It Doesn’t Get Anymore Country Than Merle Haggard Buying a Round of Shots for a Bunch of Texans

One of the great things about Fort Worth is a big 'ol place called Billy Bob's Texas.

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Billy Bob's Texas

Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth is the World's Largest Honky Tonk.   The building was built in 1910 and used to house those precious cattle for the Fort Worth Stock Show.  It was once even home to a department store.  Then 43 years ago on April 1, 1981, the World's Largest Honky Tonk opened.

The Biggest Names in Country Music and more

Legendary artists have walked the Billy Bob's stage and performed in the iconic honky tonk.  Most anyone who is anyone has a Live at Billy Bob's album.

It's no accident that this historical honky tonk in the Fort Worth Stockyards has broken records and made records.   It is also no accident that one of the biggest outlaws in country music ended up on stage and in the record books

Guinness Book of World Records

In 1983, Merle Haggard entered the legendary Guinness Book of World Records when he bought a round for the entire Billy Bob's Texas crowd. This was during the era when he released his new hit single with George Jones, C.C. Waterback.

Of course, that round of shots was 5,095 shots of Canadian Club Whiskey.  That is almost 60 gallons of whiskey if each shot was a full 1.5 oz, and 39 gallons if they were 1 oz pours.  The Hag's bill was $12,737.50.

Has the Record Been Broken?

Unfortunately in 2016, Box Steam Brewery in the UK purchased 412 drinks to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday.  According to Wine and Spirits, the claim was based on gallons consumed not drinks purchased.  Merle never knew about this because he passed away in April 2016, and this didn't occur until June 2016.

However, we believe that Merle still holds the world record in our hearts.