Cody Johnson Honors Merle Haggard With Full “Footlights” Cover

Merle Haggard Remembered On The Anniversary Of His Death

Country music legend Merle Haggard was born in a remodeled boxcar in Oildale, California, on April 6th, 1937. He lost his father young, and a troubled youth led him to be incarcerated during his teens and early 20s.

While in prison, Merle witnessed Johnny Cash’s iconic performance at San Quentin Prison. He left inspired and began focusing heavily on music. He became a trailblazer of the “Bakersfield Sound,” a raw, gritty style that contrasted the polished Nashville sound of the era.

His debut album was released in 1965, and over the next five decades, he racked up a staggering 38 number-one country hits. Merle was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and was recognized by the Kennedy Center Honors in 2010.

Merle Haggard passed away on April 6, 2016—his 79th birthday.

Cody Johnson Drops His Version Of “Footlights”

“Footlights” was originally released on Merle Haggard and George Jones’ collaborative record, Kickin’ Out The Footlights… Again, in 2006. Merle was the sole writer of the song, which begins:

“I live the kind of life that most men only dream of, I make my living writing songs and singing them.”

On what would have been the Hag’s 89th birthday and subsequently the 10th anniversary of his death, Cody Johnson honored him by releasing a full cover of the classic country song. The Texas native described Merle’s music as the “soundtrack to his life,” and added:

“I couldn’t think of a better way to honor him on his birthday than by sharing our version of ‘Footlights.’”

While short clips were shared on social media, the full song was released to YouTube and all streaming platforms. Listen to Cody Johnson’s version of Merle Haggard’s “Footlights” in the video below!

RELATED: MERLE HAGGARD HAS FOUR SONS… AND THEY ARE ALL COUNTRY SINGERS