The Strangers

The Strangers were an American country band formed as Merle Haggard's backing group. Rooted in the Bakersfield country and honky-tonk styles, their sound combined twangy electric guitar, pedal steel, and steady rhythm work to support Haggard's vocals and songs. Active from the 1960s onward, they were a fixture of Haggard's recordings and live performances and are closely associated with the California country scene.