Merle Haggard's Life in Pictures

Legendary country singer Merle Haggard died Wednesday on his 79th birthday, after a battle with double pneumonia, which forced him to cancel a string of shows in recent months. Known for tunes like "Okie from Muskogee" and "Mama Tried," the California-born star got his start after seeing Johnny Cash perform while he was serving time in San Quentin State Prison for breaking and entering a local roadhouse. After decades in the music industry and honors from the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Kennedy Center, Haggard leaves behind a long and stunning legacy.