Merle Haggard

A true story about the unreal life of an unsung country music hero. Ben Dorcy, aka Lovey, the first and oldest roadie, is recognized by the cultural icons who depend on him just as he’s losing his independence. Having outlived all his relatives, Ben learns he can rely on his music family. Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Knoxville, Kinky Friedman, Jamey Johnson, Ann-Margret, and more come together to honor this legend among legends who, unbeknownst to many, shaped Texas and American music history. “King of the Roadies” celebrates all who work to keep the wheels turning behind-the-scenes; and reminds us that with spirit, passion and perseverance, our best days may still be ahead of us if we continue doing what we love. “It’s one thing to have a bunch of good ideas, but to make them work and to put them into action, you need someone like Ben to do it, and he never failed.” – Willie Nelson

Captures the most iconic moments from a one-night-only concert event honoring Merle Haggard and his music on what would have been his 80th birthday. Packed with captivating live performances, never-before-seen interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage with some of music’s biggest superstars.

Jack White and T Bone Burnett invite today’s greatest artists to test their skills against the long-lost machine that recorded their musical idols and forebears. The producers have, over a decade rebuilt, a 1920s recording system, timed by a weight-driven system of clockwork gears. Stripped of the comforts and security of modern technology, Nas, Elton John, Alabama Shakes, Steve Martin Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, are among the artists who have three minutes and one chance to get their music etched into a revolving wax disc, before the weight hits the floor. The results are career defining performances and the very definition of "Lighting In A Bottle".

Johnny Cash: American Rebel is built around 12 essential Johnny Cash tracks spanning four decades that each deliver the passion, musicality and messages against war, injustice, racism and prejudice, including “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Jackson,” “San Quentin,” “Man in Black,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” “Ring of Fire” and “Hurt.” Each song illustrates a chapter in his life, as well the story of an ever-changing America from the 1950s to modern day, as told through interviews, archival concert footage, photographs and personal artifacts from the Cash family.

'Country: Portraits of an American Sound' is a documentary film that explores the history and culture of country music through the lens of photography, which has portrayed the ideals, lifestyle and personalities of country music artists for over 80 years. The film features imagery and commentary from Grand Ole Opry photographer Les Leverett, the late celebrity photographer Leigh Wiener, documentary photographer Henry Horenstein, iconic music photographers Henry Diltz and Raeanne Rubenstein, and contemporary photographers David McClister and Michael Wilson. Over a dozen country music artists also appear, including Rosanne Cash, Roy Clark, Merle Haggard, Lyle Lovett, Charley Pride, LeAnn Rimes, Kenny Rogers, Tanya Tucker, The Band Perry and Keith Urban. The film weaves iconic images, historical footage and over 25 country music hits into a dynamic look at this uniquely American sound.

Born in a tree house, killed in a friend’s living room, and 86’d from his own funeral Blaze Foley is now a bona fide Texas legend. His songs are covered by Merle Haggard, Lyle Lovett, John Prine, Willie Nelson and Joe Nichols. This new documentary movie brings his story to life on the screen for you.

Haggard actually lived the rambling, gambling, love ‘em and leave ‘em, often brutal life that remains the bedrock of country music lyrics – he hopped his first freight train at the age of 10, became a chronic truant and drinker and was locked up some 17 times as a youngster. Serious criminal charges followed, including car theft. He was, literally, in the inmate audience in 1959, when Johnny Cash gave his New Year’s Day concert in San Quentin – and, as he’s said repeatedly, “my life changed forever.”

The story of Bobby and Sonny Osborne, better known as The Osborne Brothers, one of the most successful bluegrass groups of all time. Born in Hyden, Kentucky, they achieved world wide recognition with their 1967 single, “Rocky Top.”

Merle Travis took the experiences of his early years growing up in Muhlenberg County, Ky., to the national stage and rode the rising tide of country music’s popularity in the years following World War II. His considerable talents as a singer, songwriter, bandleader, and guitar-picking pioneer still reverberate in the heartbeat of American music today, more than three decades after his passing.

This collection features Merle Haggard performances in his prime, featuring special guests: Bonnie Owens, Willie Nelson and Johnny Paycheck.

The film follows the lively exploits of activists for (and against) the movement for the legalization of the hemp plant in America. It features Woody Harrelson, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and a whole host of farmers, politicians, businessmen, and laypeople as they search for the truth about this mysterious and demonized plant.

