Country Legend Merle Haggard Dead at 79

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country giant Merle Haggard, who celebrated outlaws, underdogs and an abiding sense of national pride in such hits as "Okie From Muskogee" and "Sing Me Back Home," died Wednesday at 79, on his birthday.

Haggard's manager, Frank Mull, said the country icon died in Palo Cedro, California, of pneumonia.

A masterful guitarist, fiddler and songwriter as well as singer, the Country Music Hall of Famer recorded for more than 40 years, releasing dozens of albums and No. 1 hits.

Read More About the Legends Career on KXRB.com:

• Merle Haggard Dead at 79
• Merle Haggard #1 Hits
• Story Behind the Song: ‘Okie From Muskogee’ by Merle Haggard

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