One last thought

The Best of the Best

By LINDA ROUNTREE MONTS

I come from a very large family (#9 of ten Rountree children). My mother, many of my siblings and their children were and are very talented when it comes to music. While I am not one of the gi ed ones, I do have a love for music. As music lovers know, everyone has a favorite. is surely applies to me. It was love at rst sight when I saw Merle Haggard in Longview in the 60’s. Not only was he a handsome, gorgeous, blue eyed entertainer, his voice was better than anything I had ever heard. From that date, Jimmy and I have traveled miles and miles to see our favorite. For many years, I would plan my vacation around Merle’s schedule which worked out quite well. My co-workers always knew that I was a huge Hag fan and some would ask, “how many times have you seen him?’” or “have you ever met him?”. Of course the answer was yes that I had met him but not sure how many times I had seen him. I wish I had kept a log of our concerts attended. One day Jimmy and I sat down and wrote down the concerts that we could remember. I am sure that we missed some, but the count was at 34 and we have seen him twice since. When I retired a er 30 years from Lone Star Steel/ U.S. Steel, among the nice gi s received was my most favorite, a trip to see Merle Haggard. at is how well they knew me there.

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