About the song
Okie from Muskogee is a song written by Merle Haggard and Roy Edward Burris. It was first recorded by Haggard and released in September 1969 as the title track of his album Okie from Muskogee. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song is a satirical look at the counterculture movement of the late 1960s. The narrator, a self-described “Okie from Muskogee,” sings about his pride in his small-town, conservative values. He criticizes the long hair, drug use, and anti-war protests of the counterculture.
The song was a controversial hit when it was released. Some people praised it as a patriotic anthem, while others condemned it as a jingoistic attack on the counterculture. The song has been covered by many artists, including Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Toby Keith.
“Okie from Muskogee” is a significant song in American culture. It is a product of its time, and it reflects the social and political divisions of the late 1960s. The song is also a reminder of the power of music to express political and social messages.
Merle Haggard was an American country singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was one of the most popular and influential country music artists of all time. Haggard was known for his distinctive voice and his Bakersfield sound, which was characterized by its twangy guitars and hard-driving rhythms.
Haggard was born in Oildale, California, in 1937. He grew up poor and had a troubled childhood. He began playing guitar at an early age and started writing songs in his teens. Haggard was incarcerated in San Quentin State Prison for two years in the early 1960s. During his time in prison, he began writing songs about his experiences.
After his release from prison, Haggard began his music career. He signed with Capitol Records in 1965 and released his first album, Struck by Lightning, in 1967. Haggard’s career took off in 1969 with the release of the song “Okie from Muskogee.” The song was a huge hit and made Haggard a star.
Haggard went on to have a long and successful career. He released over 60 albums and had dozens of hit singles. He won numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Country Male Vocal Performance in 1970 and 1971. Haggard was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
Willie Nelson is an American country singer, songwriter, and actor. He is one of the most popular and influential country music artists of all time. Nelson is known for his distinctive voice and his outlaw country sound, which was characterized by its relaxed, laid-back style.
Nelson was born in Abbott, Texas, in 1933. He grew up poor and had a musical upbringing. He began playing guitar at an early age and started writing songs in his teens. Nelson moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1960 to pursue his music career.
Nelson’s career took off in the late 1960s with the release of the song “Hello Walls.” The song was a huge hit and made Nelson a star. Nelson went on to have a long and successful career. He has released over 90 albums and had dozens of hit singles. He has won numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Country Album in 1975 and 1978. Nelson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993.
“Okie from Muskogee” is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It is a song about patriotism, small-town values, and the generation gap. The song is still relevant today, and it continues to be performed by artists all over the world.