Haggard receives lifetime honor at CMT awards show

BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Merle Haggard took top honors at the Country Music Television "Artists of the Year" broadcast.

"I'm thrilled to say today's biggest stars picked a man that forged the Bakersfield sound and set the stage for the outlaw movement. A musical giant who understands the working man blues better than anyone, the great Merle Haggard," said Billy Bob Thornton.

The Country Music Hall of Famer received the first- ever "Artist of a Lifetime" award i