Music legend Merle Haggard has died at age 79. A country legend who should be appreciated for capturing the struggles of the American workingman in his songs, Haggard's influence was also key to the rise of the alt-country/Americana subgenre.

(Photo courtesy Capital Records.)

Dad Rock is a music podcast from USA TODAY, hosted by Patrick Foster and Jim Lenahan. Please subscribe on iTunes. You can also stream or download the show on SoundCloud, Stitcher or TuneIn.

Please tell your friends about Dad Rock and rate/review the show on iTunes.

Learn more about Dad Rock at dadrock.usatoday.com

Follow Dad Rock on Twitter @DadRockShow

Like Dad Rock on Facebook at facebook.com/dadrockshow

Email Patrick & Jim at [email protected]

Leave a message on the Dad Rock Hotline: 571-424-1984

Listen to playlists of songs from Dad Rock on Spotify: Search "Dad Rock Show"