Merle Haggard performs in concert at Harrahs Resort in Atlantic City, N.J., in this May 3, 2014 file photo.Country fans, especially the ones who might like a little eye candy as well as something pleasant for the ears, will love Sam Hunt. He’s one of the hot young things in Nashville right now thanks in part to his hit “Leave the Night On.”
The surprise of the evening might be blues guitarist/singer Carolyn Wonderland. She’s really good and worth checking out. And, if you’ve never seen them, local glam rockers The Unsatisfied are also a good choice.
But tonight’s the night when two legends appear on the same stage. Leon Russell, who has worked with everyone from Bob Dylan to George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Elton John, will bring his blend of rock, gospel, country and blues for the early set on the Coke Stage.
Headliner Merle Haggard is country music royalty, responsible for some of the greatest songs in music. “Mama Tried,” for example, is one of the best songs ever written in any genre and he’s the act not to miss tonight, especially if you’ve never seen him.
Known as the Working Man’s Poet, Haggard is also responsible for such classics as “Workin’ Man Blues,” “Sing Me Back Home,” “The Fightin’ Side of Me,” “Daddy Frank” and “Okie From Muskogee.” In fact, the Hag has 38 No. 1 hits to his credit, so bring your singalong voice. See him at 9:30 tonight on the Coke Stage.