NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legendary country crooner Gary Morris has been named as the newest inductee into the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame. Morris joins country music icon Loretta Lynn, John Denver, Doug Kershaw and Johnny Paycheck, who are among recent inductees.
“I am honored and humbled to be one of this year’s inductees into the Hall,” states Morris. “There is so much incredible talent in Colorado. I’m glad an organization like this exists to help promote music education in schools so we can develop the next generation of country artists.”
Morris will headline an induction concert scheduled for Sunday, October 16 at 2:00 pm at Dougie G’s Lounge & Showroom in Thornton, Colorado.
The Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame (CCMHOF) was established in 1999 to support, preserve and promote country music in the state of Colorado. The purpose of the CCMHOF is to recognize and honor individuals, living or dead, who have contributed to the advancement of country music in Colorado.
Morris has enjoyed one of the most versatile careers in the entertainment business, ranging from numerous hit records on country radio as well as the stage – where he became one of the first major country music performers to conquer Broadway in the 1980s.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Morris won a talent show along with his sister – while in the third grade – with a performance of the standard “This Old House.” It would be his first taste of the view from the stage. An athlete while in high school, Morris still often performed music – particularly during his college days. The singer made a living performing on the Colorado club circuit, and soon attracting the ear of legendary producer Norro Wilson.
Wilson signed Morris to a recording deal with Warner Brothers in 1980, and hit the Billboard Top-40 with his first two singles. However, his third release – “Headed For A Heartache” hit the top ten, peaking at No. 8. The success of that record led to more such hits, such as “Dreams Die Hard,” “Velvet Chains,” and “The Wind Beneath My Wings.” His performance of the latter helped earn songwriters Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley the Song of the Year award from the Academy of Country Music – five years before Bette Midler’s hit Pop version.
Morris tallied his first number one in 1984 with the rollicking “Why Lady Why,” which kicked his career into an even higher level. Songs like “100% Chance Of Rain” and “Leave Me Lonely” kept him at the top of the charts. His single “Lasso The Moon” was featured in the motion picture Rustler’s Rhapsody, and his 1986 duet with Crystal Gayle, “Makin’ Up For Lost Time,” was included in the soundtrack to the 80s hit TV series Dallas.
Morris also pursued an acting career of his own in the 1980s with a stint on the Dynasty spinoff The Colbys, playing the role of Wayne Masterson. But, his most successful role from the stage was playing the role of Jean Valjean in the Broadway presentation of Les Miserables. He also contributed to the production’s million-selling soundtrack. Morris also paired with Linda Ronstadt for a run of the Puccini opera La Boheme.
Morris has spent the past few years touring, as well as indulging in one of his greatest passions – the outdoors.
For more information on Gary Morris, visit www.GaryMorris.com.