CMT News

Although he's already featured on more than 25 greatest hits albums, a new compilation, Hag: The Best of Merle Haggard, will feature recordings he made for five different record labels. To be released Sept. 11 by Capitol Nashville/EMI Music Catalog Marketing, the single-disc collection features 26 tracks, including 14 of Haggard's No. 1 singles among the material he recorded for Capitol, MCA, Epic, Anti and Compendia. The package also features "I'm Leaving Now," a duet with Johnny Cash recorded in 2000, and other collaborations with Willie Nelson and Toby Keith. Liner notes were provided by 96-year-old Country Music Hall of Fame member Ken Nelson, Haggard's longtime producer at Capitol.