Back in 2010, country legends Vince Gill and Brad Paisley picked up their guitars and delivered a fiery tribute to Merle Haggard at the Kennedy Center Honors. Their high-energy performance of “Workin’ Man Blues” had the crowd buzzing, proving once again why Haggard’s music is timeless.
Dressed in sharp black-tie attire—a stark contrast to the blue-collar spirit of Haggard’s 1969 classic—Gill and Paisley tore through the song with electrifying guitar solos and undeniable chemistry. As the final note rang out, the man of the hour himself tipped his iconic black cowboy hat in appreciation.
The 2010 ceremony wasn’t just about “Workin’ Man Blues.” Other country stars paid homage to Haggard’s legendary career.
Reflecting on the night, Haggard summed it up perfectly: “It’s the ultimate… It couldn’t be topped.” He also had a little fun with Paisley and Gill’s dynamic, joking, “I enjoyed watching Vince give Brad a lesson—he took a course on ‘Workin’ Man Blues.’ But Brad is so hot and so good.”
The Kennedy Center Honors have long recognized legends across music, theater, dance, and film. Haggard joined a prestigious list of country icons like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton. And thanks to performances like this, his influence continues to live on.
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