Zach Top Pays Homage To Merle Haggard With “Misery and Gin”
Zach Top covers Merle Haggard (Left: Zach Top / Facebook, Right: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Zach Top Praised For Reviving A Classic Country Sound
Washington native Zach Top is bringing classic country music to a new generation. Since gaining popularity with the release of his debut album Cold Beer & Country Music in 2024, the 28-year-old has been praised for incorporating the sound and style of country music greats who came before him.
Zach frequently covers classic country songs by mixing them into his live show sets or sharing casual covers on social media. Many listeners say his music transports them back in time.
Additionally, his sophomore album, Ain’t In it For My Health, took home the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Country Album earlier this year. He was the first artist to ever receive an award in this newly created category.
Zach Top Covers A Merle Haggard Classic
In a recent visit to the God’s Country podcast, Zach Top covered a variety of topics from turkey hunting to musical influences and more. At the request of the hosts, Dan and Reid Isbell, Zach covered one of his favorite Merle Haggard songs, “Misery and Gin.”
Snuff Garrett and John Durrill wrote “Misery and Gin” specifically for the film Bronco Billy. Merle Haggard recorded the track in 1980, and it was released on both his album Back To Barrooms and the film’s soundtrack.
The lonely drinking song reached number three on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Relive the original below!
To nobody’s surprise, Zach Top delivered a rendition of the song that would make Merle proud. His vocals glided through the notes effortlessly, and he captured the heartbreak of the melancholy tune.
Watch Zach Top cover Merle Haggard’s “Misery and Gin” below!
