Latest News

The YAG Young Actors Guild of Ft. Smith AR was treated to a MasterClass with Gary. Executive Director Missy Gipson arranged for Gary to work with her students who will be presenting the Les Mis School Edition June 14 – June 17 in Ft. Smith. They will be accompanied by the Ft. Smith Symphony Orchestra. Gary helped with character development, blocking scenes, direction, music, staging, and the like. He told them how he was chosen as the first American to portray Jean Valjean on Broadway in Les Miserables and was again selected to record the Grammy award-winning and Platinum selling cast album with the London Symphonic Orchestra. They have already invited Gary to come back to YAG for another MasterClass. He’s awed by this talented group of students and stays in touch with them via Facebook and Twitter.


MasterClass with the Young Actors Guild of Ft. Smith AR

Gary was so impressed that he invited the YAG Les Mis cast to join him at the Van Buren Festival that evening.

Gary Morris performs at the concert at the Lovelace Barn on the eve of the Governor's One-Shot Turkey Hunt to benefit the TWRA Foundation. Gary has been a longtime supporter of this event and participated many times as a celebrity hunter.

Gary with Keith Seagraves, Richard Logsdon, and Johnny Allred

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Foundation
www.twrf.net/Events/GOSTH/GOSTH_homePage.php
www.state.tn.us/twra

Gary Morris at the Opry

Jim Glass accompanies Gary as he performs the second single off the If You Were Mine CD, “Another You” at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday the 13th of April. Following the performance Ricky Skaggs, the host of that section of the Opry, said, “Man it’s good to have you back Gary. That voice is like no other and we’ve missed it. No one else can sing like you.”

Gary also gave a shout out to Skylar Laine, which the Grand Ole Opry tweeted to thousands. As you probably know, Skylar sang “Wind Beneath My Wings” on American Idol and received national acclaim. Gary spoke with her mom, Mary, to lend his support to Skylar. Mary shared with Gary that she was a big Gary Morris fan and had even told Skylar to study Gary’s rendition of his mega-hit on YouTube. Skylar is from Mississippi, as was Gary’s Mom. She also was part of the Les Mis national tour and she loves to hunt. Is there any wonder that Gary Morris is a Skylar Laine supporter?

Gary debuts the third single, “All in the Name of Love” from the If You Were Mine CD at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, April 14, 2012. It received a thunderous applause. Jeannie Seely, who introduced Gary said, “Now we have a very special guest star who has taken his music from Music Row in Nashville to Broadway. I’m a huge fan. No one can sing like Gary Morris.”

Gary joined Daryle Singletary and others for Country Goes Huntin`. Country music entertainers and professional hunters come together, along with, sportsmen and women for a weekend of turkey hunting in Georgia to benefit charities supporting the less fortunate. This is an annual event and the 4th time that Gary has lent his support.


Gary with Daryle Singletary.


Gary performs at the Country Goes Huntin` concert.

L to R: Gary, Miles Schon, Journey's Jonathan Cain, Madison Cain, Chicago's Jason Scheff, and Regions' Lisa Harless. "We rocked Hard Rock. it was a honor to be part of this group!" Gary Morris "Ah buddy, I'm still reeling at how beautiful your voice is Gary!" Jason Scheff

Mark proposed to his girlfriend Lauren on stage!

Mark proposed to his girlfriend Lauren after Gary sang "The Love She Found in Me" and dedicated it to them during the NSAI concert. They came on stage, he proposed, she said yes, and I sang "If You Were Mine." Second time this has happened. Who's next I wonder?

Gary Morris, Jonathan Cain (famed songwriter and longtime member of the band Journey), and Jason Scheff (legendary songwriter and lead vocalist for the band Chicago) will perform at The Hard Rock Nashville as part of the TIN PAN SOUTH series on Saturday night, March 31 at 6:30pm. Tickets are available at the door the night of the show.

