George Jones and Merle Haggard represented the two sides of the classic country music coin. Jones, hailed as the greatest country singer of all time, is one of the best representatives of the Nashville Sound. His major hits like “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “The Grand Tour,” and “A Good Year for the Roses” stand as examples of the production style pioneered by the likes of Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley. Haggard, on the other hand, remains one of the most popular Bakersfield Sound artists, influenced by the likes of Buck Owens and Bob Wills. When they came together, though, it was solid country gold.
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In 1982, Jones and Haggard joined forces for an album of duets titled A Taste of Yesterday’s Wine. The LP went to No. 4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. Its first single, “Yesterday’s Wine,” became a chart-topping hit for the country legends. Watch them perform the song during the 1998 TV special, Salute to the Workin’ Man, below.
It’s easy to watch the above performance and see two titans of country music singing a hit song penned by Willie Nelson. However, a closer look will get you closer to the truth. We’re watching a pair of old friends playing music they love and having a ball.
Merle Haggard and George Jones Were Friends and Fans of One Another
Neither Merle Haggard nor George Jones was shy about saying how much they enjoyed the other artist’s work. After all, what country fan doesn’t love Jones and Haggard?
The video above contains multiple top-notch performances. Additionally, both artists take time to share their admiration and respect for one another.
“What a thrill this is to be onstage at the old Ryman with Merle Haggard, my favorite singer since Hank Williams Sr.,” Jones said. “I mean it with all my heart,” he added.
“George Jones has always been one of those individuals I enjoyed listening to and comparing notes with and records with. We cut an album together. He’s one of my dear friends, and we’re mutual fans of each other’s work. It’s such an honor to have him on the show,” Haggard said later in the video.
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