Yesterday marked the anniversary of Country music legend Merle Haggard's birth and passing. Born in April 6th, 1937, and passing the same very same date in 2016, Merle left behind a legacy defined by struggle, strife, and success as a founder of one of the most beloved subgenre's in music; Outlaw Country.

It's no suprise that Merle's adolesence was plagued by hardship, which would later influence his expression as a Country artist. Losing his father the tender age of nine, a young merle's life became defined by two things: being on the wrong side of the law, and music. 

In his twenties, in and out of prision habitually, seeing his two closest friends on deathrow convinced him to strive towards a legitimate life, and soon got the equivalent of a high school degree while incarerated, as well as joined the prisons band. 

While serving his sentence, Merle would go on to experience perhaps the single greastest influencing moment of his life: Johnny Cash performing 'Folsom Prison Blues' at the prison. From that moment, Merle became fueled by a fiery passion to reject the smooth sophistication of country music at the time, and instead channel a sound more authentic and aggressive, the Bakersfield sound.

Merle's career would go on to span over half a century, with him being given a full pardon for past crimes by then Govenor Ronald Reagan, and would end with his passing from cancer in 2016 at the age of 79. His story will always be one of triumph, authenticity, and rebellion; influencing future artists across genres for years to come.