Merle Haggard Hospitalized: 'Man Upstairs is Still in Charge'
Country legend Merle Haggard has been hospitalized, according to his promoter. Haggard has suffered from lung cancer since 2008 and was hospitalized in August 2011, but so far the only word given about this hospitalization is that he has an “unknown illness.”
Haggard has a long and distinguished life that is reflected in his music and lyrics. As a young man he was in and out of jail before serving time at San Quentin prison. In a later interview, Haggard reflected on his time: “Going to prison has one of a few effects. It can make you worse or it can make you understand and appreciate freedom. I learned to appreciate freedom when I didn’t have any.”
He entered the music scene in 1962, playing bass for a local performer; five years later he would have his first number one hit with “The Fugitive.” Other well-known songs include “Working Man Blues” and “Okie From Muskogee.”
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Though Haggard has a tough-guy personality, he has softened over the years and always prided himself on being honest with fans and the media. Haggard has also covered many Christian songs and opened up about his relationship with God. “So there is NO misunderstanding, let me testify, the power of the healing our Heavenly Father has bestowed upon me. In ’08 I was diagnosed with lung cancer. Most everyone knows that’s a death sentence! Not in my case!”
He continues on his website, “It’s almost embarrassing to know that the Lord cares that much for me. But, I am gonna (sic) shout it to the entire world. He healed me either at my request or someone else’s. There were a lot of prayers involved. But never for a moment do I give credit or claim any myself. The Man upstairs is still in charge.”
Haggard will turn 75 in April and says he is “a walking miracle…I might add a Healthy miracle. I give all the thanks to my Heavenly Father.”
Listen to Haggard's "What Will It Be Like" here: Country legend Merle Haggard has been hospitalized, according to his promoter. Haggard has suffered from lung cancer since 2008 and was hospitalized in August 2011, but so far the only word given about this hospitalization is that he has an “unknown illness.”
Haggard has a long and distinguished life that is reflected in his music and lyrics As a young man he was in and out of jail before serving time at San Quentin prison. In a later interview, Haggard reflected on his time: “Going to prison has one of a few effects. It can make you worse or it can make you understand and appreciate freedom. I learned to appreciate freedom when I didn’t have any.”
He entered the music scene in 1962, playing bass for a local performer; five years later he would have his first number one hit with “The Fugitive.” Other well-known songs include “Working Man Blues” and “Okie From Muskogee.”
Though Haggard has a tough-guy personality, he has softened over the years and always prided himself on being honest with fans and the media. Haggard has also covered many Christian songs and opened up about his relationship with God. “So there is NO misunderstanding, let me testify, the power of the healing our Heavenly Father has bestowed upon me. In ’08 I was diagnosed with lung cancer. Most everyone knows that’s a death sentence! Not in my case!”
He continues on his website, “It’s almost embarrassing to know that the Lord cares that much for me. But, I am gonna (sic) shout it to the entire world. He healed me either at my request or someone else’s. There were a lot of prayers involved. But never for a moment do I give credit or claim any myself. The Man upstairs is still in charge.”
Haggard will turn 75 in April and says he is “a walking miracle…I might add a Healthy miracle. I give all the thanks to my Heavenly Father.”
Listen to Haggard's "What Will It Be Like" here:
