Synopsis. Country music star Merle Haggard was born in Bakersfield, California, on April 6, 1937. Originally a troubled youngster who served time in San Quentin prison, Haggard grew to become a country music legend.With 38 No. 1 hits and 250 original songs, Haggard remains one of the best-known and most covered artists in country music.aggard was married to Leona Hobbs from 1956 to 1965, and to Buck Owens's ex-wife and fellow country singer Bonnie Owens from 1965 to 1975. Two more failed marriages followed—to backup singer Leona Williams and to Debbie Parrett.