NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 11: Former "Nashville Star" contestant Miranda Lambert performs at the CMA Music Festival, formerly known as FanFair, on June 11, 2005 in Nashville, Tenessee. (Photo by Rusty Russell/Getty Images)
(Original Caption) Country Man. Santa Barbara, California: Like all that jazz? Disco? Rock? Well, if any of those sounds are a pickup for you, fine. But if you like country and western music, you probably recognize this man. If not, meet Merle Haggard, who is a star in that area of music. He's at a ranch near Santa Barbara while performing for some people attending a barbecue. Among the guests: President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan. When California governor in 1972, Reagan pardoned Haggard from prison. (Photo by Bettman/Getty Images)
Merle Haggard and Leona Williams play at the annual New Year's Day San Quentin State Prison concert. Jan. 6, 1976. (Photo by Jerry Telfer/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – JULY 04: Merle Haggard (R) performs with Willie Nelson during Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic at the Spicewood Springs Amphitheater on July 4, 2003 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images)
