Per wikipedia:
Down Every Road 1962–1994 is a compilation album by American country singer Merle Haggard, released in 1996. It covers music from his earliest work in the early 1960s to his Epic releases of the late 1980s. The boxed set includes three CDs of material recorded for Capitol (up to 1977) and one of Haggard’s later MCA and Epic recordings.
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic deems the album “not just the perfect Merle Haggard box set, it’s one of the greatest box sets ever released as well, since it truly presents all sides of its subject, while offering nothing but sheer pleasure in terms of mere listening. ” Robert Hillburn of the Los Angeles Times wrote: “Merle Haggard writes of troubled souls and sweet dreams with the timeless simplicity of a great folk artist, while singing with the soulfulness and conviction of a classic bluesman. There is also in his body of work the independence and renegade attitude of a legendary rocker. It’s no wonder that he is one of the most commanding artists of the modern pop era… The only weakness in this four-disc package is that it shortchanges Haggard’s post-Capitol years.” It was ranked at number 477 on 2012 updated version of Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, stating that it “is the ultimate collection from one of country’s finest singers.”
Personnel:
Merle Haggard – vocals, guitar
The Strangers:
- Roy Nichols – lead guitar
- Norman Hamlet – steel guitar
- Tiny Moore – mandolin, fiddle
- Eldon Shamblin– guitar
- Ralph Mooney – steel guitar
- Gene Price – bass
- Gordon Terry – fiddle
- Ronnie Reno – guitar
- Bobby Wayne – guitar
- Marcia Nichols – guitar
- Clint Strong – guitar
- Mark Yeary – piano
- George French – piano
- Dennis Hromek – bass
- James Tittle – bass
- Johnny Meeks – bass
- Jerry Ward – bass
- Wayne Durham – bass
- Biff Adam – drums
- Eddie Burris – drums
- Don Markham – saxophone
- Jimmy Belkin – fiddle
- Gary Church – horns
I listened to the complete first disc today. It was difficult to choose a favorite, and so this disc will be revisited again. If you like Merle Haggard and don’t already have this set, you probably should pick it up. Not only is Merle’s voice easy delight, the lyrics are about as down home as you can get. Further, the musicianship of the individuals on the songs is par excellence.
The song I chose for today is called, “Swinging Doors.” “Swinging Doors” is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in February 1966 as the first single and title track from the album Swinging Doors. The song peaked at number five on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles.
This old smoke filled bar is something I’m not used to
But I gave up my home to see you satisfied
And I just called to let you know where I’ll be living
It’s not much but I feel welcome here inside
And I’ve got swinging doors, a jukebox and a bar stool
And my new home has a flashing neon sign
Stop by and see me any time you want to
‘Cause I’m always here at home till closing time
I’ve got everything I need to drive me crazy
And I’ve got everything it takes to lose my mind
And in here, the atmosphere’s just right for heartaches
And thanks to you I’m always here till closing time
And I’ve got swinging doors, a jukebox and a bar stool
And my new home has a flashing neon sign
Stop by and see me any time you want to
‘Cause I’m always here at home till closing time
I’m always here at home till closing time
Songwriters: Merle Haggard
Tao Talk 
I like the sound of the steel guitar.
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It is a perfect box set- I wish [without reissuing the entire set} they would release a single album of the highlights of his last 20 years. I know his hits dried up at that point but he still made some good music worth hearing until the end.
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That would be nice.
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Love this song…reminds me of my dad. I know all the words and I haven’t listened to it in years. Thank you for sharing this.
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Does it remind you of your dad because he likes/liked Merle or the character in the song? You are welcome, Max. My pleasure 🙂
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Because he played this song along with his greatest hits… This one and a song called “Sam Hill”… Merle was great
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Wow that’s the one I was going to play for today! Your dad had good taste in music.
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Yea he really did looking back on it. The man loved Elvis also. He grew up in the 50s so he really liked him and saw him a few times.
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I can’t even imagine seeing Elvis live. That would be a dream come true.
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My wife did… she was a kid in 76…her mom took her where they lived in West Virginia. She said she does remember him in a white jumpsuit.
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So awesome, to have that memory.
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He was certainly an interesting artist, and a long career, some great music. I do love that colouring, you have achieved a great harmony there.
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Yes, Merle was memorable. You are welcome on the coloring.
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Anyone who’s a friend of Merle’s is a friend of CB’s
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Well Howdy, friend 🙂 I wonder if anyone has done a biopic on Merle? He’s well-worthy of one.
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American masters did a real good piece on him. Burns kinda featured him in his doc on ‘Country Music’ also.
He would be going to my Isle on any given day. Not only one of my fave music people , he has one of my top singing voices.
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I didn’t see the American masters one but will look for it. I did watch the Burns doc as soon as it was available at my local library. Yes, the man can sing. Now here’s the big question: Merle or George? 😉
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I like George but Merle crosses all genres for me. I cant recommend the ‘Masters’ doc enough. The Burns series is more than worth it.
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HOWDY! I forgot.
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🙂
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