Introduction:
Merle Haggard on Watching Johnny Cash Perform in Prison
Merle Haggard recalled being in the audience as a prisoner at San Quentin when Johnny Cash performed. This was on New Year’s Day, 1958. Cash had just been in San Francisco the night before, performing so much that he could barely speak. Haggard thought, “This guy’s in trouble—there are 5,000 men here, he can’t talk or sing. How is he going to pull this off?”
At that time, country music wasn’t as respected as it is now, and Cash’s visit wasn’t considered “cool” in the prison. Before starting, Cash asked a guard for a glass of water, humorously mocking him in front of the audience. The prisoners, who would never dare mock a guard, were instantly captivated.
Haggard, already known as a talented guitarist among the inmates, found himself even more admired after Cash’s performance. Other prisoners asked him to show how he played the intro to Folsom Prison Blues, giving him newfound clout in the yard.
Reflecting on Cash’s talent, Haggard described him as incredibly intelligent. Many of Cash’s musical choices weren’t accidental—they were deliberate, showing a deep understanding of his craft. Haggard also touched on how technology has changed the music business, noting that platforms like iTunes allow artists to bypass traditional record companies.
Haggard shared his own early life of trouble—running away from home at age 10, stowing away on freight trains, and spending time in over a dozen juvenile institutions. By the time he arrived at San Quentin at 19, he was classified as one of the most dangerous inmates due to his history of escape attempts. Initially, he wasn’t allowed to participate in activities like music, but after 18 months, his classification was adjusted, allowing him to play on the “warden show,” a performance event that rewarded him with small luxuries like a steak dinner.
Haggard reflected on how jail exposed him to hardened criminals and the allure of crime. He idolized figures like Bonnie and Clyde and John Dillinger, seeing crime as a more realistic path than music. Still, he managed to pursue music even in prison, playing on the football field, running small businesses, and honing his craft.
When asked about his song Sing Me Back Home, Haggard confirmed it’s one of his deepest and most personal works. Drawing on his prison experience, the song resonates with listeners—even those who haven’t been jailed—because it conveys genuine emotion and understanding of incarceration.
Haggard concluded by expressing gratitude to the interviewer for the time spent discussing these memories.