Mr. Hag Told My Story is the twenty-first studio album by American country music artist Johnny Paycheck. The album was released in March 1981, via Epic Records. It was produced by Billy Sherrill.
The album is a tribute to Merle Haggard, with Paycheck covering ten of Haggard's songs.
Critical reception
AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine described it as a "sterling example of what a tribute album can be," and praised its emotional authenticity, saying it stands among "the great late-night honky tonk records in the country. The Richmond Times-Dispatch called the duets with Haggard "fine performances" and predicted strong appeal to fans of Paycheck's previous work with George Jones. Roberta Penn of The Rocket praised the record as a "living tribute" that elevated both performers, despite noting Paycheck's spoken intros as a minor flaw.
In Bob Claypool's review for the Houston Post, he noted that it was "altogether fitting" that the artist who had performed the tribute album form, Haggard himself, should be honored in such a thoughtful and respectful way.
The North Bay Nugget praised the "heart-breaking, tear jerking" qualities of Paycheck's delivery and concluding that the album "reflects Paycheck's whole purpose" as a deeply autobiographical musical statement.
Track listing All tracks written by Merle Haggard except where noted. On digital releases, every track is listed as being sung alongside Haggard, despite only three tracks featuring his vocals.
Personnel Johnny Paycheck – vocals Merle Haggard – vocals, electric guitar Biff Adams – drums Jim Murphy – steel guitar Billy Sherrill – producer M. C. Rather – mastering Jim Williamson – engineer Ken Suesov – engineer Ron Reynolds – engineer Ronnie Dean – engineer Russ Bracher – engineer Steve Pouliot – engineer Slick Lawson – photography The Strangers Ronnie Reno – acoustic guitar Dennis Hromek – electric bass Roy Nichols – electric guitar Gordon Terry – fiddle Don Markham – horn, saxophone, trumpet Mark Yeary – piano Norm Hamlet – steel guitar
Charts + Weekly chart performance for Mr. Hag Told My Story Chart (1981) Peakposition US Top Country Albums (Billboard) 40
References