FOR MORE on THE HARD ROCK Show:

http://tinpansouth.com/show59_2012.html

Last Week:

Gary Morris was featured on Crook & Chase Gary Morris is Back Gary Morris performed to a standing room only/standing ovation at The Country Network’s LIVE on the LEDGE series at The Hard Rock Nashville Gary Morris was a celebrity guest at Country Goes Huntin` “Another You” video debuted on YouTube

Gary Morris Debuts “Another You” at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum

Fans, friends, music business icons, record producers, Nashville community leaders, other artists, and the media were all part of Gary Morris return to the stages of Nashville. He walked onto the stage of the Country Music Hall of Fame and song, after song, time, after time; he wooed the audience with his vocals. Alone with his guitars, he sang from the heart the words to songs that many in the audience knew by heart. Then he gradually introduced the new material and debuted the second song off his If You Were Mine CD, “Another You.”

Throughout the evening he introduced many to Gary Morris by the telling of tales that brought him to where he is today. The first person to record a song on him, Harold Bradley, was there. The first person to sign him to a record label, Norro Wilson, was there. Fellow artists such as Stella Parton, Linda Davis, Darrell Singletary, Lynn Anderson, and others were there. Bill Carter, the iconic entertainment attorney and TV producer was there. Tom Bedell, the owner of Breedlove Guitars and Two Old Hippies joined the “Fly Lady”, Marla Cilley, and world renowned cardiovascular surgeon Mike Petracke on the front row. And the list goes on and on.


Friends at the Concert meet “The Fly Lady”

New fans, young fans, joined with those who have loved Gary’s music in a rousing standing ovation and as they left the Hall, the word on everyone’s lips was ‘magical.’ There was something very special indeed about this performance, even the staff of the Country Music Hall of Fame, who see more than their share of performances by the greatest of the great marveled and asked for his autograph.


Gary Morris with friend, Dianne Bond


Bill Carter, Gary, Norro Wilson


Gary’s manager, Libby Murphy, with Tom Bedell of Breedlove Guitars

Pat Bunch, who co-wrote “Faith and Freedom,” with Gary sent him a note afterwards where she shared her experience, felt by many that evening.

“I really don’t have words for how wonderful I think your talent is. I really was stunned at how great your talent is and did not want the show to ever end. I was just speechless on both occasions. You not only have the gift of your voice, you are a wonderful entertainer. You are one amazing person. I really meant that when I told my friend that had I been physically able and no other means of transportation I would have set out walking to see that show. That of course is true only after seeing it, so I am not sure it is a fair comment.”
Pat Bunch Price, Award-winning Lyricist

Now on Youtube!

Available for viewing on YouTube are the companion videos for Gary’s first two songs off the If You Were Mine CD, both produced by Alan Messer.

Crook and Chase Countdown

Country Music Legend Gary Morris in a lively and engaged conversation The Crook and Chase Countdown on Premiere Radio Network March 24th and 25th Featuring the best in country music since 1983, hosts Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase brings to the airwaves a lively and engaged conversation with Gary Morris

Find out what Gary has been up too and what he has to say about his new album, "If You Were Mine"

The Crook and Chase Countdown can be heard on over 220 stations in the U.S, 11 Canadian stations and in Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia and on satellite radio at XM57 daily or tune in to RFD-TV network on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. EST or via satellite on My Family, Sky Angel, and Pegasus

****Be Sure to Check Local Listings****

For more information on Gary Morris, please visit www.garymorris.com, or find him on Facebook.com/GaryMorris musician/band, or @garymorristour on Twitter

Gary Morris Partners with BreedLove

Gary Morris is renowned for his powerful and unique voice in genres as distinct as country music and the Broadway stage. He is probably best known for his original performance of “Wind Beneath My Wings,” which won both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music Song of the Year awards. Amidst a wildly successful career in country music, Morris became the first American to assume the leading role of Jean Valjean in Broadway’s Les Misérables. His rendition of “Bring Him Home” anchors the show’s platinum-­‐selling Grammy Award-­‐winning album. He’s honored to have performed for every US President since Jimmy Carter, as well as a command performance for the Queen of England. After a hiatus from music, he has returned to his roots – songwriting, the studio and the stage. Morris debuted the title cut of his latest acoustic CD, “If You Were Mine,” at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry on February 4, 2012; and released a companion video. Ten additional songs will be released throughout the year for download and the completed acoustic CD will be available in November 2012.

