The Strangers started out in 1968 as a bar band in Bakersfield with lead singer Merle Haggard. The band consisted of members Roy Nichols, Biff Adams, George French and Kenny Blackwell. With the release of their first single, “They’re Tearin’ The Labor Camps Down,” in 1969, they were quickly signed to Capitol Records. They went on to release many successful singles, including “Tulare Dust,” “Smoke From A Distant Fire,” “Sing Me Back Home,” “Everybody’s Had The Blues,” and “I’m A Lonesome Fugitive”. The Strangers released nine studio albums during the 1970s, before they officially disbanded in 1978. They are considered one of the pioneers of the Bakersfield heartbeat, and their influence can be heard in many modern country music acts.