Profile in Callers and Cuers

A native of Cheyenne, WY, Jerry's calling career began in 1956 but it was strictly an avocation until 1967 when he relinquished his full-time job with the Air National Guard. He "took to the road" and in the years that followed he called in all 50 states and the majority of the Canadian Provinces as well as several foreign countries for clubs, festivals and week-end and week-long vacation institutes. He was featured twice on the American Square Dance Profile Personalities (1969 and 1979). In 1972 Jerry became a charter member of CALLERLAB, served on its Executive Committee and was a member of its Board of Governors for almost a decade. In 1973 he became a winter instructor and caller in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas along with teaching and cueing rounds. At that time there were no other callers or cuers in the area doing the full program. Today there are almost fifty. He maintained his permanent residence in Wyoming and continued to tour during the spring, summer, and fall. Described as being one of the first in a new generation of callers, Jerry was a major influence on square dance music and did much with his participation on Wagon Wheel and Chaparral Records to popularize a very "special" sound for modern, contemporary square dancing. As a leader in the activity for many years, Jerry has always maintained high standards, which in turn, have been an influence on a new generation of callers and teachers. Together with his wife, Sherry, the Haags have won many friends in square dancing and they share as role-models for young, married couples everywhere. Jerry was awarded Callerlab's highest honor of the Milestone Award in 1992. He retired from calling in 2010 and passed away on June 3, 2020.