Merle Haggard

Photo: Courtesy, Vanguard Records

A birthday tribute to the music of Merle Haggard planned weeks ago for tonight in Fayetteville has taken on a new meaning after the country legend passed away earlier today.

The event, planned for 7 p.m. at Maxine’s Tap Room, was supposed to be in celebration of Haggard’s 79th birthday today (Wednesday, April 6.)

Instead, a more reverent tone may be appropriate after the singer died early Wednesday at his home from complications from pneumonia.

Owner Hannah Withers said the show came together several weeks ago when local Merle Haggard Tribute Band, Tulare Dust (after Haggard’s song of the same name), approached them with the idea for the birthday tribute.

“We just thought it sounded like fun,” she said.

With as much Merle Haggard as has been played on the jukebox inside those walls at Maxine’s over the years, we can’t think of a more appropriate setting for a tribute.

Local outlaw country tribute band, Outlaw Hippies, will close out the evening.

Tears will be shed. Whiskey will be consumed. RIP, Merle.