you heard them you thought would really make it in the music business?

Merle Haggard: Lefty Frizzell and Elvis Presley.

CARRIE59HOST: Out of all the songs that you have recorded, can you name three that are your favorites?

Merle Haggard: "Mama's Hungry Eyes," "Working Man Blues," and "That's the Way Love Goes."

CARRIE59HOST: Has there ever been a song that you have passed on recording only to have it become a big hit for someone else?

Merle Haggard: "Delta," "Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind," and "You Were Always on My Mind" ...(never was sorry.)

CARRIE59HOST: What is your favorite song from your "If I Could Only Fly" album?

Merle Haggard: "Listenin' to the Wind."

CARRIE59HOST: What would you call the absolute high point of your career in country music?

Merle Haggard: When Lefty Frizzell put me on stage.

CARRIE59HOST: What do you think about the direction that country music has taken over the last few years?

Merle Haggard: Have no interest.

CARRIE59HOST: Do you feel some entertainers should be calling themselves "pop" instead of "country?"

Merle Haggard: I don't categorize singers.

CARRIE59HOST: What is your most favorite musical accomplishment in your career?

Merle Haggard: Being able to rub shoulders & being accepted by the greatest players in the world.

CARRIE59HOST: Who is your favorite country singer?

Merle Haggard: Lefty Frizzell.

CARRIE59HOST: If you had the chance to meet and record with anyone in country music (past or present) who would you choose?

Merle Haggard: Bob Wills.

CARRIE59HOST: I have read that your youngest child is showing all the signs of being musically inclined. What would be your advice to him if he wants to be a country music performer when he gets older?

Merle Haggard: Learn everything he can.

CARRIE59HOST: Are there any plans to continue re-releasing your older albums?

Merle Haggard: Absolutely.

CARRIE59HOST: I know the controversy of the issue has died down, but what were your thoughts on the release of the George Strait Alan Jackson duet "Murder On Music Row?"

Merle Haggard: No comment.

CARRIE59HOST: You seem like such a down home, down to earth cowboy. How did you stay that way with all your fame and fortune? I think you are an incredible talent!

Merle Haggard: There's one thing I never did do, and that was stink.