Out of the 500+ videos I've published, this video's ending tops them all! : )

Enjoyed very much. He had a performance scheduled for a nearby casino not too long before he passed. I was finally going to see him, but it wasn’t meant to be. My fav Merle song changes with what’s going on in my life. And there is always one for every mood. That’s the beauty of Merle. Thanks for sharing. ❤

The only country album I ever bought when I was a teenager was Merle's "That's the Way Love Goes", and I was amazed at how many great songs were on that LP and how top-notch the musicianship was. It completely changed my attitude toward country music.

Right after my wife passed away in 2022, my favorite Merle song ended up being "What am I gonna do with the rest of my life?" And that's the beauty of folks like Haggard. No matter what you're going through at the time, there is always a song that will speak to your heart, and say what you're feeling.

I used to have a Don Ho glass like that! I got to meet the gentleman on vacation in Hawaii with my parents in 1979.

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Great Merle stories. Expo 67 t-shirt is a nice touch.

Another good interview

Another great chat, Don Ho glass and all 😂. Really enjoyed it. Thanks Otis and Bill.

I can still remember reading an article back in the early 80s about Merle Haggard's time in San Quentin. He ended up there because after his arrest for burglary he basically just walked out the door of the police station and escaped. While in San Quentin another inmate had devised an escape plan and if memory serves Merle had the chance to get in on the escape, but declined. Other inmates were telling him he had talent and a future in his music and he should do his time and pursue a career as a country artist. The inmate did escape, but I believe was caught, returned to San Quentin and ended up going to the gas chamber as he had shot a policeman. Strange to think Merle could've gone that route instead of becoming a country music legend. All I could think after reading the article was, wow this guy's the real.

Buck developed his early tenor sound to sound good on am radio, that’s one of the reasons for no bass early on. Bass didn’t carry through on am, the predominant band of radio stations before fm .

Thank you Otis for all that you do!!!! Every interview is cool, every story is interesting, your music is very entertaining!!!

Ever heard Billy overcame his size? I’ve often wondered why that’s not one of his huge songs. Such a great story. Thanks for tracking this down OG!

Just listened to "Swinging Doors". Great lyrics. What I love about country.

This is great. I've had "branded man" on the brain for a while now. So him talking about prison on the Johnny Cash show makes sense. Thanks for posting this. And yes, a very funny ending!!!

Yes Teddy is Richard Thompson’s son, great songwriter and guitarist too. Thanks for Giving A Damn Otis. Much love

Can't help but love the Hag.

I've loved following your posts as a music lover and a story lover . One of the artists from my neck of the woods is playing in your town tomorrow (Fri.3/31). Jackie Greene is a talent that I'll admit to jumping all in for awhile . You can tell a lot from the type of people who become fans of an artist and Jackie's have become good friends . Anyway he's a great songwriter like yourself so if you're home and need an excuse to take Amy out , a Jackie Greene show is a fun night .

My partner and I really really love your show Otis! Thank you, you beautiful man 🙏❤️☕

Little Windows is a great album - so cool to hear him and know he co-wrote for that album.

😊 hard to top Haggard and Buck and Elvis and Cash. Giants

Don Rich, don't forget that genius.

Great Great stories of Merle...

This. Is. PRICELESS ❤

A Don Ho glass! My father-in-law attended Kamehameha High School with Don and actually broke his nose in an altercation over a girl...

❤

Great music

Buck is my forever favorite, but Merle is the greatest. ❤❤

Otis, this is off-topic but I’m curious. Are you aware of a guy called Paul Marhoefer (goes by Long Haul Paul). He’s an ex-truck driving musician who writes amazingly prophetic songs and sounds great when he plays and sings. You should check out his stuff at some point.

Don Ho Rocks!

My favorite Haggard album is "Serving 190 Proof"

Show me a Jason Aldean written number and I'll be a judge too see if there is even a shred of greatness...something even remotely close to The Hags ability. I'll sit and wait. Right here.

Hoss, where do you find all these people.

I used to live in Bakersfield and have Buck and Merle stories that...I cannot share here. Plaaayaaas through and thru

Don Ho! Out of left field there!😂 him or Lawrence Welk, who did tiny bubbles better?😅

Don Ho!!!

Damned if you aren't one of the most interesting people I've ever heard.

Tiny Bubbles…..

Don Ho. Hawaiian country music. In a Hawaii print shirt. Ok maybe not.