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Greetings 405 listener!
The 405 airs over KMMR Radio Station. At 5 Minutes past 4 PM. Normally each M-F week day of the year. Here on the website we'll get it posted for you within a few hours, normally.
Your neighbor and website maintainer,
D.J. Rasmussen
I wanna again welcome you to the 4:05 Coffee Break. Guys, Friday, weekends coming. Get you a cup of coffee, glass iced tea, beverage of your choice. Let's see what's happening. Spring wheat, $5.34 a bushel.
OK Solberg:550lb steer calf, $4.02 $4 dollars and 2 cents a pound, honkin' fright. A butcher hog in Iowa, 57ยข a pound, and a 100 pound fat lamb in Billings will fetch you $2.04 a pound. But guys, there's more, much more. So since Tuesday, I've been sharing about a country music legend. Merle Haggard was born on 04/06/1937 in Oildale, California.
OK Solberg:His life took a dramatic turn in 1946 when his father James Haggard passed away. The loss deeply affected young Merle who began acting out, skipping school, and getting into trouble. With few strong role models and little stability, he quickly fell into a life of petty crime and run ins with the law. By his early twenties, Haggard found himself serving time in San Quentin State Prison for attempted robbery. It was during this dark period that a spark of hope lit the path towards a different future.
OK Solberg:In 1959, while still incarcerated, Haggard attended a performance by Johnny Cash at the prison. The show left a powerful impression on him. Inspired by Cash's music and the redemption it represented, Haggard made a decision to change the direction of his life. Remember this, guys. Only we ourselves can change the direction of our life.
OK Solberg:After his release, he threw himself into music, drawing heavily on his troubled past to shape an authentic and raw sound. His songs gave voice to the working class and those living on the fringes of society. Haggard went on to become one of the most influential figures in country music. Over his career, he scored an astonishing 38 number one hits, including classics like Okie from Muskogee, Mama Tried, and the Fightin' Side of Me. Though known for his outlaw image and rough beginning, faith in God remained a constant thread throughout Haggard's life.
OK Solberg:He often spoke about his belief and faith in God. He told how it sustained him through his struggles with addiction, relationships, and the burdens of fame. While he wasn't overtly religious in all his music, many of his songs hinted at a spiritual longing and an awareness of grace and redemption. Merle Haggard's journey from a troubled youth to a country music legend stands as a testament to the power of transformation, perseverance, and faith. He passed away on his 79th birthday.
OK Solberg:What? He passed away on his 79th birthday, 04/06/2016, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the soul of American country music. End of quote. I encourage you to pull up a few of Merle Haggard's songs. If I may, I'd like to suggest Working Man Blues and The Fighting Side of Me.
OK Solberg:Working Man Blues talks about the challenges the normal working person encounters, like you and me. If there's truth to the statement misery loves company, you'll like this song. I gotta buy my kids a brand new pair of shoes so I keep on working. Then he also sings, I've never been on welfare and that's one place I won't be, I'll be working. Reminds me of a Bible verse.
OK Solberg:It says in first Thessalonians three ten, for even when we were with you, we would give you this command. If anyone is not willing to work, let them not eat. Here's to the working man, Troy and Blake and Cohen and Chelsea and Nina and all the rest. In his song fight inside of me, Merle Haggard expresses, I hear people talking bad about the way they have to live here in this country, harping on the wars we fight, griping about the way things ought to be. I don't mind them switching sides and standing up for things they believe in.
OK Solberg:But when they're running down our country, man, they're walking on the fighting side of me. They're walking on the fighting side of me, running down a way of life our fighting men have fought and died to keep. Oh, shoot. I can't do it justice. You pull it up yourself and let Merle sing you that song.
OK Solberg:The weekend's near. I pray you have an enjoyable and peaceful weekend. So until next time, as you go out there, remember now, don't be bitter.