Product Details

Branded Man is a classic 1967 title track and studio album by Merle Haggard and The Strangers that explores the harsh social stigma of life after a prison sentence. The Song Release Date: July 1967 as a single via Capitol Records. Chart Success: Reached Number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Meaning: It tells the true-to-life story of a man who paid his debt to society but still faces suspicion and prejudice because of his criminal record. Connection to Haggard: The lyrics mirror Haggard's own real-life experiences and time spent in San Quentin Prison. The Album Release Date: August 1967.Production: Produced by Ken Nelson. Songwriting: Haggard wrote or co-wrote seven of the twelve tracks. Sound: Features the signature Bakersfield sound with prominent pedal steel guitar work by Ralph Mooney. Other Hits: Includes the track "I Threw Away the Rose".