Two Old Hippies and Breedlove Guitars are proud to be endorsing Gary Morris as their newest Breedlove Artist. Mr. Morris found the tonality and voice he responded to in a pair of Breedlove Custom Shop guitars. Both guitars have Bear Claw Sitka Spruce tops and Cocobolo back and sides but have different body styles, an Auditorium body and a Jumbo body. The wood combination delivers a powerful punch with great balance and poignant bass notes. The Bear Claw Sitka Spruce top responds with balance and power. The Striking Cocobolo back and sides support a powerful bass response and tonal depth. Both guitars also have other fine Master Class appointments such a wood body binding, a spoked Abalone Rosette and deluxe high gloss finish.

“We are inspired to be working with such an amazing artist,” says Erika Mohr, Artist Relations liaison for Breedlove Guitars, “We feel that the unique voice of Breedlove Guitars with the unique voice of Gary Morris creates a fine pairing.” Renowned for making some of the world’s most extraordinary instruments, the Breedlove Guitar Company is nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Bend, Oregon. Breedlove instruments are celebrated for their impeccable craftsmanship, magnificent tone and unique aesthetic.

Source: www.breedlovemusic.com

Gary Morris at the Grand Old Opry

The Grand Old Opry - The Opry House, Saturday February 4th, 2012 On February 4, 2012 Gary Morris appeared at the Grand Old Opry for the national debut of the title cut off his latest CD, "If You Were Mine." He also performed "Faith and Freedom" dedicating it to America's servicemen and women who listened to the Opry live on the Armed Services network all around the world. Sharing the stage with the legendary Bill Anderson, Charlie Pride, and Diamond Rio; Gary received a tremendous applause at the sold-out Opry House. Bill Anderson who was the host said after Gary's performance, "Well you can go straight to commercial break, because no one is going to follow that."

Gary's son Garon attended with him, as did his longtime friend, Johnny Allred and his two daughters, Brooke and Magen; along with Kevin Kizer and his family from Culleoka TN. Jim Glass joined Gary onstage, adding another guitar to the mix. The Grand Old Opry is a national treasure and continues to represent the sound that is truly America at her best. "It's always an honor to play the Opry. When you walk onto that stage, it's like no other in the world," said Gary.

Gary's longtime friends, Magen, Johnny, and Brooke Allred joined Gary backstage at the Opry.

Megan Allred and Garon Morris backstage at the Opry.

Elk Hunting at the Mountain Spirit

Fred Myers, the executive director of the Union Sportsmen's Alliance, and a few friends including Richard Trumka, the president of the AFL-CIO, joined us at Mountain Spirit for a little elk hunting. Based in Nashville, the USA is a group of Union sportsmen and women committed to preserving our outdoor heritage for generations to come.

We saw a lot of elk, talked a little politics, might have sipped a little whiskey, ate good, and of course enjoyed a little music around the fireplace after dinner. Fred can make gravy that would put most chefs to shame. I was in charge of breakfast a couple of times. My son Sam and friend Johnny Allred who are some of the best hunting guides anywhere were there; they could track anything and did!

The invincible Bill Carter provided plenty of stories to be enjoyed during dinner. He was one of Jimmy Hoffa's attorneys, in addition to representing Keith Richards; managing Reba; helping Fred Smith establish FedEx; and was a secret service agent on presidential detail with JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Now you see that it's not just hunting at Mountain Spirit. Oh and someone put one of my stuffed mountain lions in the center of the dining table instead of flowers and yes, it's still there!

An Elk Hunter's View of Gary's Ranch

Fred, Gary, and Rich out at sunup and sundown looking for elk

Johnny Allred, one of the best hunting guides in the country

Gary and his son, Sam, relax in front of the fireplace

Mountain Lion Table Décor

What would a coffee table at a hunting lodge be without guns, ammunition, a cowboy hat, and a leather carryall?

