Merle Haggard

After all, everyone has a story to tell — and country music has a lot to say.

Some of these songs bring the artist's career full-circle, while others tell a haunting story of a life cut short.

They were called Young Country then and, appropriately, looked to the radio for inspiration.

Including several delinquent youths, at least two singers battling addiction and one jealous rage that ended in murder.

Dolly, Willie and more had found their voice, while other icons were stuck in transition. 1974 was a very important year in country music.

Country music has plenty of songs about regret, forgiveness — and, in some cases, the decision not to forgive someone else.

Country fans will soon have a new reason to travel down to Muskogee, Okla.

Tim McGraw is revisiting a classic Merle Haggard tune for the holidays.

'A Cody Johnson Christmas' will drop on Nov. 19 and include two new original songs and several familiar standards.

He pays tribute to his musical idol on his new album.

Merle Haggard was one of the greatest influences on modern country singers and songwriters.

Actor Sam Rockwell will portray the late legend -- and he'll do all his own singing, too!