1994 Hightone Records: HCD 8058
Merle Haggard could have a whole page to himself. I'll just reproduce part of the inside liner notes from the album's executive producers, Tom Russell and Dave Alvin.
The music of Merle Haggard embodies a unique vision and spirit of independence. From it's beginnings in the uncompromising, hard-edged California coundtry sound, Haggard's legacy has grown to include a diverse array of influences and directions that make it one of the most important bodies of American musical work.Robert was in Philadelphia doing the play Chippy at the time and recorded his cut of "Daddy Frank" at Studio 4 in Philadelphia. The track features the Sunshine Boys who were Lloyd Maines (acoustic guitar, dobro, harmony vocals); Dave Heath (upright bass, harmony vocals); Davis McLarty (drums & percussion); and Richard Bowden (fiddle).This project wasn't conceived of as "the stars doing Merle's hits"; just a group of acclaimed roots performers singing their favorite Merle song. As we listened back to the performances we were moved by each singer's ability to get inside the Haggard song and make it his or her own.
Click here to hear a Real Audio sample of Robert's version of "Daddy Frank." (39K)
In October 1994, Merle Haggard was inducted into the Country Music Hall
of Fame.