Merle Haggard is a legend and grandfather to country music, but he doesn't much care for where the genre has gone these days as he blasts so-called bro-country saying "I don't find no substance," referring to songs written about "screwing on a pickup tailgate."
In an interview with Inforum, Haggard had some unflattering things to say about the current state of country music, but saved some praise for Sturgill Simpson, who he'll share a stage with this weekend at Bluestem Center of the Arts in North Dakota.
"As far as I'm concerned, he's the only one out there. The rest of them sound like a bunch of (crap) to me. He comes out and does a great show," Haggard said.
Rolling Stone Country points out that a number of modern artists have quite literally sung their praise for what Haggard means to country music with songs such as Eric Church's "Pledge Allegiance to the Hag" and Mo Pitney's "I Met Merle Haggard Today." But, don't expect Haggard to return the compliment.
"They're talking about screwing on a pickup tailgate and things of that nature," Haggard said. "I don't find no substance. I don't find anything you can whistle, and nobody even attempts to write a melody. It's more of that kids' stuff."
He added that it's popular right now but he thinks it's cooling off, but so far the numbers aren't backing up those claims all too well. Billboard's Top 40 Money Makers of 2014 list includes two country artists in the top 10 including Kenny Chesney at No. 2 earning nearly 33 million and Luke Bryan at No. 8 earning 22 million. Taylor Swift came in at No. 1 with nearly 40 million for her recent pop efforts but she got her start in country as well.
Check out Haggard's full tour schedule on his website. But first, brush up on some classic Haggard and watch him perform "Mamma Tried" from back in 1985.
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