Merle Haggard is a legendary country music artist known for his hits such as “Okie from Muskogee” and “Mama Tried.” However, when it comes to his personal life, many people are curious about his children and who they are.
With five children from three marriages, Merle Haggard’s family tree is complex and interesting. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the lives of his children and explore their accomplishments and relationships with their famous father. So, let’s dive in and learn more about the offspring of this iconic musician.
Who are Merle Haggard’s Kids?
Merle Haggard, the iconic country singer, was known for his raw, authentic lyrics that spoke to the struggles of everyday Americans. But beyond his music, Haggard was also a family man, with multiple marriages and children throughout his life. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the kids of Merle Haggard and their unique stories.
Marty Haggard
Marty Haggard is the oldest son of Merle Haggard and his first wife, Leona Williams. Born in 1959, Marty followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in country music. He released his first album in 1981 and has since recorded several albums and singles.
Aside from his music career, Marty has also written a book about his father called “The Man in the Mirror: A Journey into the Mind of a Legend.” He has toured the country performing his father’s songs and sharing stories about his life and legacy.
Noel Haggard
Noel Haggard is the second son of Merle and Leona, born in 1963. Like his older brother, Noel also pursued a career in music, but he took a different path and focused on the electric guitar. He toured with his father for many years and played on several of his albums.
In addition to his music career, Noel has also been involved in various business ventures, including owning and operating a recording studio in Bakersfield, California.
Ben Haggard
Ben Haggard is the youngest son of Merle Haggard and his fifth wife, Theresa Ann Lane. Born in 1992, Ben grew up surrounded by music and began playing guitar at a young age. He often performed with his father on stage and even played on his final album, “Django and Jimmie.”
After his father’s death in 2016, Ben continued to tour and perform his father’s music, honoring his legacy and keeping his music alive.
Kelli Haggard
Kelli Haggard is the daughter of Merle Haggard and his second wife, Bonnie Owens. Born in 1965, Kelli grew up around music and even sang backup vocals on some of her father’s albums. However, instead of pursuing a career in music, she became a successful businesswoman.
Kelli is the founder and CEO of the Haggard Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports various charities and causes. She also owns and operates a successful real estate business in California.
Jenessa Haggard
Jenessa Haggard is the daughter of Merle Haggard and his last wife, Theresa Ann Lane. Born in 1984, Jenessa grew up in a musical family and often performed with her father on stage. She also sang backup vocals on some of his albums.
In addition to her music career, Jenessa is also a licensed aesthetician and owns a skincare business in California.
Dana Haggard
Dana Haggard is the daughter of Merle Haggard and his third wife, Leona Hobbs. Born in 1963, Dana grew up around music but chose not to pursue a career in the industry. Instead, she became a successful businesswoman and owned a restaurant in Bakersfield, California.
Sadly, Dana passed away in 2008 at the age of 45.
Scott Haggard
Scott Haggard is the son of Merle Haggard and his fourth wife, Debbie Parret. Born in 1982, Scott is the youngest of Merle’s children. Although he grew up around music, he did not pursue a career in the industry and instead became a firefighter.
Today, Scott is a battalion chief in Kern County, California, and continues to honor his father’s legacy through his music and charitable work.
Merle Haggard’s Legacy
Merle Haggard’s legacy lives on through his music and the many lives he touched throughout his career. His children continue to honor his memory and keep his music alive through their own careers and charitable work.
Merle’s impact on country music and American culture cannot be overstated, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Benefits of Merle Haggard’s Music
Merle Haggard’s music speaks to the heart and soul of the American experience, telling stories of love, loss, struggle, and triumph. His lyrics are raw, authentic, and relatable, touching on themes that resonate with people from all walks of life.
Listening to Merle Haggard’s music can provide comfort, inspiration, and a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves. It reminds us of the power of music to heal, uplift, and unite us, even in the face of adversity.
Merle Haggard vs. Other Country Artists
Merle Haggard is often compared to other legendary country artists, such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and George Jones. While each of these artists had their own unique style and contributions to the genre, Merle’s music stood out for its raw honesty and authenticity.
Merle’s ability to capture the struggles and triumphs of everyday Americans in his music set him apart from his peers and cemented his place in the pantheon of country music greats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Merle Haggard’s legacy lives on through his music and the many lives he touched throughout his life. His children continue to honor his memory and keep his music alive, while fans around the world continue to be inspired by his raw, authentic lyrics and powerful storytelling.
Merle Haggard’s music reminds us of the power of music to heal, uplift, and connect us, and his contributions to the country music genre will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the names of Merle Haggard’s children?
Merle Haggard had six children in total. His children’s names are Marty, Noel, Jenessa, Kelli, Ben, and Dana. All of his children are from different marriages and relationships.
Merle Haggard had two children with his first wife, Leona Hobbs. He had four children with his second wife, Bonnie Owens. His children have followed in his footsteps and pursued careers in music and entertainment.
Is Ben Haggard a musician like his father?
Yes, Ben Haggard is a musician like his father. He is a country music artist who plays guitar, sings, and writes his music. Ben has been performing since he was a teenager and has even performed alongside his father on stage.
Ben has released his own music and has toured across the country. He has also played with other famous country artists such as Willie Nelson and Toby Keith.
Does Merle Haggard’s daughter, Kelli, have a music career?
Yes, Kelli Haggard has pursued a music career like her father. She is a singer and songwriter who has released her own music and has performed at various music festivals and venues.
Kelli has also worked in the film and television industry as an actress and producer. She has even produced a documentary about her father called “Merle Haggard: Learning to Live with Myself”.
How many of Merle Haggard’s children are musicians?
Several of Merle Haggard’s children have pursued music careers. Marty Haggard, Ben Haggard, and Kelli Haggard are all musicians who have released their own music and performed on stage.
Jenessa Haggard and Noel Haggard have also worked in the music industry as songwriters and producers. Dana Haggard has worked in the entertainment industry as a makeup artist.
Did any of Merle Haggard’s children perform with him on stage?
Yes, several of Merle Haggard’s children have performed with him on stage. Ben Haggard has performed alongside his father on numerous occasions and even played guitar in his band.
Marty Haggard has also performed with his father and has even recorded a tribute album to him. Kelli Haggard has performed with her father as well, both on stage and in the studio.
Noel Haggard & Ben Haggard The Runnin’ Kind I’m A Lonesome Fugitive/All In The Movies
In conclusion, the children of Merle Haggard are a topic of interest among his fans and followers. Merle Haggard, known as the “Hag,” was a legendary country music singer and songwriter who left behind an incredible legacy in the music industry.
Merle Haggard was married five times and had a total of six children, including one adopted child. His children are Marty Haggard, Noel Haggard, Ben Haggard, Kelli Haggard, Jenessa Haggard, and Dana Haggard.
Each of Merle Haggard’s children has their own unique story and journey. Some followed in their father’s footsteps and pursued careers in music, while others chose different paths. Regardless of their individual paths, they are all part of Merle Haggard’s legacy and continue to keep his memory alive.
In conclusion, Merle Haggard’s children may have different backgrounds and paths in life, but they all share a special bond as the offspring of a legendary musician. Their contributions to the music industry and their own personal journeys serve as a testament to the lasting impact of Merle Haggard’s legacy.
