Lorrie Morgan
Loretta Lynn Morgan was born to make music.
Barely a teenager when she made her first, and everlasting, impression on country music fans, its legends and the community, Lorrie Morgan, a child of the Opry, staked her claim as being one of the youngest to have made his/her debut at the Mother Church of Country. Taking center stage at the Grand Ole Opry, alongside her father, George Morgan, young Miss Morgan performed her rendition of “Paper Roses.” –Lorrie Morgan, however, was no “imitation,” she was as pure and authentic as a freshwater pearl.
Three short years later, after her dad’s passing, Lorrie became a road warrior to launch her own career, touring with her father’s band. Walking in her father’s footsteps, she kept his memory alive while winning countless fans encroaching her rights to become a front-and-center entertainer. Applauded for her talents and commitment to country music and her heritage, Lorrie made history of her own when she became a lifetime member of the Grand Ole Opry at the age of twenty-five; Lorrie was the youngest person ever to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Today, Lorrie has become the essence of country music femininity. Having blossomed from a bright-eyed Opry starlet to carrying the torch for many a lady trendsetter—Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette—Lorrie Morgan has become a renaissance woman of the genre recognized as royalty by her fans and her peers. Lorrie’s confidence in her sexuality opened the door for many a female artist who walked in her path; her glamour and grace brought “Hollywood” to the format.
Her whirlwind life and career have earned her valuable lessons and timeless stature among her peers and music enthusiasts and enabled her a confident sense of self that shines through in her music like a late afternoon sunglow through the stained-glass windows of the Ryman Auditorium.
“One of my biggest struggles in the earlier years was to gain confidence in myself as a performer–to close a show behind a singer’s singer, an artist who was on the cusp of the cutting edge, or a known fan favorite. It took me a while to see myself as a stylist–that I no longer had to sing other artists’ songs; I could sing my own and create my own identity. I’ve finally grown into my own shoes and they’re mighty comfortable.”
Lorrie inked her first recording contract in 1988. As an RCA recording artist, and later on the roster of its sister label, BNA, Lorrie made her mark with what have now become timeless country standards, “Five Minutes,” “Something In Red,” “Watch Me” and “What Part Of No” to establish her place as a bright and shining country star—a modern woman making country music history.
Lorrie’s success is defined by her love of a great song and ability to sell it. A woman made of character, stamina and, most importantly, embraced in a shadowy blue-green aura, her music is a reflection of her heart and life.
“There is no doubt, my personal life has, from time-to-time, grabbed more attention than my music. That’s sad in one way because there is no “how-to” book on life; we just live it the best we can and when we make mistakes, that’s all part of our growth. Everyone goes through growing pains. Whether in sad, painful, or in what may have appeared to have been dramatic’ times, I feel blessed to have experienced all of it–the emotions and the experiences. I make no apologies; I’ll take what I can use to teach my children, my grand children and share in my music.”
Over the past twenty some-odd years, as musical trends came and went and her personal life rose and succumbed to the turbulent, changing tides, Lorrie has remained true to herself—unshakable.
“Life experiences, life choices, a music career and the commitment alone can make you ‘hard’—some may identify it in another term. But. I think that’s a misperceived misperception! If you listen carefully, sadness, revelation, willpower and tenderness are revealed.”
Without pretending, nor pretension, Lorrie’s musical stories are as truthful and telling as a carefully crafted painting. The colors as they appear on the canvas are brilliant yet mysterious, thoughtful yet tempestuous, and her sultry, flawless vocals make it oh, so real.
“I have been a daughter, a bride, a mother, a divorcee, a widow, a single mother, a grandmother, a breadwinner, and ultimately, a survivor. It seems, in many ways, that I am a living, breathing country song and I know what I sing. My music and songwriting has a healing power for me personally, and I these days, that’s what I aspire to be, a compelling and captivating music poet!”
A poet indeed… Lorrie has written and recorded more than 15-plus of her own songs over the course of her career.
A singer, songwriter, worldwide entertainer on the performing and theatrical stage, a producer, duet partner, wife, mother and now, a grandmother, Lorrie Morgan the songstress has sold over six million records and a trophy room adorned with reminders of gold and platinum successes (including fourteen top ten hits, twelve recorded albums and four Female Vocalist of the Year awards). Her duet partners have included the likes of Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams and The Beach Boys. She’s performed on Broadway and abroad.
Lorrie’s life story and decorated career attracted the executives of ANR Records. Lorrie is pleased to introduce her documentary entitled Beyond the Interview: Lorrie Morgan (from ANR Records) which includes up-close, intimate conversations with Lorrie who shares stories of her childhood and growing up backstage at the Grand Ole Opry; she reveals her road to stardom and discusses with candor her much publicized personal life (including her marriage to and the death of country legend Keith Whitley). Filmed, in part, at Lorrie’s home, the piece is a candid look behind the scenes of Lorrie’s life and career and features special appearances by family, friends and industry peers, some of the folks Lorrie has “moved” in his/her life as well as Lorrie’s all-time personal musical favorites.
Like a freshwater pearl, Lorrie Morgan is a natural gem that shines in a palette of colors. Her music, her life, her heart–black, white, lavender or pink, the overtones reflect her light.