Up Close with Jerry Haggard
(Interviewed
on September 17, 2004)
Genre:
Country
Oklahoma Singer Songwriter
PC: When did you begin your music career?
JH: Around the age of 11, I began trying to write country songs. I listened to a lot of bluegrass, western swing and traditional country at that time. About the age of 13, I took a few fiddle lessons and learned several guitar chords. A few years later, I played some fiddle in a few local fiddle contests and with some night club bands. I eventually wrote enough songs that I decided to start performing them onstage in some local clubs and honky tonks. Having my own honky tonk band soon followed, as did trips to write songs in Nashville.
PC: Who are your main musical influences?
JH: I would have to say Jason Boland & the Stragglers, Merle Haggard, Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys, Steve Earle, Waylon Jennings, George Jones.
PC: What approach do you take when writing your songs? Do you have any specific routine?
JH: I usually get an idea or "hook", and then write the chord progression around the same time that the lyrics start to flow. I may put the guitar down for a little while and jot down some ideas on paper, and hopefully finish the song.
PC: Where can someone get a copy of your CD "Let it Ride"?
JH: The CD can be purchased at www.lonestarmusic.com. www.texasmusicexpress.com, www.amazon.com , or by simply contacting me via email, at my website, www.angelfire.com/ok2/hag
PC: (Texas & Red Dirt Music artist is like one big family, everyone helps each other out)is this true?
JH: I think that is true. All the Texas artists and the red dirt Okie artists seem to get along and help each other out, which is really cool.
PC: If you had to pick a couple of songs you have written that you are most proud of, what would they be and why?
JH: One song I've always been proud of is called "Maybe Someday", a song I wrote alone. It talks about those Oklahoma backroads and a long lost love. Its always gotten a good crowd response and was one of the first really cool songs that I wrote. It was recently recorded by a new indie Oklahoma artist, Rachel Raye. It will be on her upcoming 2004 album. The other song I'm especially proud of is "Loving Over", cowritten with Nashville hit songwriter, Byron Hill. Byron has had numerous country radio hits and was great to meet and work with. He is well known in Nashville for his writing, and is a super nice guy.
PC: Where do you see yourself in five years?
JH: Writing and getting several album cuts by Texas and Nashville artists, and having chart success as a songwriter, with a few country radio singles.
PC: Do you have a preference when it comes to playing, whether it's acoustic or electric?
JH: always acoustic.
PC: What's your fondest career memory so far?
JH: Whew, that's a tough one! I have so many memories playing music and meeting musicians. I would have to say a great memory was when I was called onstage one night & helped perform "Big Shot Rich Man", with Jason Boland & the Stragglers, at a Tulsa,OK. show. I had many friends in the crowd who were cheering and screaming loud! Meeting or watching a high energy JBS show is a real thrill. Also, one night I met and talked with Randy Crouch backstage at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa,OK. It was after a wild red dirt show. That was a blast!
PC: What CD would be found in your CD player right now?
JH: Live & Lit at Billy Bob's Texas, by Jason Boland & the Stragglers.
