Born in Oildale, California, USA

Son of James Frances Haggard and Flossie Mae Harp, children: Dana, Marty, Kelli and Noel Haggard.

Has scored 38 No. 1 hits on Billboard magazine`s country singles charts between 1967 to 1988. Among his biggest hits included "I`m a Lonesome Fugitive" (1967); "Sing Me Back Home," "The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde" and "Mama Tried" (all 1968); "Hungry Eyes," "Working Man Blues" and "Okie From Muskogee" (all 1969); "The Fightin` Side of Me" (1970); "If We Make it Through December" (1973); and "Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Star" (1988). He`s also had duet hits with such performers as Leona Williams, Clint Eastwood, George Jones, Willie Nelson and Jewel Kilcher.

Has been vocal in his opposition to the state of current country radio programming, which he has said focuses more on younger, pop-country oriented acts rather than traditional stars.

As a former inmate of San Quentin, Merle Haggard saw Johnny Cash play at the prison. Haggard was later granted a pardon by Ronald Reagan when the former actor was Governor of California.

Inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994.

Married 5 times.