As Rolling Stone notes, Haggard did have positive words for young country singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson, but said Simpson was the only one he respected. As far as the others, Haggard was quite blunt:

“I can't tell what they're doing,” he recently told The Forum of Fargo-Moorehead, speaking candidly about the current leaders of the genre he once helped popularize. “They're talking about screwing on a pickup tailgate and things of that nature. I don't find no substance. I don't find anything you can whistle, and nobody even attempts to write a melody. It's more of that kids stuff. It's hot right now, but I'll tell you what — it's cooling off.”

Haggard's words may sting, but he's never been known to beat around the bush. In fact, it's precisely his candid, outspoken lyrics that have garnered him legions of fans and admirers. What do you  think of Haggard's sentiments? Has contemporary country music lost its way?

Article Source: Rolling Stone

Photo Source: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach