the late Haggard. Stating, “Merle Haggard was a mentor to me. But more than that, he cared about me,” and “He wanted to make sure I learned something from him not just the music, not just the lifestyle, but something good,” per Rolling Stone. Johnson’s relationship with Haggard would span over eight years but seemed as if it lasted a lifetime.

Johnson also said, “I couldn’t owe anybody a greater debt of gratitude than I owe Merle Haggard.” Given these two quotes, it’s fair to say that the two’s bond was deeply rooted in elements other than music. The two were friends, and Johnson seemingly believes he couldn’t have become the musician he is if it wasn’t for Haggard.

2. Toby Keith

Keith’s relationship with Haggard isn’t nearly as public as Johnson’s. Nevertheless, the two had a creative and familial relationship that would lead to one of the most selfless acts of Keith’s career. It was one of Haggard’s last shows prior to his death, winded by old age he kindly asked Keith to step in and help finish the show. Without hesitation, Keith said “Yes.”

According to Taste of Country, “He looked really frail, and I walked him on the stage and said, ‘I’ll be over here. You call me up whenever you need me,” said Keith. Haggard did need him, and so Keith jumped at the opportunity to help his old friend and mentor. The moment truly solidified the bond between the two and showed just how important they were to one another both as musicians and friends.

3. Billy Ray Cyrus

This one might come as a bit of a surprise given the juxtaposition between Cyrus and Haggard’s music. Nonetheless, they shared a relationship that exceeded the music and resided in far more important elements of life. Following Haggard’s death in 2016, Cyrus took to Facebook to acknowledge his loss by writing, “Just learned of the passing of my dear friend, hero & mentor Merle Haggard and my heart fell to the ground.”

Cyrus’ relationship with Haggard led to a tribute song written by Haggard and performed by him and his son, Braison Cyrus. “Going Where The Lonely Go,” came out shortly after Haggard’s death and sheds light on the vast amount of good Haggard did for Cyrus’ career and life.

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