Even if you don’t know about the criminals Bonnie and Clyde, Merle Haggard’s song “The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde” will fill you in.
His 1977 song tells the story of the Great Depression-era criminals, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, who traveled the United States robbing banks and killing anyone who got in their way.
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, circa 1933. The couple who's crime spree captivated Depression-era America. pic.twitter.com/bZEHVnMHSH
— History Photographed (@HistoryInPics) February 20, 2016
“The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde” was recorded on January 31, 1977 at the Capital Recording Studios in Hollywood, California. After its release, it quickly became Haggard’s fourth number one single on the country singles charts.
Haggard co-wrote the song with country singer and then-wife Bonnie Owens, who is seen in this performance singing backup.
#CountryMusic Today on June 28, 1965:
Merle Haggard marries Bonnie Owens in Mexico… pic.twitter.com/K8TywfiydV— Bianca Carolina (@BeMisty) June 28, 2017
The upbeat song is a fan favorite and shows off Haggard’s ability for storytelling. He has us hanging on to every word, as if we already don’t know what happens to Bonnie and Clyde.
Watch his performance below.
