Ben Haggard Noel Haggard
Merle Haggard’s sons will bring their celebration of the country legend’s music to Carrollton’s Amp, August 31.
Since Merle’s death in 2016, Ben and Noel have continued their father’s legacy by singing his songs in concert, sometimes sharing the stage with such acts as Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson and The Oak Ridge Boys.
“I watched him sing on-stage, absorbed the little things he was doing, the tricks with his voice, how he handled the crowd,” says Ben of his dad. “It was like going back to school. Things I didn’t realize I picked up from the eight years I spent on the road with him started to come into play. My fear of the mic kind of slipped away. Things just unfolded in a beautiful way.”
Ben is Merle’s youngest son. He started learning guitar at age 11 and took the stage with his dad at 15. He toured with his father and mother, Theresa Haggard, traveling across the country and played on a multitude of Merle’s records. Noel’s first single, Once You Learn, peaked at number 72 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada. His second single, Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa, was covered by George Strait on his 2003 album Honkytonkville. Strait’s version of the song peaked at number 11 on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
“I’m a big fan of Ben and Noel Haggard and a forever fan of Merle so I’m excited,” said Lowell Opry House founder and local country music icon George Britt, who will open the Amp show. Britt said his set list usually includes several Haggard tunes, but for this one night he’ll leave those up to the actual Haggards on the stage and concentrate on his mix of classic country songs and originals. He will be joined onstage by his band mates, Mark Lyle and Jimmy Caldwell.
Chairs may be set out anytime day of concert. No flash or professional photography allowed.
What: Ben and Noel Haggard
Where: The Amp
When: August 31, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
Opener: George Britt
Sponsors: Scott Evans Nissan and Scott Evans Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep.
For questions concerning this event or the Amp, please contact Carrollton Main Street at [email protected] or 770-832-6901.
