Merle Haggard lines up roadwork following cancer scare

Merle Haggard has booked an extensive run of live appearances this spring and summer as he bounces back from his surgery last fall to treat lung cancer.

The country legend kicks off the slate Feb. 4 in Colusa, CA, and has about 20 dates lined up over February and March, with a few more appearances slated for early summer, including a June 14 slot at the Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester, TN. Dates are below.

In November, Haggard underwent surgery to have part of his lung removed. He later revealed that he had undergone the surgery after being diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer.

"I think we can stir up some good humor out there among the folks that are crying for good news, and just give them a moment's happiness," he said in a statement announcing his intention to tour again after the cancer scare.

Haggard's most recent album, 2007's "The Bluegrass Sessions," is also his first foray into bluegrass music. Released on Del McCoury's record label, the set, which shot to No. 1 on Billboard's Top Bluegrass Albums chart, includes some new tunes, several reworked Haggard classics and some bluegrass standards.

Earlier this month, Haggard penned a song to commemorate Barack Obama's Presidential inauguration. The lyrics to the track, "Hopes Are High," are currently posted at the singer's website.