Well, add classic country music legend Merle Haggard to the list of artists who have passed on this year. Sadly, the man who helped create the Bakersfield Sound died today on his 79th birthday. At this rate, next year’s Grammy Awards segment on obits will take the show into overtime.

Merle was certainly a legend, and the respect of those who appreciated him is best portrayed in this 1975 recording of “I’ll Change Your Flat Tire, Merle” by Pure Prairie League.

I’ll fix your flat tire Merle Don’t ya get your sweet country pickin’ fingers all Covered with erl

Here’s a shot of the man who was proud to be an Okie from Muskogee from a show at the Ryman on April 11, 2012.