Joe Nichols Shares His Appreciation For Merle Haggard

Joe Nichols says he owes a lot to Merle Haggard. He tells CMT Hag "taught" him how to sing, explaining, quote, "I spent many hours alone in my room with a Merle Haggard tape or a CD, just repeating it over and over -- trying to mimic his singing and trying to do what he did." And now Joe is expressing his appreciation to Haggard for another reason. Merle recently said Joe was one of the few current country stars carrying on in his tradition -- an endorsement Nichols admits he was surprised and thrilled to receive. He considers it "an incredible compliment," especially since he's a big Haggard fan and has been greatly influenced by the country legend. Joe adds, quote, "I hope I always continue to have the Merle Haggard element to what I do." Nichols is currently promoting his first "Greatest Hits" collection. The album includes his latest single, "The Shape I'm In."