Ernest Borgnine, star of the classic train movie Emperor of the North, hosts and narrates this remarkable examination of the uniquely American Hobo.

The Live From Austin, TX series takes the classic performances from the award-winning Austin City Limits TV show and makes them available to consumers with improved audio quality and bonus songs that were cut from the original broadcast. This fine performance delivered by the "Hag" was recorded on October 30th, 1985.

A profile of Country Music Hall of Famer Merle Haggard recalls his rocky personal life and his legendary status. Interviews include Jewel, Clint Black and family members.

Music City News was founded in 1963, by country music singer Faron Young. In 1967, the publication began to confer annual awards; in 1978, it began televising them, with the inclusion of artist performances. These awards were not decided by a secretive, politically motivated committee or by an "association," but by fan nominations. Each installment of the Country Legends Live series highlights performances from particular annual awards shows. Country Legends Live, Vol. 7 offers a "best of" the 1992 and 1993 Music City News Songwriter Awards Show. Featured artists in this installment include Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Ricky Van Shelton, Patty Loveless and Billy Dean. Bonus perfomances from Tammy Wynette, Johnny Cash, Randy Travis and Merle Haggard are included.

Recorded at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles in 2004, this concert features performances of many of Nelson's greatest tracks. Musical support is provided by Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Keith Richards, Kid Rock, Al Green, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lucinda Williams, and many others.

A documentary about the life of Johnny Cash and the making of Walk the Line (2005).

1. Great Balls of Fire 2. Chantilly Lace 3. Green Grass of Home (Tom Jones) 4. End of the Road (Tom Jones) 5. Who Will the Next Fool Be (Solomon Burke) 6. Today I Started Lovin' You (Solomon Burke) 7. Crazy Arms (Norah Jones) 8. Your Cheating Heart (Norah Jones) 9. Hadachol Boogie (Buddy Guy) 10.Don't Put Not Headstones on My Grave 11.Over the Rainbow (Chris Isaak) 12.Cry (Chris Isaak) 13.Rocking My Life Away (Ron Wood) 14.Lewis Boogie 15.Just A-Bummin' Around (Merle Haggard) 16.What'd I Say (Ivan Neville) 17.Once More with Feeling (Kris Kristofferson) 18.CC Ryder (John Fogerty) 19.Will the Circle Be Unbroken (John Fogerty and Kris Kristofferson) 20.Good Golly Miss Molly (John Fogerty) 21.Trouble in Mind (Ron Wood) 22.Jambalaya (Willie Nelson) 23.You Win Again (Don Henley) 24.Little Queenie with Kid Rock 25.Honky Tonk Woman (Kid Rock and Ron Wood) 26.That Lucky Old Sun (Ken Lovelace) 27.Roll Over Beethoven 28.Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin'

A faux documentary about the rise and fall of fictional country singer Guy Terrifico, featuring some legendary real-life performers.

Cash's concert at Folsom State Prison in California in January 1968 touched a raw nerve in the American psyche and made him a national hero at a troubled time in American history. Using the stark images of rock photographer Jim Marshall, graphic techniques, archive footage and interviews with Merle Haggard, Cash's daughter Rosanne, band members Marshall Grant and WS 'Fluke' Holland, alongside former inmates of the prison, the film documents this explosive concert, the live album that followed and a transformative moment in the lives of Cash, the inmates of Folsom Prison and the American nation in the troubled year of 1968.

No synopsis available yet.

When he stepped onto the Austin City Limits stage for the very first time on that brisk January day in 1978, Merle Haggard was at the top of his game. It had been over a decade since his first national hit, "Sing A Sad Song", and not that long after "Okie From Muskogee" had firmly planted his music in the public consciousness. He had already been declared "Entertainer of the Year" by both the Country Music Awards and Academy of Country Music - in the same year (1970). He had just released A Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World (Or MY Salute to Bob Willis), which sparked a revival of interest in western swing. And with his band, The Strangers, it's no stretch to say that he had the best live show in country music of his day. - Terry Lickona (Producer Austin City Limits®). Recorded January 18, 1978 KLRU-TV, Austin, TX.

Traditional Western swing and good ol' fashioned honky-tonk music just doesn't get any better than this. With a short run of 15 performances in 2007, the Last of the Breed tour united Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Ray Price to celebrate their elder-statesmen status as Country Music Hall of Famers with over 150 years of shared experience between them.

