IBMA Award Winning Singer Comments on Merle Haggard’s Influence on Music
Dale Ann Bradley says Merle Haggard was one of those people that will never be forgotten. “The world won’t be the same without Merle Haggard. The bluegrass world loved Merle Haggard.” (Haggard released the album “The Bluegrass Sessions” on October 2, 2007).
Bradley goes on to say, “He influenced a generation of people, musicians and fans. I know when my uncle and others left the south in the late 60’s and early 70’s, and went north to find work, it was Merle Haggard who comforted them while they were away from their southern homes. Everybody had Merle Haggard 8-tracks in their cars and they had his vinyl, and his music brought them back home. When you started playing guitar, his songs were the ones you learned first. I think his music is timeless and will always be viable in society. He was just cool, and always will be.”
Bradley, a five time International Bluegrass Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year and GRAMMY nominee, released her album “Pocket Full of Keys” on Pinecastle Records last June. The CD was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Bluegrass Album. She is currently involved in a new group project, Sister Sadie, a quintet of women in bluegrass who are releasing an album in the spring.
