Tim McGraw Takes A Break From Being A ‘Workin’ Man’ To Honor The Hag

Kirk West (Right), Glen Brown/KPBS (Left)

The country music community was in shock and complete despair when news of Merle Haggard’s passing got around. Many in the community decided to honor the legend of outlaw country in the only way they knew how: through music. 

Tim McGraw was one of those who chose to pay homage to a great man who helped shape country music in so many ways. 

Singing an acoustic version of Haggard’s 1969 super-hit, “Workin’ Man Blues”, McGraw and his band sit around in a circle jamming out and experiencing the legend left behind by this amazing classic country artist. 

When the song made its debut nearly 50 years ago, it was released as a tribute to the core group of fans he had attracted: blue-collared working men. It stormed the charts, nailing the No. 1 position in multiple countries. Since that time, it became one of his signature songs – and one of the most covered tunes in country music.

Haggard passed away on April 6th, 2016 – his 79th birthday. In the time since his passing, the country music has come even closer and we have seen incredible tributes to The Hag issued in just a short time. 

Watch this amazing acoustic jam session in memory of Merle Haggard in the video below.

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