Johnny Allred listens as Bill Carter holds court!

Richard Trumka

Jack Daniels Tasting to Benefit the American Cancer Society

My friend, Jeff Arnett, is the Master Distiller at Jack Daniel's and he knows his Tennessee whiskey. On this particular night he was conducting a Jack Daniel's tasting to benefit the American Cancer Society preceding my concert. We sipped Old Number Seven, Gentleman Jack, and JD Single Barrel and it's really an interesting session learning about how they turn creek water into fine whiskey!

They've been doing it in Lynchburg Tennessee for a long time and it's one of Tennessee's most famous exports! At another charity auction, I even bought a barrel of Jack and they put the Mountain Spirit logo on the bottles. Jeff Arnett is only the 7th distiller in the history of Jack Daniel's and he is one great guy. If you find your way to middle Tennessee, I suggest you tour the Jack Daniel's Distillery - it's a world class operation. I was honored to have partnered with Jeff and the American Cancer Society to raise some of the much needed funding for research to stop this dreaded disease.

February 13, 2012 - I'm spending a few days at the ranch before heading out again. There's always plenty to keep you busy and the new 13 inches of snow just made it a little harder to navigate around. I got up early, built a fire, drank coffee, worked out with weights, ate breakfast, watched the news, checked emails /Twitter/Facebook, shoveled snow, chopped firewood, ate lunch, shoveled more snow and chopped more wood, and then I went to FaceBook and I was surprised to hear from friends and fans from everywhere. I'm thrilled you like the new song, "If You Were Mine." Here are a few of the places I heard from today:

Van Buren AR, Norway, Tucson AZ, Mableton GA, Champaign IL, Myrtle Beach SC, Rivertown UT, Hilliard OH, Knoxville TN, Nashville TN, Columbus GA, San Diego CA, Turkey, Merryville IN, Douds IA, Palestine OH, Lincolnton NC, Oakdale TN, Houston TX, Abilene TX, Berlin WI, Bloomington IL, Elizabethton KY, Kimberly WI, Georgetown TX, Jackson TN, Kingsport TN, Kansas City KS, Greensboro NC, Columbus MT, Broken Arrow OK, Cedar Falls IA, Edmonton OK, Searcy AR, Breckenridge TX, Huntington WV, Ft. Worth TX, Fremont OH, Portland TN, Thomasville NC, Crown Point IN, Tremonton UT, Franklin TN, Pocatello ID, Charleston WV, Denver CO, St. Louis MO, Pulaski TN, Lafollette TN, Saluda NC, Lebanon TN, Vacaville CA, Willoughby OH, Lumberton TN, Ft. Smith AR, Tampa FL, Scranton KS, Aiken SC, Jefferson City MO, Fowler IN, Covington GA, Elgin TX, Tyler TX, Plainwell MN, Arnold CA, North Richland Hills TX, Mansfield TX, Ashland OH, Los Angeles CA, Jackson MS, Louisville KY, Huntingdon TN, Atlanta GA, Palm Beach FL, St. Petersburg FL, San Antonio TX, Grenada MS, Florence AL, Washington DC, Austin TX, Santa Fe NM, Sedona AZ, Birmingham AL, Newport TN, LaCrosse WI, Ames IA, Cincinnati OH, Rector AR, Paducah KY, Dearborn MI, Baltimore MD, Charlottesville VA, Bangor MA, Kingsport TN, Rockford IL, Newark NJ, Portland OR, Bartlesfield OK, Youngstown OH, Dillon SC, Duluth MS, Lubbock TX, Simi Valley CA, Westerville OH, Tacoma WA, Toone TN, Las Vegas NV, Hornlake MS, Sugar Land TX, Omaha NB, Wilson NC, San Salvador, Culleoka TN, Newbury Park CA, Fort Payne AL, Pearl MS, Dalton GA, Taos NM, Boise ID, Newport RI, Philadelphia PA, Chicago IL, Dyersburg TN, Half Moon Bay CA, Tupelo MS, Daytona Beach FL, Auburn AL, Meridian MS, Chesterfield PA, Hemet CA, Houma LA, Carrollton TX, Georgetown TX, Lexington KY, Picayune MS, Manchester UK, Farragut TN, Cartersville GA, Springfield MO, Nacogdoches TX, Pontotoc MS, and the list goes on.

