Before “Okie From Muskogee” became his signature song and before “If We Make It Through December” became his biggest crossover hit, Merle Haggard’s best-known song was the one where he came clean ...

Merle Haggard may have let down his mother when he was sent to prison, but his way to make amends – the classic “Mama Tried” – left the future of country with a template for unapologetic, outlaw ...