Almost anyone within a ten-mile radius of Keith Richards knows not to mess with him. Known as one of the greatest riff-writers of his generation, Richards has maintained his reputation as a rock ‘n’ roll badass for decades.
From crafting iconic riffs for tracks like “Brown Sugar” to seemingly defying aging, Richards is an untouchable figure. However, even a guitar god can get rattled, and when Richards came face to face with country legend Merle Haggard, he found himself shaking in his boots.
Though country music may seem worlds apart from rock, Richards has always been drawn to its storytelling style. Artists like Chuck Berry and Ray Charles influenced him just as much as country icons like Johnny Cash, with each lyric capable of breaking hearts and mending them in just three minutes.
Even with The Rolling Stones’ rebellious image, many of their country-inspired tunes carry the same emotional weight. Their association with country-rock artist Gram Parsons only added to this flavor, but Richards and Mick Jagger had already woven soul into tracks like “Sway” and “Coming Down Again.”
In country circles, Merle Haggard was untouchable. Though country-rock figures like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson were equally iconic, Richards’ guitar playing and melodies drew heavily from Haggard’s catalog of heartfelt ballads. Even Richards’ rendition of the Robert Johnson classic “Love in Vain” echoed the sounds of Haggard’s country playbook.
But despite their musical common ground, Richards wasn’t prepared when he met Haggard in person. Recalling a rehearsal alongside rock legend Jerry Lee Lewis, Richards was caught off guard when he realized the man next to him was Haggard himself.
“He’s wearing one of those straw Stetsons and a grizzled beard,” Richards said. “He looks at me and gives me a grin, and I give him a grin. I get through two more bars of the song and suddenly realize it’s Merle Haggard. I almost lost it. I’m sitting next to one of the greats. He turns ’round, gives me a nod, and we carry on. I managed to get through the song.”
While it’s amusing to imagine Richards as a starstruck fan, it’s understandable given Haggard’s influence on him and the Stones’ music. Having someone who shaped your entire sound sitting next to you can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re unsure of their opinion on your work.
Would Haggard be impressed or envious of songs like “Dead Flowers” reaching such success?
In the end, music itself became the best bridge between Richards and his hero. Words can only go so far in describing admiration, but making music together is perhaps the purest way to connect with someone you idolize.
