Merle Haggard's Hit Song 'Big City' Inspired by Tour Bus Driver

The country legend's 1982 No. 1 single was born from his friend's disdain for the 'dirty old city' of Los Angeles.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:53pm

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In 1982, Merle Haggard scored his 27th No. 1 country hit with the song 'Big City', which was inspired by a conversation with his longtime tour bus driver, Dean Holloway. Holloway's blunt remark about hating the 'dirty old city' of Los Angeles kicked off the song's first verse, and Haggard went on to write the rest of the track, crediting Holloway as a co-writer.

Why it matters

Haggard's ability to turn his friend's offhand comment into a chart-topping hit showcases his talent as a songwriter who could find inspiration in everyday experiences. The song also highlights the close relationship between Haggard and his crew, with the singer crediting Holloway for his creative contribution.

The details

After a recording session at L.A.'s Britannia Studios, Haggard returned to the tour bus to check on Holloway, who bluntly told the singer, 'I hate this place. I'm tired of this dirty old city.' Haggard grabbed a pad of paper and began writing, incorporating Holloway's words into the first verse. He then asked Holloway where he'd rather be, which inspired the song's chorus about wanting to be 'somewhere in the middle of Montana'. Haggard rushed back into the studio, had the band unpack their instruments, and 'Big City' was born the next day.

  • On April 5, 1982, 'Big City' hit No. 1 on the country music charts.
  • In December 1966, Haggard released his first No. 1 hit, 'The Fugitive'.
  • Haggard and his band had just wrapped up a two-day recording session at Britannia Studios in Los Angeles when the inspiration for 'Big City' struck.

The players

Merle Haggard

A country music titan who sent 37 singles to the top of the charts, including his 27th No. 1 hit, 'Big City', in 1982.

Dean Holloway

Haggard's longtime tour bus driver, whose disdain for the 'dirty old city' of Los Angeles inspired the lyrics to 'Big City'.

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What they’re saying

“I hate this place. I'm tired of this dirty old city.”

— Dean Holloway, Tour bus driver

“If it were up to me, it'd be somewhere in the middle of damn Montana.”

— Dean Holloway, Tour bus driver

“We didn't have an ending, but the band came up with one they thought I'd like and ran me off as we wound down.”

— Merle Haggard

The takeaway

Haggard's ability to turn his friend's offhand comment into a chart-topping hit showcases his talent as a songwriter who could find inspiration in everyday experiences. The song also highlights the close relationship between Haggard and his crew, with the singer crediting Holloway for his creative contribution.