Merle Haggard, the influential singer-songwriter who passed away in 2014, has gained fresh recognition thanks to Ethan Hawke’s documentary Highway 99: A Double Album, which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. This film offers a more thorough exploration of Haggard’s life and music, addressing the risk that the country icon might otherwise be predominantly remembered for just one song, Okie From Muskogee. Hawke’s film embraces the complexities of Haggard’s legacy, shedding light on the man behind the music and his enduring influence on American country culture.
Blending Archival Footage with Contemporary Performances
Highway 99 extends over three hours and creates a rhythmic flow reminiscent of the train songs that marked parts of Haggard’s past, reflecting his days as a freight-hopper. Hawke sustains viewer engagement by weaving archival material with performances from about 30 well-known artists within Americana and country music, including Norah Jones and Jason Isbell. These acoustic covers punctuate the documentary like chapters in a book, providing fresh interpretations of Haggard’s work and revitalizing his songs for new audiences.
Despite the many guest performances, it remains Haggard’s undeniable magnetism that serves as the main draw, a testament to the deep connection he forged with fans and fellow musicians alike. Notably, two of his ex-wives even rejoined his band, the Strangers, after their divorces, highlighting the compelling mix of charisma, professional respect, and personal history that surrounded him.
Intimate Insights into Haggard’s Early Life and Personal Struggles
The documentary opens with Ethan Hawke driving through Bakersfield, California, Haggard’s hometown, discussing his own early exposure to the musician’s work via cassette tapes. These scenes provide a visual companion to many of Haggard’s revealing audio interviews, compensating for the scarcity of filmed footage of the singer himself. This narrative choice offers viewers a tangible sense of Haggard’s roots while allowing his own words to take center stage.
Haggard’s lifelong struggle with the death of his father at the age of nine is a central theme in the film. The emotional wound from this loss echoes through his youth, during which he became a juvenile delinquent, spending time in and out of institutions where he endured violence. The documentary reveals that Haggard escaped from 17 such facilities before turning 21, framing a turbulent early life marked by hardship and resilience.
I’ve had the shit kicked outta me, and I’m surprised at my own integrity, that I don’t hate people,
Haggard is recorded saying, capturing the balance of hardship and a surprising kindness that defined much of his character.
The picture that emerges from these accounts contrasts sharply with Haggard’s reputation as a tough, sometimes abrasive figure. Audience members learn of his presence at Johnny Cash’s famed San Quentin concert, an event that played an important role in his personal and artistic development. Despite his outlaw past, Haggard was reluctant to make it a public part of his persona until Cash encouraged him to be open about it on television.
Navigating the Contradictions of a Country Legend
The documentary does not shy away from exploring the contradictions inherent in Haggard’s music and public identity. While he wrote the progressive anthem Irma Jackson addressing interracial love, he also produced the more conservative and controversial songs Okie From Muskogee and Fightin’ Side of Me. Toward the end of his career, he even released
Let’s Put a Woman in Charge,
which served as a campaign song supporting Hillary Clinton. These shifts reveal a complex man whose views and artistic expressions often defied simple categorization.
Personal Anecdotes and Lesser-Known Stories Enhancing the Portrait
The film offers lighter moments through stories shared by Haggard’s contemporaries, including Dolly Parton, who recounts a late-night phone call from Haggard expressing his admiration, and Rosanne Cash, who shares insights into his fascination with UFOs and the paranormal, exemplified by his interest in the radio show Coast to Coast. A recorded four-hour call Haggard made to the program is featured, adding a layer of curiosity and depth to his personality.
Final Reflections on Haggard’s Enduring Influence
The documentary concludes with an evocative interview Haggard conducted with Ken Burns in 2014, shortly before his death. Rosanne Cash notes that Haggard agreed to do the interview at a time when he knew his days were numbered, offering it as a favor. Despite his weakening condition, Haggard’s spirit shines through, reflecting his ongoing journey toward self-acceptance. Ethan Hawke’s film thus stands as both a tribute and a nuanced exploration that restores the full humanity of Merle Haggard, ensuring his legacy reaches beyond a single song.
