There have been six haunting final concerts that have left a lasting impact on the music industry. One of these memorable performances was by country legend Merle Haggard, who knew it would be his last. Similarly, Johnny Cash and Daryle Singletary also had their final shows, although Singletary was unaware of it at the time. Nonetheless, Singletary's choice of song to conclude his performance added an extra eerie touch to the evening.
Following the death of Merle Haggard, a touching story circulated claiming that Toby Keith had assisted him in gracefully exiting the stage. However, this account turned out to be false. Toby Keith was not present during Haggard's last performance, and the individual who misled us into believing he was also absent.
In reality, the individual referred to as "that guy" who is an actor named W. Earl Brown, did not attend the show where Keith assisted Haggard in finishing. He simply learned about it from others.
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Taste of Country uncovered a review of what turned out to be Haggard's last performance and found a remarkable moment that deserves as much recognition as the Toby Keith hero story. This is one of six memories from the final concert that are featured in the video above (and in pictures below).
Included in this poignant video are John Denver's final performance, Johnny Cash's last song, and Waylon Jennings' made-for-TV farewell.
Our preferred performance is the Singletary one. If you are acquainted with Johnny Paycheck's song "Old Violin," you know the exact moment he finished it. However, if you are not familiar with it, continue watching.
Here are six last performances from iconic country music artists. Credit for the images goes to Billy Dukes.
In Loving Memory: 40 Country Singers and Songwriters Who Departed Too Early
Credit for Gallery: Billy Dukes
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