Watch Merle Haggard and Toby Keith Join Willie Nelson to Sing “Mama Tried” at the Wiltern in 2004

In May 2004, Willie Nelson assembled many of his famous friends at the Wiltern in Los Angeles, California. The night included appearances from the likes of Toby Keith, Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan, Joe Walsh, Al Green, Keith Richards, and many more. Nelson captured the star-studded event for his 2004 live album Angels and Outlaws and a TV special of the same name.

The night saw Nelson performing a long line of hit songs from his discography and beyond. For each song, he called up a guest to join him onstage. When it came time to perform Haggard’s classic “Mama Tried,” Nelson summed Hag and Toby Keith to the stage. Watch the legendary trio perform the country classic below.

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[RELATED: Story Behind The Song: Merle Haggard, “Mama Tried”]

Merle Haggard, Toby Keith, and Willie Nelson Take on “Mama Tried”

“I would like to bring two of my very favorite best friends back out here. Merle Haggard has been a big influence on Toby Keith all of his life. And, like Merle, Toby sure has had a big influence on country music in the last few years,” Nelson said, introducing them. “So, here they are—Toby Keith, Merle Haggard, and me.”

The song’s instantly recognizable intro played as Nelson introduced Keith and Haggard. Then, he joined them in front of a full band to perform the country classic. Haggard and Keith took turns singing the verses and came together for the choruses. Nelson, stayed behind them and added his guitar to the mix.

“Mama Tried”

Merle Haggard wrote “Mama Tried” and released it as the lead single and title track from his 1968 album. It went to the No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and stayed there for four weeks. It was Haggards’ fifth No. 1 and his biggest hit to date. Additionally, it would go on to be his signature song.

More importantly, “Mama Tried” was a personal song for Haggard. While he was never sentenced to life without parole, he did do time in San Quentin for robbery before starting his music career. In the song, he celebrates his mother’s attempt to raise him right and laments the pain he caused her.

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