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

Merle Haggard’s Sons, Noel and Ben, Share the Stage To Honor His Legacy

Noel Haggard & Ben Haggard The Runnin' Kind I'm A Lonesome Fugitive
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

The sons of Merle Haggard, Noel Haggard and Ben Haggard, shared a stage to honor his musical legacy with a cover of two of his hit songs, “Running Kind” and “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive.” The performance was part of the Country’s Family Reunion four-part tribute series for the legendary singer.

The Tribute 

Larry Black, a long-time disc jockey who owned and operated Gabriel Communications, had the idea to apply their specialty “reunion” concept to country music legends. That then made way for the creation of “Country’s Family Reunion” and the celebration of the songs and stories of the artists who helped shape country music into what it is right now. 

One of those celebrations was Merle Haggard’s impact and legacy, and among the distinguished guests on the show were his three sons. His oldest, Marty , sang a rendition of “Mama’s Hungry Eyes,” while his youngest, Ben Haggard, covered “It’s All in the Movies.” They also did joint performances: All three of them performed “Workin’ Man Blues,” and then Noel and Ben duetted “Running Kind” and “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive.”

The Rendition

Noel opened the performance with “Running Kind,” Merle Haggard’s second and final single off his 1978 album, A Working Man Can’t Get Nowhere Today. The song peaked at number 12 on the country charts and was later covered by Radney Foster and Johnny Cash. 

He sang solo for the first two parts, and then, when he hit the first line of the chorus, his brother Ben joined him, harmonizing. Their voices blended so well – like they were just one person singing – and their short duet was met with warm claps from the audience. Noel then finished the rest of the chorus. 

After that, they skillfully transitioned to “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive” with an instrumental. And this time, Ben took it away. Noel, on the other hand, supported him by playing with the band. 

The audience gave them a round of applause for their performance, and then, Noel quipped, “Next band, please.” (His brother was going to perform “It’s All in the Movies next.) Bill Anderson, the host of the show, let out a little laugh, saying it was funny. He then directed the conversation toward Ben and his guitar-playing, saying, “That guitar, we’ve heard that a few times in our lives.”

Truly, Merle Haggard and his music are kept alive by his sons. Catch their performance in the video below. 

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 ...