The Strangers are an American country band best known as the backup band for singer-songwriter Merle Haggard. Formed in 1965, the band primarily consists of Roy Nichols (lead guitarist), Norman Hamlet (steel guitarist), and Haggard's ex-wife, Bonnie Owens. Their music style is a blend of traditional country, honky-tonk, and western swing, which significantly contributed to the Bakersfield sound, an influential subgenre in country music. Notable works include their contributions to Haggard's hits like "Okie from Muskogee" and "The Fightin' Side of Me."