Step into the world of outlaw country with our Merle Haggard quiz, where “Big City” meets the backroads of Bakersfield! This quiz explores Merle’s incredible music career, his legacy in country music, and his impact as a songwriter and storyteller. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to his work, test your knowledge with questions about his iconic hits, memorable collaborations, and rebellious spirit that made him a legend.
Test Your Merle Haggard Knowledge Quiz
Question 1 |
Which prison was Merle Haggard incarcerated in before turning his life around?
Alcatraz | |
Folsom | |
San Quentin | |
Pelican Bay | |
Sing Sing |
Question 1 Explanation:
Haggard was in San Quentin Prison, where he made efforts to change his life.
Question 2 |
Which of these awards did Merle Haggard receive in 2006?
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award | |
Kennedy Center Honor | |
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame | |
Country Music Hall of Fame | |
Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame |
Question 2 Explanation:
In 2006, Haggard received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to music.
Question 3 |
What job did Merle Haggard take up after his release from San Quentin?
Mechanic | |
Electrician | |
Ditch digger | |
Carpenter | |
Bartender |
Question 3 Explanation:
Haggard worked digging ditches for his brother's electrical contracting company.
Question 4 |
Who was Haggard's backup singer and then-wife, who also provided harmony on his hits?
Bonnie Owens | |
Liz Anderson | |
Janis Joplin | |
Lynn Anderson | |
Tammy Wynette |
Question 4 Explanation:
Bonnie Owens, Haggard's then-wife, provided harmony vocals on his records.
Question 5 |
Which song did Haggard initially want to release after "Okie from Muskogee" but was discouraged from doing so by his producer?
Irma Jackson | |
Mama Tried | |
Hungry Eyes | |
Branded Man | |
The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde |
Question 5 Explanation:
"Irma Jackson," a song about interracial romance, was discouraged by producer Ken Nelson.
Question 6 |
What was Haggard's first nationally syndicated TV special?
Sing Me Back Home | |
Let Me Tell You about A Song | |
Movin' On | |
Encore! | |
Big City |
Question 6 Explanation:
Haggard's TV special Let Me Tell You about A Song was a musical profile of him, aired in 1972.
Question 7 |
Which duet did Haggard perform with Clint Eastwood?
Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star | |
Bar Room Buddies | |
Pancho and Lefty | |
Yesterdays' Wine | |
Natural High |
Question 7 Explanation:
Haggard performed Bar Room Buddies as a duet with Clint Eastwood, achieving a number-one hit.
Question 8 |
In which movie did Haggard provide narration and the theme song?
The Waltons | |
The Legend of the Lone Ranger | |
Tender Mercies | |
Bronco Billy | |
Movin' On |
Question 8 Explanation:
In 1981, Haggard provided narration and the theme for The Legend of the Lone Ranger.
Question 9 |
In which 2003 film is Haggard's song "Mama Tried" featured?
Radio | |
Fargo | |
The Strangers | |
The Big Lebowski | |
Walk the Line |
Question 9 Explanation:
"Mama Tried" is featured in the 2003 film Radio, starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ed Harris.
Question 10 |
Merle Haggard's band was known as:
The Mavericks | |
The Strangers | |
The Outlaws | |
The Highwaymen | |
The Buckaroos |
Question 10 Explanation:
Merle Haggard's band was famously known as "The Strangers."
Question 11 |
What was the last recorded song Haggard released before his death?
"America First" | |
"That's the News" | |
"Kern River Blues" | |
"The Only Man Wilder Than Me" | |
"Big City" |
Question 11 Explanation:
"Kern River Blues," recorded in February 2016, was Haggard's final song.
There are 11 questions to complete.