Elk Chili

2 pounds ground lean elk
1 pint roasted green chilies, chopped
4 large tomatoes
2 large yellow onions
3 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Garlic, to taste
Salt, fresh ground black pepper to taste

Brown the elk in oil and place in a bowl; set aside. Cut tomatoes and onions into small pieces and place in a 2 gallon pot; half fill the pot with water. Bring to a boil. Add chopped peppers and elk. Mince garlic, add to pot and reduce heat. Fill pot with water and cook down by a fourth. Make roux by combining the flour and oil and cooking over medium heat until it reaches a golden color. Add to the chili to thicken and stir until well mixed. Allow to simmer on low temperature. Season the chili to taste with salt and pepper.

CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates)

CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) hosted a guitar pull fundraising event. Performers included Richie McDonald, Gary Morris and Brett James. Lisa Harless of Regions Bank emceed the event. The organization has provided support for over 700 kids who have been victims of abuse or neglect since it was founded in 1997. Gary's youngest son, Garon, joined his dad at the event and assisted Emcee, Lisa Harless, on stage. Garon currently is a member of a band and has playing the guitar and singing for several years - are you surprised?



(L-R): McDonald; Michelle Shirley, Madison County CASA Exec. Dir.; James; Harless; and Morris.


Like father, like son - Garon Morris (far left) joined his dad and other musicians at the event.

A CD review of Faith and Freedom on Music News Nashville

One thing is for sure. Gary Morris was born with one of the most expressive voices of his time. That shows on many of his 1980s hits on Country Radio such as “Leave Me Lonely” and “The Love She Found In Me.” Thankfully, after taking the better part of a decade away from the limelight, Morris is back with a project that is bound to touch a few hearts, and maybe heal a few as well.

With there being so much division and pain in the United States as of late, many of these tracks offer a little bit of hope that some of those feelings might be cast aside. Tracks like the title cut and “Climb Every Mountain” blend well with inspirational classics like “Rock Of Ages” and ”Battle Hymn Of The Republic” to make this album a treat for the ears.

Morris’s voice has lost none of its’ timber, and if nothing else has even gotten stronger with time. He updates his classic “Wind Beneath My Wings” as well as his underrated gem “Anyt.hing Goes.” Though he recorded the latter back in 1985, the lyrics hit home today as much as they ever have.

Welcome back, Gary Morris. It’s been a while. Hopefully, it won’t be as long next time!

Full Article Here

Gary Morris returned to Houston for the second annual Best Cellars Dinner to benefit the T. J. Martell Foundation. Gary auctioned off fishing and hunting trips to Mountain Spirit in support of this worthy cause and helped to raise over $203,000 in one evening. A command performance of "Wind Beneath My Wings," brought in over $10,000 for the Physician Science Program at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, one of the cancer research centers supported by the Foundation. "It was especially meaningful for me this year as Diane, who has worked with me for many years, is battling cancer. Only through research can we find the cure to stop this disease. Events like this enable us to do that," said Gary.

The T.J. Martell Foundation's Best Cellars Dinner is one of the Foundation's signature events that is known for pairing Best Sellers (country music's top selling artists) with Best Cellars (Nashville's top wine collectors) plus an extraordinary gourmet meal prepared by a guest chef.

Sneak Preview of Michael Sloan's portrait of Gary Morris

A few of Gary's friends were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of Faith and Freedom by nationally acclaimed artist, Michael Sloan, of Dickson, Tennessee. A limited number of special edition prints from the original artwork commissioned especially for this project are available at concerts and from the website. Gary has signed and hand numbered each of these 19x19 inch matte prints.

