In October 2023, Country’s Family Reunion released a two-volume, 14-track tribute album for the one and only Merle Haggard, featuring Ben Haggard’s cover of “It’s All in the Movies.” And as always, the youngest son of the legendary singer nailed it.
Since 1997, Country’s Family Reunion has brought together country music greats who helped shape the genre to talk about their history and maybe also sing a few songs. Each episode is hosted by a country legend as well, singer-songwriter Bill Anderson, who also shares inside stories. And in their decades-long run, they have celebrated numerous projects, including tribute ones.
In 2016, they honored the late Merle Haggard, who was one of the most influential figures in country music, with a four-part series of stories about him and songs that impacted artists, fans, and the genre. Featured were his three sons, Marty, Noel, and Ben, along with artists – Daryle Singletary, Vince Gill, Mark Wills, and Jeannie Seely, to name a few.
Years later, they released an album from the live performances.
“It’s All In The Movies” Cover Version
All three sons of Haggard performed his signature track, “Workin’ Man Blues,” which was released during his early career. Marty, the oldest of the three, sang a rendition of “Mama’s Hungry Eyes” while the two younger ones performed a duet of “The Runnin’ Kind” and “A Lonesome Fugitive.” And Ben covered “It’s All in the Movies.”
For You
The song was first released by Merle Haggard and The Strangers in September 1975. It was the first single as well as the title track of their same-titled album, and it earned them their 22nd number-one hit (with a thirteen-week total chart run).
Out of the three, Ben sounded the most like their father. They had the same clear voice, and the way they enunciated their words was uncanny. But the clue to differentiating the two is that Ben’s voice is a little bit deeper and fuller. However, it could still be tricky if you haven’t listened enough to both of them.
Nevertheless, in this song, it’s quite easy to do so. The original was as country as country could get, while Ben Haggard’s rendition opted for a jazzy sound with a touch of blues in his guitar solo. Both are really good, and it’s just a matter of what’s your cup of tea to listen to at the moment.
Catch Ben Haggard’s live rendition of “It’s All in the Movies” below.
