Introduction
“I Met Merle Haggard Today” is a heartfelt song by American country artist Mo Pitney, featured on his debut album, Behind This Guitar, released on October 7, 2016. The song narrates Pitney’s personal experience of meeting the legendary country musician Merle Haggard, capturing the profound impact of that encounter.
On February 4, 2013, while working on a concrete-pouring job with his father, Pitney received an unexpected call from a friend informing him that Merle Haggard was at Northstar Studios in Nashville, taping an episode of “The Marty Stuart Show.” Seizing the opportunity, Pitney quickly cleaned up and headed to the studio. Reflecting on the moment, he recalled, “I wiped the concrete off my face and went and met Merle Haggard. Every word in this song is true.”
The meeting left a lasting impression on Pitney, who admitted to feeling unusually starstruck. He recounted, “I just don’t get nervous around people, but Merle was one guy that I walked away from that meeting going, ‘Ho-ly crap, that was Merle freaking Haggard.'” Inspired by this experience, Pitney collaborated with songwriter Don Sampson to pen “I Met Merle Haggard Today,” initially thinking it wouldn’t make his album. However, the authenticity and emotional depth of the song earned it a place on Behind This Guitar.
Critics praised the track for its sincerity and traditional country feel. Saving Country Music noted, “It’s a simple little song, but it shows you that Mo’s commitment to authentic country music isn’t just a marketing angle, it’s a sincerity that courses through his blood and is expressed through his music directly.” The song’s acoustic arrangement and Pitney’s emotive delivery resonate with listeners, offering a genuine glimpse into his admiration for Haggard.
In “I Met Merle Haggard Today,” Mo Pitney not only pays tribute to one of his musical heroes but also encapsulates the profound influence that such icons have on emerging artists. The song stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional country music and the personal connections that continue to inspire its evolution.