ike father, like son. In this case, that means hard-driving, real-deal, legendary country music forged by the late, great Merle Haggard. Merle lives on in this extraordinary tribute to his music and songs by his youngest son. Ben joined his father’s band at 15 years old and was specifically directed by his dad to bear the torch as long as there were people who wanted to hear Haggard music. Now a songwriter in his own right, Ben follows in his daddy’s footsteps, sometimes wearing Hag’s boots but often striking out on a path where he can make a little of his own thunder.