Merle Haggard is one of the only country stars to be able to sing songs like “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive” and “Mama Tried” and sound truly believable. This is because he lived those songs, to an extent.

Memorably described as "living hell" by Johnny Cash, San Quentin has long been one of the USA's most infamous prisons. However, it's now receiving a Nordic-style makeover that will focus on fostering ...