Merle Haggard’s Number One Hits: A Legendary Career in Country Music
Merle Haggard, the renowned American country music artist, enjoyed a long and illustrious career that spanned several decades. Known for his distinctive voice, heartfelt lyrics, and captivating performances, Haggard left an indelible mark on the country music landscape. Throughout his career, he achieved an impressive number of Number One hits on the charts, solidifying his status as one of the genre’s most successful artists. This article will explore the remarkable achievements of Merle Haggard and highlight his 38 chart-topping songs.
Release Dates of No. 1 Hits
Merle Haggard’s chart-topping success began with his first Number One hit, “The Fugitive,” in 1966. This was followed by a string of consecutive chart-toppers, including “Branded Man” and “Sing Me Back Home” in 1967. In 1968, Haggard released “The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde” and “Mama Tried,” both of which reached the top spot on the charts. The year 1969 saw the release of three more Number One hits: “Hungry Eyes,” “Workin’ Man Blues,” and the iconic “Okie from Muskogee.” Haggard continued his winning streak in 1970 with “The Fightin’ Side of Me,” while 1971 brought two more chart-toppers: “Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)” and “Carolyn.”
The early 1970s were particularly fruitful for Haggard, as he achieved a remarkable number of Number One hits during this period. In 1972, he released four chart-toppers: “Grandma Harp,” “It’s Not Love (But it’s Not Bad),” “I Wonder if They Ever Think of Me,” and “Everybody’s had the Blues.” The following year, 1973, brought two more chart-toppers: “If We Make it Through December” and “Things Aren’t Funny Anymore.” Haggard continued his winning streak in 1974 with three Number One hits: “Old Man from the Mountain,” “Kentucky Gambler,” and “Always Wanting You.”
The year 1975 saw the release of three more chart-topping songs: “Movin’ On,” “It’s All in the Movies,” and “The Roots of My Raising.” In 1976, Haggard achieved two more Number One hits with “Cherokee Maiden” and the duet “Bar Room Buddies,” performed with Clint Eastwood. The early 1980s brought further success, with “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” (1980), “My Favorite Memory” (1981), “Big City” (1982), and “Yesterday’s Wine,” a duet with George Jones (1982), all reaching the top of the charts.
Haggard’s chart-topping success continued with “Going Where the Lonely Go” (1982), “You Take Me For Granted” (1983), “Poncho and Leftie,” a duet with Willie Nelson (1983), and “That’s the Way Love Goes” (1983). In 1984, he released three more Number One hits: “Someday When Things Are Good,” “Let’s Chase Each Other Around the Room,” and “A Place to Fall Apart,” a duet with Janie Fricke. The final Number One hit of Haggard’s career came in 1985 with “Natural High,” and he achieved one last chart-topper with “Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star” in 1988.
Citing the Sources
The facts presented in this article are based on information obtained from the following sources:
- “See Merle Haggard’s 38 No. 1 hits” from The Tennessean (https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/04/06/see-merle-haggards-38-no-1-hits/82717932/)
- “40 #1 Hits — Merle Haggard” from Last.fm (https://www.last.fm/music/Merle+Haggard/40+%231+Hits)
- “How Many Of Merle Haggard’s 38 Number One Hits Can You Name?” from KXRB (https://kxrb.com/merle-haggard-1-hits/)
These sources provide valuable insights into Merle Haggard’s career and offer a comprehensive list of his Number One hits.
FAQs
How many Number One songs did Merle Haggard have?
Merle Haggard had a total of 38 Number One hits throughout his career.
What was Merle Haggard’s first Number One hit?
Merle Haggard’s first Number One hit was “The Fugitive,” released in 1966.
What were some of Merle Haggard’s most popular Number One hits?
Some of Merle Haggard’s most popular Number One hits include “Okie from Muskogee,” “Mama Tried,” “Workin’ Man Blues,” “If We Make it Through December,” and “Big City,” among others.
Did Merle Haggard achieve consecutive Number One hits?
Yes, Merle Haggard achieved several consecutive Number One hits during his career. For example, in 1967, he had back-to-back chart-toppers with “Branded Man” and “Sing Me Back Home.”
Did Merle Haggard collaborate with other artists on his Number One hits?
Yes, Merle Haggard collaborated with other artists on some of his Number One hits. One notable collaboration was with Clint Eastwood on the song “Bar Room Buddies” in 1980.
Did Merle Haggard’s Number One hits span multiple decades?
Yes, Merle Haggard’s Number One hits spanned multiple decades. His first Number One hit was in 1966, and his last chart-topper came in 1988.
Did Merle Haggard’s Number One hits reflect different themes and styles?
Yes, Merle Haggard’s Number One hits showcased a diverse range of themes and styles. His songs touched on topics like love, heartbreak, patriotism, and social commentary. Haggard’s versatility as an artist allowed him to connect with audiences across various musical genres within country music.
What is the significance of Merle Haggard’s Number One hits in country music history?
Merle Haggard’s Number One hits hold significant importance in country music history. They not only solidified his status as a legendary artist but also contributed to shaping the sound and direction of the genre. Haggard’s authentic storytelling, emotional depth, and unique vocal style made him a revered figure in country music, and his chart-topping hits continue to resonate with fans and inspire future generations of artists.