Merle Haggard performs at the Cheyenne Saloon & Opera House, located in the Church Street Station of Orlando, FL, in 1988.

The Legendary Performances collection features nearly two decades of rarely seen performances of Merle in his prime that have since been archived by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Experience the hits through a chronology of vintage live performances such as Branded man (Country Music Holiday, 1968), Mama Tried (Billy Walker's Country Carnival, 1968) and Okie From Muskogee (The Porter Wagoner Show, 1970). From the walls of San Quentin to his free-spirited life as an irreverent and unique voice outside the Nashville establishment to his induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Merle Haggard has never left a doubt that he is country's original outlaw.

During the final weeks of a presidential race, the President is accused of sexual misconduct. To distract the public until the election, the President's adviser hires a Hollywood producer to help him stage a fake war.

An idealistic, modern-day cowboy struggles to keep his Wild West show afloat in the face of hard luck and waning interest.

When the young Texas Ranger, John Reid, is the sole survivor of an ambush arranged by the militaristic outlaw leader, Butch Cavendich, he is rescued by an old childhood Comanche friend, Tonto. When he recovers from his wounds, he dedicates his life to fighting the evil that Cavendich represents. To this end, John Reid becomes the great masked western hero, The Lone Ranger. With the help of Tonto, the pair go to rescue President Grant when Cavendich takes him hostage.

Star studded show

Sit back and enjoy the music and merriment of A Statlers Christmas Present. This special DVD release is a delightful mixture of Christmas classics and original songs, with the Statler Brothers singing and telling heartwarming stories from earlier holidays. Winner of four Grammy Awards and one of the most successful vocal harmony groups in the history of country music, the Statlers are sure to add a melodic touch of nostalgia to your holidays.

Lynda Carter's second musical TV special.

Huckleberry Finn, a rambuctious boy adventurer chafing under the bonds of civilization, escapes his humdrum world and his selfish, plotting father by sailing a raft down the Mississippi River. Accompanying him is Jim, a slave running away from being sold. Together the two strike a bond of friendship that takes them through harrowing events and thrilling adventures.

A three-hour program chronicling the history of country music up to 1978, hosted by Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, and Roy Clark and featuring performances by many iconic and contemporary stars of the genre, including Roy Acuff, Kitty Wells, Bill Monroe, Ernest Tubb, Crystal Gayle, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and Johnny Cash.

He's been called "the greatest rock guitarist in the world" The Rolling Stones once asked him to join their group And hardly anyone has ever heard of him. His name is Roy Buchanan, and he is one of the most talented - and enigmatic - figures in American music today. NET presents him to a nationwide audience for the first time in a show entitled "Introducing Roy Buchanan!" on PBS' Special of the Week. Rock impresario Bill Graham, who once ran the fabled Fillmore's East and West, will host the program, which includes a live concert from New York by Buchanan and his rock group. In a filmed portion, Buchanan displays his virtuosity in other musical genres as he performs with country-and-western stars Merle Haggard and Roy Nichols, jazz artist Mundell Lowe, and the Johnny Otis blues band. In the 16 years since Buchanan left his home in Pixley, CA, at the age of 15 and drifted eastward, his musicianship has become almost legendary in the musical underground.

Country singers on their way to Nashville have car trouble, forcing them to stop at an old haunted mansion. Soon they realize that the house is not only haunted, but is also the headquarters of a ring of international spies after a top secret formula for rocket fuel.

America's DJ Dick Clark and Robert Walker Jr. star as two country boys who decide to rob a pile of cash from a bootlegger, assisted by the man's restless wife (Diane Varsi). But the heist doesn't go as planned and takes a tragic turn. The trio of would-be thieves then takes off for California, but with the police already on their tail, it's clear that a trail of blood and death is going to follow them all the way there.

From Nashville With Music is another slim plot that gives an excuse for Nashville country stars to perform. The stars are Leo G. Carroll, Marilyn Maxwell, Jose Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Marty Robbins (singing "El Paso"), Buddy Allen, Bill Anderson, Don Gibson, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Cousin Jody, Buck Owens, Bonnie Owens, Charley Pride, Susan Raye, Carl Smith, Wynn Stewart and Tammy Wynette. (from http://archive.tennessean.com/article/20070511/SPECIAL0907/705110501/1969-Movie-From-Nashville-Music)