The year the music died rolls on as yet another icon of 20th century music takes a final bow from earthly life.
Merle Haggard, best known for his country anthems and classic duets with fellow icons such as Willie Nelson, died quietly from complications of the liver and pneumonia at his California home.
Merle was a rugged 79 year of age.
The grizzled country music legend whose classic songs such as “Okie from Muskogee” and “Fightin’ Side of Me” made him a voice for the workingman and the outsider, leaves a legacy of adoring fans and countless music awards.
Haggard was a Kennedy Center Honoree six years ago, where his contributions to music allowed him to be bestowed with a distinguished recognition as a living American treasure.
A rebel all his life, Merle Haggard appears to have died as he lived, always on the edge, and unafraid of new adventures.
His final one was undertaken this morning as he journeyed into eternity.
