Ethan Hawke’s documentary, Highway 99: A Double Album, shines a compelling light on the life and legacy of country music icon Merle Haggard, illuminating both his artistic genius and his personal struggles. The film premiered recently at the Telluride Film Festival and emphasizes Haggard’s remarkable journey from a troubled upbringing in Oildale, California, to becoming a significant voice in American music history.
Merle Haggard’s early life was fraught with adversity. Growing up as the son of Dust Bowl refugees in a town marked by poverty, he escaped juvenile detention and prison multiple times, exhibiting a resilience that would later translate into his music. "Oildale is and has been struggling with real poverty," Hawke highlights during interviews about the film, pointing out the lack of basic infrastructure and community resources. Despite lacking a formal education, Haggard’s determination and innate talent allowed him to transcend his circumstances.
Rediscovering Merle Haggard’s Significance
One of Hawke’s driving motivations for creating Highway 99 stems from a desire to reaffirm Haggard’s greatness at a time when many have forgotten him. While well-known songs like “Mama Tried” and “Okie From Muskogee” permeate popular culture, Hawke argues that they mask the depth of Haggard’s contributions to music and society. "It did seem people had kind of forgotten about him," he notes, underlining the need to revise this narrative.
After Haggard’s passing, fellow musician Willie Nelson reflected on Haggard’s unparalleled songwriting abilities, emphasizing that he remains one of America’s most extraordinary musical talents. Hawke’s film aims to remind audiences of this truth. Haggard’s songs often encapsulated the struggles and feelings of the working class, making him a voice for the oppressed and marginalized.
A Voice for a Divided America
Additionally, Hawke sees Haggard as relevant to current societal issues. In an era of heightened political polarization, Haggard’s music functions as a bridge, resonating with diverse viewpoints. "He wasn’t left or right," Hawke asserts, emphasizing Haggard’s humanist qualities, which made his work relatable across the political spectrum.
Haggard consistently advocated for honesty and empathy in storytelling, whether through songs addressing the plight of undocumented immigrants or exploring race relations, as seen in his 1972 song "Irma Jackson." The latter, while initially suppressed by the record label due to fears it would harm his image, poignantly depicts an interracial relationship challenged by societal prejudice.
Haggard’s Political Engagement
The documentary explores Haggard’s complex relationship with political themes. He was not afraid to address controversial issues, writing songs like “America First” in response to the Iraq War and expressing his support for Hillary Clinton during the 2008 election with “Let’s Put a Woman in Charge.” Hawke presents these facets of Haggard’s character to underline that his work cannot easily be categorized; he embodied contradictions, speaking out on various issues while staying grounded in his roots.
Through this layered narrative, Hawke captures the essence of Haggard not only as a musician but also as a social commentator. "You can’t hold up a mirror to one half of a person or a community," Hawke reflects, quoting fellow musician Jason Isbell to emphasize the need for introspection in a divided society.
The Structure of Highway 99
Hawke organizes the film around a series of Haggard’s songs, each illuminating different aspects of his life. This approach allows viewers to engage with Haggard’s personal history while simultaneously appreciating the artistry that brought him acclaim. By using Haggard’s lyrics to complement the biographical narrative, Hawke crafts a rich and engaging exploration of the musician’s journey.
The titular Highway 99 serves as a thematic thread throughout the film. This highway traverses California’s Central Valley, representing both Haggard’s roots and the very path that led to his eventual legacy. It symbolizes the journey of a man who, despite numerous setbacks and challenges, navigated his way toward acclaim while remaining in touch with his humble beginnings.
Conclusion
In Highway 99: A Double Album, Ethan Hawke has created more than just a documentary about Merle Haggard; he has revived appreciation for a figure who is often overlooked in contemporary discourse. By examining Haggard’s life through the lens of his music, Hawke highlights the enduring relevance of Haggard’s work and reminds us of the pain and triumph of the human experience.
As America continues to grapple with its own complexities, Haggard’s songs remain poignant commentaries on societal struggles, urging empathy and understanding. Through Hawke’s dedicated exploration, Highway 99 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of music as a vehicle for storytelling—a bridge toward healing and connection in a divided world.
