Michelle Schraudner

Life Editor

Country music legend Merle Haggard performed at Idaho State University’s Stephens Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

Haggard’s 50-year career has seen nearly 40 number one hits and his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The performance inside the Jensen Grand Concert Hall was intimate both in size and feel.

Haggard’s wife, Theresa, sang backup during the performance.

Their 21-year-old son, Ben, played lead guitar for Haggard’s band, The Strangers.

After performing the first few songs, Haggard took off his cowboy hat and sunglasses to thank the crowd for coming and to crack a few jokes.

“When we wrote these songs, we were at sea level,” he said, joking about Pocatello’s altitude and the drive up to the Stephens Performing Arts Center.

A short time later, he mentioned how lucky he felt to have written his songs at age 20, and to still be playing them in his 40s. Haggard, who is 76, kept his sharp wit on display throughout the concert.

When he paused for a few seconds between talking and starting the next song, audience members began to yell song requests and to proclaim their love for Haggard.

“Excuse me,” he interrupted them, “But this is my show.”

Said with a smile and the nonchalance of an artist who hit every imaginable career milestone years ago, Haggard’s one-liner earned roaring applause and laughter from the crowd.

Haggard and The Strangers played his hits, including “Mama Tried,” “Pancho and Lefty,” and “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink.”

They closed the show with Haggard’s signature song, “Okie from Muskogee.”