Maybe this song holds a soft spot in my heart because I spent some time living in Oklahoma, but Merle Haggard killed this song from the get-go.
Add Willie Nelson to the mix… it’s golden.
Haggard and Nelson stepped out together to perform this for the official PBS special, Last of the Breed Live in Concert.
Haggard wrote the song with the drummer from “The Strangers” Roy Edwards, in 1969. After this song was released in the same year, it became a massive hit for Haggard’s career.
In case you don’t know, Okie means you are from Oklahoma, and Muskogee is the 11th largest city in the state… the town is Northwest of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The crowd was already rowdy when they heard the opening lyrics, but as Haggard sings:
“We don’t let our hair grow long and shaggy
Like the hippies out in San Francisco do…”
Willie Nelson walks out on stage and they lose their minds.
Two greats, taking the stage together to sing a historic hit. What more could you ask for?
The quick song captures the audience, and they make the most out of the minutes they share the stage together.
If you’re an “Okie from Muskogee,” this video is a must-watch for you, or… if you are a Willie or Merle fan, it’s also a must-watch for you.
And if you think that’s good, watch Merle with Willie Nelson and Johnny Paycheck live from Anaheim Stadium.
