Unearthing the Tale: Merle Haggard‘s “The Roots Of My Raising” and “Leonard”
When Merle Haggard’s “The Roots Of My Raising” climbed to the top of Billboard’s country singles chart on March 13, 1976, it marked his remarkable ninth consecutive number one hit, solidifying his status as a chart-topping artist. The song, penned by his dear friend Tommy Collins, carried a nostalgic essence as it lamented the fading simplicity of American life amidst the encroachments of modernity. Collins drew inspiration from his own upbringing on an Oklahoma farm near Bethany, crafting a heartfelt tribute to his roots.
During the song’s development, Haggard and his then-wife Bonnie Owens visited Collins at his home in Bakersfield, California. Even in its unfinished state, Merle recognized the song’s potential and knew he wanted to record it. With the addition of Leona Williams, his future wife, providing the female vocals on the record, “The Roots Of My Raising” became Haggard’s 23rd number one Billboard single.
Five years later, in 1981, Merle sought to express his gratitude to Collins, not only for their two chart-topping collaborations but also for their cherished friendship. He embarked on writing and recording a song called “Leonard,” revealing personal memories and heartfelt appreciation within the lyrics. Crafted during a bus trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, which also spawned their Top Ten duet “The Bull And The Beaver,” the creation of “Leonard” remained a secret until it was ready to be unveiled.
A few weeks later, Collins received an unexpected invitation to one of Merle’s recording sessions. Unaware of the surprise awaiting him, Tommy almost left halfway through the session. Fortunately, a perceptive musician intervened, urging him to stay for the entirety of the session, as Merle had something special planned.
When Haggard recorded and released “Leonard,” Collins was deeply touched by the tribute, which not only honored their friendship but also reignited interest in his own career. The song achieved a respectable #9 position on the Billboard chart, showcasing the lasting impact of Collins’ contributions to the music industry.
Recognized as an influential figure in the development of the “Bakersfield Sound,” Tommy Collins played a pivotal role in the early years of country music. His involvement in the “Town Hall Party” radio series in the 1950s, where a young Buck Owens joined his band, showcased his talent and set the stage for his future success. Collins achieved chart success with hits like “You Better Not Do That” and the original version of “I Guess I’m Crazy,” later popularized by Jim Reeves. His songwriting prowess extended to penning hits like “If You Ain’t Lovin’ (You Ain’t Livin’),” which became a chart-topper for Faron Young and George Strait.
In his later years, Collins continued his songwriting journey, crafting songs for Mel Tillis’ publishing company, Sawgrass Music. One of his compositions, “New Patches,” reached the Top Ten in 1984 when recorded by Tillis. Tommy’s significant contributions to the music industry were acknowledged when he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 1999. He spent his final years on his farm near Ashland City, Tennessee, and passed away on March 14, 2000, leaving behind a rich musical legacy.
The story behind Merle Haggard’s “The Roots Of My Raising” and “Leonard” not only showcases the profound friendship between Haggard and Collins but also highlights the enduring power of heartfelt songwriting. It serves as a reminder of the importance of staying connected to one’s rootsReconnecting with the Past: Unveiling the Story of Merle Haggard’s “The Roots Of My Raising” and “Leonard”
- Album: The Great Merle Haggard Sings
- Artists: Merle Haggard, The Strangers
- Released: 1974
Lyrics
I left the four lane highway took a blacktop seven miles
Down by the old country school I went to as a child
Two miles down a gravel road I could see the proud old home
A tribute to a way of life that’s almost come and gone.
The roots of my raising run deep
I come back for the strength that I need
And hope comes no matter how far down
I sink the roots of my raising run deep.
I pulled into the driveway Lord it sure was good to be there
And through the open door I could see that dad was asleep in his favorite chair
In his hand was a picture of mom and I remembered how close they were
So I just turned away I didn’t want to wake him spoil his dreams of her.
A christian Mom who had the strength for life the way she did
Then to pull that apron off and do the Charleston for us kids
Dad a quiet man who’s gentle voice was seldom heard
Who could borrow money at the bank simply on his word.
The roots of my raisin’ run deep
I come back for the strength that I need
And hope comes no matter how far down
I sink the roots of my raising run deep.
The roots of my raisin’ run deep…
- Artist: Merle Haggard
- Released: 1980
- Album: Back to the Barrooms
Lyrics
When Leonard finally came to California
He was twenty-one years old, as I recall
He loved to write a song and pick on the guitar
And he came to hang a gold one on the wall
The town in which he lived is not important
But you’ll know which town I mean by the time I’m through
He soon became a famous entertainer
But Leonard was a name he never used
He was on his way to having what he wanted
Just about as close as one could be
Hey, once he even followed Elvis Presley
And he wrote a lot of country songs for me
But he laid it all aside to follow Jesus
For years he chose to let his music go
But preaching wasn’t really meant for Leonard
But how in the hell was Leonard s’posed to know
Well, life began to twist it’s way around him
And I wondered how he carried such a load
He came back again to try his luck in music
And lost his wife and family on the road
After that he seemed to bog down even deeper
And I saw what booze and pills could really do
And I wondered if I’d ever see him sober
But I forgot about a friend that Leonard knew
Well, Leonard gave me lots of inspiration
He helped teach me how to write a country song
And he even brought around a bag of groceries
Hey, back before Muskogee came along
Really, I’m not trying to hide his show name
Or the town in which this episode began
Somehow I had to write a song for old Tommy
If just to see the smilin’ faces in the band
When Leonard finally came to California
He was twenty-one years old, as I recall
He loved to write a song and pick on the guitar
And he came to hang a gold one on the wall
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