Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

This Clip of Johnny Cash Singing Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried” Is Truly a Standout 

Johnny Cash Honors Merle Haggard With Cover Of “Mama Tried”
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Merle Haggard has rightfully earned his perpetual spot among the greatest artists in the genre, leaving behind a magnificent and memorable legacy – and of course, some of the most iconic tunes we could only hope for. 

On top of that, he’s an important part of the outlaw country movement, a prominence that came with his days in San Quentin Prison – where he served for burglary for almost three years. However, it was also the very same place where he first fell in love with country music after witnessing a performance from Johnny Cash.

The Man In Black was arrested quite a few times but was never sentenced to prison. But out of the kindness of his heart and a feeling of compassion, he would often play an unpaid gig for some of the country’s hardest prisoners.

RELATED: The Inspiration that Johnny Cash Gave to Merle Haggard

And on New Year’s Day in 1958, Cash showed up to perform at San Quentin.

“It was like seeing Muhammad Ali or something,” Haggard said, who was then a starstruck prisoner reveling in the extraordinary concert he and his fellow convicts had been denied of. Little did Haggard know, the chance meeting behind bars would turn his life around.

How Johnny Cash Led Merle Haggard To Redemption 

After getting out of prison, Merle Haggard was determined to follow Johnny Cash’s footsteps. And after a few short years, he managed to launch a successful career in country music.

Haggard went on becoming extremely close friends with Cash, too. He admitted the country legend helped him in any way, shape, or form necessary. And their great friendship is evident in Cash’s cover of “Mama Tried” – one of Haggard’s most iconic songs, which was based on his own life and time in prison.

You can watch it in the video below. We’re pretty sure Haggard felt tremendously honored listening to his good friend giving justice to his song that became the cornerstone of his storied career.

Latest Stories

Martina McBride did not call Beyoncé a 'clown in a cowboy hat'; the viral claim is false and has no evidence to support it.

Martina McBride Never Called Beyoncé a “Clown in a Cowboy Hat”

Social media has a way of turning fiction into fact overnight, and the latest victim of misinformation is country legend Martina McBride. A viral claim has been circulating that McBride ...

Chris Stapleton did not object to Beyoncé’s country Grammy win, dismissing rumors of controversy over her Cowboy Carter victory.

No, Chris Stapleton Did Not Object to Beyoncé’s Grammy Win

Rumor has spread that Chris Stapleton filed an “official objection” after Beyoncé won Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys for Cowboy Carter. A supposed quote attributed to him suggests ...

Blake Shelton to host the Grand Ole Opry's 100th celebration, honoring a century of country music with star-studded performances.

Blake Shelton Set to Host Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Celebration

Country music’s most legendary stage is set for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Blake Shelton is taking the reins. The Grand Ole Opry will mark its 100th anniversary with a star-studded NBC ...

Dolly Parton fights to save her Imagination Library in Indiana after budget cuts threaten its vital funding for children's literacy.

Dolly Parton Fights to Save Imagination Library in Indiana

Dolly Parton has always stood up for what she believes in—lifting people’s spirits with her music, funding major charitable efforts, and ensuring children have access to books, no matter their ...

Billy Currington maintains a private personal life, sparking speculation about his sexuality, though no public statement or evidence confirms the rumors.

Is Billy Currington Gay? What We Know About the Country Star

Billy Currington has spent decades serenading country music fans with hits like “People Are Cr𝐚zy” and “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right.” His smooth vocals, laid-back charm, and undeniable talent have ...

Post Malone and Alan Jackson pose together, bridging generations of country music with their iconic styles and shared respect for the genre.

Post Malone’s Road to Country Music Started Long Ago

Post Malone didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to go country—he’s been headed down this dirt road for a long time. From his Texas roots to his early ...

Drake sparks speculation about a country music crossover, potentially releasing a country album and exploring a new genre.

Is Drake the Next Artist to Take Over Country Music?

Country music has been through a wave of change lately, and not everyone is convinced it’s for the better. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter shook the industry, bringing country into the mainstream ...

Riley Green's 'Worst Way' music video sparks a frenzy with steamy scenes and a touch of humor, making waves in the country music world.

Riley Green Turns Up the Heat in Worst Way Music Video

Riley Green isn’t holding back in his latest music video for “Worst Way,” and fans are feeling some kind of way about it. Known for his rugged country charm and ...

Meet Lainey Wilson's fiancé, Devlin 'Duck' Hodges—former NFL quarterback and avid duck hunter—who captured the country star's heart.

Who Is Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges? Meet Lainey Wilson’s Fiancé

Lainey Wilson is one of the biggest stars in country music right now. Still, behind the scenes, she has a steady and supportive partner in her fiancé, Devlin “Duck” Hodges. ...

Lainey Wilson announces her engagement to Devlin 'Duck' Hodges, sharing romantic proposal photos that celebrate their new chapter together.

Lainey Wilson Is Engaged to Former NFL Star Duck Hodges

Lainey Wilson has a lot to celebrate—her career is on fire, she’s gearing up for a massive world tour, and now, she’s engaged to her longtime boyfriend, former NFL quarterback ...