Country music newcomers Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry, along with K102 deejay John Hines, had the honor of introducing Merle Haggard, one of country music’s biggest superstars, to the Winstock crowd last year.

Haggard made his way from his bus up to the stage to perform some of his greatest hits.

Standing almost in awe in the wings of the stage were fellow country singers Mark Wills, Montgomery Gentry, and Bryan black. They see Haggard as a musical role model and were just as honored to see a Haggard performance.

After his show, I made my way back to Haggard’s bus to see if I would be able to speak with him.

I had been told over the phone by his publicist that interviews would not be available. But thanks to a nice tour manager and some luck, I was finally able to speak one-on-one with Merle Haggard.

Once on board his bus, he immediately told me how much he enjoyed the festival-type atmosphere of the show.

He said that there was open air, a good sound, and a great crowd. He said that touring rejuvenates him and keeps him going.

As long as he stays healthy and everything continues to go well, he plans to keep doing about 10 gigs a month for 10 months of the year. He likes to take time off for the holidays and then it’s back to work on New Year’s Eve.

I asked Haggard, who has written more than 200 songs, where he finds the inspiration to write songs.

“Those songs just about tell and explain the complex personality of Merle Haggard, I think. Everything is inspirational. I don’t force write. I don’t go leave in a pickup with somebody and come back with a song,” said Haggard.

“They come about naturally, and like I said, I don’t try to force it. It is something that comes from my heart. I try to write from the heart. It’s all inspirational.”

Haggard is very proud of his most recent release, a double gospel album, titled “Cabin In The Hills.” It was released about nine days ago and is available in stores now.

“It’s a good body of work, and it features two or three standards of the gospel music, but most of it is new. It features a friend of mine, Albert E., and I think that Merle Haggard fans will really like it,” he said.

When Haggard is not on the road, he concentrates on raising his second family. With his wife, Theresa, he has a 7-year-old son named Ben and a daughter named Janessa, who is 10.

“I’ve got a couple kids now, and I have a second chance at being a father. I really get a kick out of being home. We’ve got a place out where there’s a lot of wildlife and fishing. So we spend a lot of time together. I’m trying to raise them like they don’t have any money, and teach them to work for the things they want out of life,” said Haggard.

About his music, Haggard said: “As long as the people enjoy it as they did long ago, I guess we’ll just keep on doing it. Health is everything — if I can stay healthy, and am able to do it, I will keep doing it.

“I believe it is a blessing that I am gifted with the ability to please a lot of people. It’s not an ordinary gift; not something to be scoffed at; so I’ve got to do it as long as I can.”

After a few more questions and pictures, Mark Wills came on the bus to get an autograph for his grandfather, and to speak to Haggard about his career.

Here were two of country music’s best on the same bus talking about the business. It was a touching thing to see a country music superstar, and someone who is heading to that same status talking.

Haggard’s advice to Wills: “When it stops being fun, then it’s time to quit.”

Merle Haggard has performed for well over 40 years. It has never stopped being fun for him.