[ZMG]

"Inspired him to straighten up .. . . ."

That says it all.

Anyone who knows anything knows that Merle was already singing--he just did not take it as serious as he could have at the time.

Again, you may want to read a little closer--and then learn a little more about Merle.

Also--if you asked every musician (today) who they were influenced by--99 times out of a 100--they are going to say Merle--not Johnny "I can't write my own songs" Cash.

Tell you what, I've been doing research and can only find informaton pointing to Cash coming up with his sound before Haggard. Maybe you can do some research and point me in the direction that says otherwise.