You’ll think you’re listening to the iconic Merle Haggard, who passed away in 2016. His sons, Noel and Ben grew up onstage with their father as part of Merle’s band, the Strangers.
Upon Merle’s death, his sons finished his scheduled tour dates and even added more. They also got help onstage from their father’s close friend, Kris Kristofferson.
Ever since, the Haggard brothers have toured the world to keep this great music alive. They are Grand Ole Opry stars who also appear on RFD TV. Both have fans of their own through their albums and online presence.
“No one felt Merle’s impact more deeply than his children,” wrote Riley Johnson of Country Thang Daily. “Their heartfelt performance isn’t just a tribute to their father — it is a reminder of the enduring power of Merle’s music.
“Hearing Ben and Noel sing these songs is like stepping back in time. Noel’s voice carries the rugged authenticity of his father’s. Ben’s impeccable guitar work and smooth vocals add a fresh layer to the classics. Together, they deliver a performance brimming with emotion and respect for their father’s work.”
Merle Haggard was one of the most influential country singers of all time. He recorded 70 albums and 38 #1 hits. His countless awards include a Kennedy Center Honor in 2010, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and a BMI Icon Award. He is a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Dubbed “the Poet of the Common Man,” Merle’s songs captured everyday people’s struggles, triumphs, and stories. His songs were always about connection: between the singer and the listener, and between the story and the soul.
With their heartfelt delivery, Ben and Noel prove that Merle’s music remains as powerful as ever. Their show is a reminder that “the Poet of the Common Man” still speaks to us through his songs and his children who understand the weight of his legacy.
Built-in 1925, in the grand architectural style of Beaux-Arts Classical Revival, the Simon Theatre provided a splendid setting for many theatrical performances, film screenings and ballroom dances. The James Simon family commissioned Houston architect Alfred C. Finn, whose career included designing a number of prominent Houston buildings as well as the San Jacinto Monument, to design the theatre for the community of Brenham. Today, after a meticulous million-plus dollar renovation, the glamour and grand style lives on for future generations in the newly named Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre.
