Tony L. Corbell, Executive Director
Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame
918-687-0800
[email protected]
www.omhof.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Merle Haggard Statue Unveiling and Tribute Concert to Take Place Where it All Began
Ben and Noel Haggard to honor their father with tribute concert at the Civic Center in Muskogee
Muskogee, OK, July 3, 2024 – 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.
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.
“I am profoundly moved and humbled to have received the commission to create the sculpture of Merle Haggard. The “Okie from Muskogee.” I was raised in a lower middle-class family in Bakersfield, Ca, just a stone’s throw away from where Merle was born and raised. In fact, I was born in the same hospital. From the Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace, which my oldest brother helped build, to the songs that my dad played on guitar for us as kids, we all had a great appreciation and certainly a reverence for Merle Haggard.” – Benjamin Victor, Artist
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 hitsby 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.
From Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Inductee, Mr. Vince Gill
“Join the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 for the unveiling of the statue, by world renowned sculptor Benjamin Victor and followed by a benefit concert for the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame that will honor Merle in the grand way he deserves. Merle inspired and encouraged many of us on the musical path we have been on and now we have an opportunity to celebrate him in the town he put on the map, Muskogee, Oklahoma USA.”
Save-the-date
Don’t miss this exciting and historical event October 10, 2024. Tickets on-sale for the Merle Haggard Tribute Concert will be announced soon. The statue unveiling event is free to the public and will precede the tribute concert. More information can be found on the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame website at omhof.com.
About the Oklahoma Music Hall of FameThe Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame hosts induction ceremonies and concerts and houses a wonderful music museum. OMHOF serves as an icon in the state and beyond for music lovers of all genres. In short, Oklahomans have had a profound impact on the world’s music culture.
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Media Contact:
Carol Matza
Oklahoma Music Cafe PR
918.504.3255