School was not an environment he liked or especially wanted.
His youthful rebellion started with truancy before he was ten years old. Before long (and often later), that would get him into considerable trouble. Even at that age, he did what he wanted and said what he felt. Although only a boy, Haggard had a wayward nature and a strong independent spirit. His father’s passing was as central a moment in his life as his time in prison and the friends he made there. Watching Johnny Cash during Cash’s legendary San Quentin show helped set him on the path to stardom, but he never forgot San Quentin, Chessman, or Kendrick he was never able to.īorn in Oildale, California on April 6, 1937, Haggard’s beloved father died in 1945 when he was only eight years old. After his release, Haggard’s time in prison, especially having known Chessman and Kendrick, informed both his music and his life. While at San Quentin, Haggard would talk frequently with Chessman and pal around with Kendrick. Chessman was already a celebrity, jailhouse lawyer, and respected writer. Bunker too became a respected writer and occasional actor. Kendrick had always been a full-time felon and would never be anything else.
#EDDIE JAMES KENDRICK PROFESSIONAL#
The story of county music legend Merle Haggard, jailhouse lawyer and author Caryl Chessman, and professional criminal James “Rabbit” Kendrick is an unlikely tale of five convicts, two executions, and a surprising redemption. Johnny Cash never served any time but played many prison shows, including San Quentin and Folsom. Petty crook Haggard was in the audience and went on to become a legend of country music. As today is the sixtieth anniversary of the execution of James 'Rabbit' Kendrick, here's a free chapter from my latest book ' Murders, Mysteries and Misdemeanors in Southern California.
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