(Right) Award-winning lyricist, Pat Bunch, was inspired to co-write the title cut, "Faith and Freedom," with Gary the moment she saw the painting.

A contribution from each print purchased will benefit TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.)

$50.00

Product ID: GMP-050

Gary Morris Returns to the Grand Ole Opry!

Gary Morris returned to the stage of Grand Ole Opry Friday, August 5, 2011. Following his performance of "Wind Beneath My Wings," and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," the Opry announcer said, "The house is standing and applauding. Wow, I'd hate to follow that voice - it'd be like a teaspoon following a bulldozer." A return to the stage of the Mother Church of Country Music after a 20 year absence, and Gary Morris proves he still has it. One fellow entertainer quipped backstage, "Brother you sure make old Hank proud tonight. That was some performance!"

Fans Give Gary Morris Two Standing Ovations at the Johnny Cash Festival

Over 7,000 fans filled the ASU Convocation Center August 4th for the first Johnny Cash Music Festival. An estimated $350,000 was raised during the Music Festival for work on the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home Project in Dyess AR, Cash's hometown. Joining Rosanne Cash, John Carter Cash, Dailey and Vincent, members of the Cash family, and Kris Kristofferson in the tribute; Gary followed George Jones to the stage to perform the Cash classic, "God's Gonna Cut You Down." The crowd roared, stomped their feet and clapped to the beat of the traditional folk song.

But when Gary began "Wind Beneath My Wings," it was if a hush had blown across the building. "I want him to bring the house down," smiled Bill Carter, the producer of the concert which was filmed for a PBS television special to be aired in early 2012. Half way through the acoustic performance, Matt walked onto the stage and as he began to sing, Gary played the guitar and harmonized. By the time they hit the last note together, Bill Carter got his wish, and the crowd burst into applause and stood to cheer.

No one could top that but Gary Morris as he and Matt eased into the Leonard Cohen masterpiece, "Hallelujah." Still no one moved no one got out of their seats; the blue lights waving across the audience were the only semblance of motion. Gary's son Garon sat and watched as his dad and brother once again brought the house down to the words . . .

(Left) Matt Morris and his brother, Garon Morris, at the Arkansas State University following the Johnny Cash Music Festival

"Now I've heard there was a secret chord That David played and it pleased the Lord But you don't really care for music, do you? Well it goes like this..."

What followed was an unbelievable second standing ovation, the only artist to receive two that evening. It was one of those magical times that Gary got to share with two of his sons. "Honoring 'the man in black,' whose voice knew no one musical genre; and then to follow one of my all-time favorites – George Jones, who is truly in a league all by himself, I'm in awe and so humbled to be invited to help honor Johnny Cash," Gary added.

A July 4th Thank You to our military!

Initially over 28,000 member of the US Armed Services received free MP3 downloads

"It is with pride that I dedicate the title cut from my latest CD, Faith and Freedom, to the members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard," said Gary Morris. This song is being released initially to the members of our armed services around the world to honor their bravery and sacrifice, as we observe the birth of our nation. The members of the military and their families will receive complimentary downloads of the single.

Morris, known for his signature rendition of the classic Wind Beneath My Wings, a string of country hits, his award-winning North American Sportsman television show, and his starring role in Broadway's Les Misérables; has long been an active supporter of America's military. He has performed for every US President since Jimmy Carter, at military bases around the world, and has made guest appearances with various military bands. He has hosted celebrity golf tournaments for TAPS, raising in excess of $1,000,000. Part of the proceeds from this song and art prints of the original art on the CD cover will benefit the military families supported by TAPS.

As we celebrate the 235th anniversary of our nation's independence on July 4, 2011; it's time to say thank you to America's military. These hundreds of thousands of men and women in uniform, now and throughout history, have dedicated their lives to uphold our inalienable rights – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

"As we spend the holiday with family and friends, I ask that you take time to reflect and to thank the members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard who continue to assure us our faith and freedom," added Morris.