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Merle Haggard and Scott Cox: Like peas and carrots

The Bakersfield Californian | Wednesday, Dec 30 2009 01:31 PM

Last Updated Wednesday, Dec 30 2009 01:32 PM

We at The Californian never miss a chance to interview Merle Haggard whenever the music legend is kind enough to take our calls (damn you, caller ID!). But we thought we'd shake things up this time, in advance of Merle's upcoming Bakersfield shows, by searching outside the newsroom for someone to chat up The Hag. We looked no farther than Scott Cox, who, when he's not making some politician cry on his radio program (6-9 a.m. weekdays on KERN AM 1180), probably has his stereo (laptop? iPod? Victrola?) cranked in blissful surrender to one of the many music gods who rock his world.

A sampling of Cox's stream-of-consciousness phone interview with Haggard:

Cox: Hey, Merle, how are things? We haven't seen you since your last trip to town. Brett (Cox's son) and I thought you were going to throw us off your tour bus.

Haggard: Well, I might have. I was tired, and I have to get some sleep in before shows.

Cox: So what's Christmas like at the Haggard house?

Haggard: Pretty much like everybody else's. It gets kind of busy and loud for a while -- we have a couple of birthdays during the week before Christmas. It's great having all the family around.

Cox: Speaking of Christmas, our friend Ray McDonald brought me a copy of your Christmas album, "I Wish I was Santa Claus." And you've done several Christmas tunes in the past. I assume there's not much money in that kind of thing, so why do you keep doing them? Are you just a big fan of the season?

Haggard: Well you're sure right about the money! But that's not why I do those songs. They're fun to do, and I figure if they add to other people's enjoyment at Christmas time, then the least I can do is sing them.

Cox: Speaking of recording, when can we expect a new album?

Haggard: We've got a new one coming out in 2010, with a brand new record label. From Norway, of all places.

Cox: I recently discovered a whole bunch of your music on my daughter's iPod -- it was weird at first, but now I'm just impressed. And it's not just her either. It's a bunch of her friends too -- and they're all 16! Are you gaining in popularity with teens now?

Haggard: I don't think it's me in particular. There will always be country music fans, and if they want the real deal, it's me, and Buck and Johnny Cash and a few others. Hopefully people will keep that music alive forever. Especially the youngsters. Tell Katie I said thanks.

Cox: So there's not much by way of new stuff you listen to?

Haggard: Nope.

Cox: Well said. I'm assuming this new "country" they play on the radio these days isn't your cup of tea? I mean let's face it: The stuff coming out of Nashville for the last several years isn't even close to the real thing.

Haggard: You got that exactly right. even if somebody did write a great country song, you'd never hear it. It's all very carefully formulated. You can't do a song these days that would cause anyone to look up from their laptop.

Cox: Have you heard Emmylou Harris' cover of Kern River?

Haggard: She's just fantastic.

Cox: I mentioned it because you must be the most covered artist in country music history. Every band has a cover of at least one Merle Haggard song.

Speaking of that, you recorded and toured with Willie Nelson and Ray Price. Is there anyone else you'd like to record or play with? Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker recorded great albums of songs with many artists and the records were great. Have you given any thought to that?

Haggard: I sure won't say I won't do that. Right now i'm just getting this new record done and play some shows for the fans.

Cox: Will (Merle's son) Binion be on this tour?

Haggard: Oh yes -- he's playing all the shows we do these days. He's working on his playing every day.

Cox: No singing?

Haggard: Not till he's 18. That's the agreement we made when he started on the guitar -- no vocals until his voice is ready. We need to see what he's gonna sound like, then we'll know what we have to work with.

Cox: Well the guitar playing seems to be going well. That kid has really locked into that whole "vintage" country sound. The world needs more of that.

Haggard: I know he's done some shows with your son, Brett. How do they get along?

Cox: Like peas and carrots.

Haggard: Good. I'm sorry I couldn't make those shows. Were they any good?

Cox: If they weren't, do you think I'd tell you?

Haggard: Somehow I think you're one of those that would.

Cox: Fair enough. And there will be plenty more shows for both of them. And they keep in touch. Their paths will cross again soon enough.

Haggard: I don't doubt it at all. And I'll be there for the next one. Save me a seat.

Cox: Merle, thanks so much for taking the time to talk today.

Haggard: Anytime. I'll see you all on the first. Tell Bakersfield I said Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.