Like Father, Like Son: Ben Haggard Proudly Carries His Father’s Torch

When the amazing Merle Haggard passed away on April 6, the World of Music lost an icon, a legend, and an idol to many. But for Ben Haggard, he not only lost his role model, he also lost his father. From his many Instagram posts, you could feel the love and admiration Ben had for his dad, often posting photos of them together (and sometimes just of Merle), of his tele signed by his father (and Kris Kristofferson) and of his travels as he played lead guitar with Merle’s band, The Strangers.

And when Merle passed, Ben posted this moving photo of his hand holding his father’s, an image worth more than any words ever could say:

 

A week ago dad told us he was gonna pass on his birthday, and he wasn’t wrong. A hour ago he took his last breath surrounded by family and friends. He loved everything about life and he loved that everyone of you gave him a chance with his music. He wasn’t just a country singer.. He was the best country singer that ever lived.

A photo posted by Ben Haggard (@benhaggard) on Apr 6, 2016 at 11:03am PDT

According to a YouTube video posted on Ben’s channel on May 29, before Merle passed away he told his son that “he’d be a fool to not take The Strangers, the bus and his guitar to finish Merle’s booked tour dates. Ben and Noel Haggard [Ben’s brother] did just that, taking the stage to SING for the first time together in public and The Strangers first performance since Merle’s passing.”

A longer post was also published on Ben’s Facebook page, explaining more about the video (and those to come) and how his father’s good friends Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson were involved in the tour.

The 38+ minute performance speaks for itself. Ben’s guitar playing is that of genius, and his voice is so much older than his years.

He will definitely carry on his father’s legacy, there is no doubt.