Toby Keith gave a poignant tribute to the late country icon Merle Haggard during his performance at the Grand Ole Opry in May, blending together several of the legend’s hits for one memorable performance.
The son of the late Merle Haggard, Ben Haggard, turned to social media on May 17 to post a rendition of the classic country hit "Seven Spanish Angels." The track went all the way to No. 1 in 1984 when one of Merle's closest friends, Willie Nelson, released the single as a duet with Ray Charles.
Willie Nelson paid tribute to his late friend Merle Haggard onstage days after he passed away. At a recent tour stop, the Red Headed Stranger performed "It's All Going to Pot" while in Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Toby Keith will honor the late Merle Haggard at the 2016 American Country Countdown Awards with a special performance in celebration of the life and legacy of his musical hero.
Merle Haggard worked the stage right up until the end of his life, performing his final shows just two months before he passed away. In a new interview, Toby Keith recalls how he was able to step up for his friend and musical hero at one of his final public performances.