Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Presents
Merle Haggard Tribute Concert Featuring: Ben & Noel Haggard and Special Guests
Back in 1969 when country music mega-star Merle Haggard recorded the “live” album called Okie From Muskogee, he could never have guessed that fifty-five years later he would be honored with a statue of his likeness in front of that same venue or that after the statue is unveiled there would be a tribute concert with his sons and lots of other talented artists on stage playing his music. But here we are today, as we prepare for that day, October 10, 2024.
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The Concert
In a musical tribute to their father, Ben and Noel Haggard will headline the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame (OMHOF) fund-raising concert after the unveiling. The string of well-known hits by their legendary father will be enthusiastically welcomed by the proud folks in and around the Muskogee region. Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Executive Director Tony Corbell says, “this has to be one of the most exciting things that has happened for Muskogee in quite a while. To have these guys, these voices playing the songs that their father made famous going to be pretty special.”
In addition to the Haggards, local favorite recording artists and former contestants on NBC’s “The Voice”, The Swon Brothers will be coming to town with their fabulous band to play and pay tribute. We currently have commitments from past OMHOF inductees and other artists (and more are being added) who consider it an honor to pay tribute to the country music legend who inspired so many in their musical journeys.
The Statue
Just over a year ago a commission was sent out for artists to bid on a project to sculpt a statue of the iconic singer/songwriter/musician that would serve as a commemorative landmark to honor the man that brought so much recognition to the city of Muskogee. The Merle Haggard statue advisory board received numerous bids and samples of work from all over the country. After much consideration, they found the perfect sculptor for the project. The statue is being created by world-renowned bronze artist Benjamin Victor. From his Boise, Idaho studio, Ben has carved incredible pieces of art that are on display all over the world including our nations’ capitol, Rome, Italy and much more. Everything about the artwork of Merle is meant to be meticulously to scale and he has been created in such a way that visitors can sit next to him on a stool for pictures that will reveal “Old Glory Waving Down at The Courthouse” (as in the song lyrics) in the background, only a half-block away. The statue unveiling happens at 5 p.m. in front of the Muskogee Civic Center and there is no cost to attend. Tickets are required for the concert that follows.