For the last year, I've been working on a series of youtube videos called the Stars of Steel which feature biographies on different steel guitarists, country and non-country. I'm presently working on a video titled Merle Haggard: The Ralph Mooney Years. I will discuss the 5 Haggard albums on which Ralph Mooney played, a bit about the back story, Ralphs style, the Bakersfield sound, etc.
I can find only 1 televised performance that appears to show Ralph Mooney performing with Merle (Swinging Doors/Branded Man) -on the Country Music Holiday Show (1968).
I cannot find any photographs from their brief time together. Does anyone have a Mooney/Haggard, picture from this era 1964-1968, a link to other video footage, or even, any additional details you'd like to share for the project?
Thank you
ryan@ryancook.ca
iHonkyTonk
Ralph Mooney/ Merle Haggard mini documentary
Moderators: Dave Mudgett, Brad Bechtel
-
Ryan Cook
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 13 Jun 2025 5:00 am
- Location: Thailand
-
scott murray
- Posts: 3100
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
- Location: Asheville, NC
Re: Ralph Mooney/ Merle Haggard mini documentary
I’m not aware of any footage of Moon with Merle, including photos. the only Country Music Holiday clips I can find on youtube feature Norm Hamlet.
before that, there’s some Buck Owens Ranch episodes with Fuzzy Owen on steel, and this one with Red Rhodes all doing their best to sound like Moon!
the earliest film footage of Moon I’ve seen is with Waylon Jennings in August 1971
and this Hee Haw footage looks to be around the same time, aired in Feb 72
before that, there’s some Buck Owens Ranch episodes with Fuzzy Owen on steel, and this one with Red Rhodes all doing their best to sound like Moon!
the earliest film footage of Moon I’ve seen is with Waylon Jennings in August 1971
and this Hee Haw footage looks to be around the same time, aired in Feb 72
Emmons LLIII D-10, 10x12 • JCH D-10, 10x12 • Beard MA-8
-
Colin Boutilier
- Posts: 110
- Joined: 24 Jan 2024 6:00 am
- Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Re: Ralph Mooney/ Merle Haggard mini documentary
Moon only toured with Merle until late '67, so you'd have to hunt for footage from 65-67 and see what you can find. I don't think I've any seen any footage, myself, and I've been watching Merle clips since the dawn of internet videos.
Sierra Session S12U, Carter Starter, USA Little Buddy, Austin dobro, B/G Bender Telecaster, '75 Twin Reverb, '75 Super Reverb 1x15