Merle Ronald Haggard is a country singer, instrumentalist, guitarist, and songwriter from the United States. Born on April 6, 1937, in Bakersfield, California, Haggard and Buck Owens have formed Haggardís band "The Strangers" which have helped define what is known as the "Bakersfield Sound."
Haggard started performing while he was in his teens, during which time he was being sent in and out of juvenile detention centers. However, after his fourth release, he was able to work full time as a musician with his fame beginning to increase. However, after facing money problems, he was once more arrested for robbery, and was sent to prison for three years.
Although Haggard had tough time with the law, he was able to use his experiences in his music in a way that made America relate to him more. As of 2010, Haggard released his latest album entitled, ìI Am What I Am,î which showcases another chapter of his life as well as his 73-year old voice that fully define himself.