I was watching Ken Burn’s wonderful documentary about Country Music last night and was caught by the story of Merle Haggard, one of the legends.
Merle spent some time in San Quentin. Before he got there, he had a long record of escaping in the justice system.
While serving his time, he constantly thought about escaping and was invited by some hardened criminals to join their escape plan.
At the last minute, the leader, who had heard him play the guitar told him: “Don’t go with us. You have a future in front of your with your music.”
Encouragement comes from the most unusual people and places.
This one casual conversation changed the course of his life forever.
The men who did escape, while being recaptured, shot a police officer and paid the highest price for their actions.