LORRIE MORGAN
THE COLOR OF ROSES
She’s celebrated for many her rich contributions to country music, including the platinum-certified Something in Red and the gold-certified War Paint, and now Lorrie Morgan adds another engaging title to her prolific catalogue, with her first Image Entertainment multi-format live recording, The Color of Roses on DVD, VHS, cassette and a double CD set. As one would expect from the multi-hued Morgan, The Color of Roses, filmed at Nashville’s Tennessee Performing Arts Theatre, is a vivid concert experience, in which the Grand Ole Opry member not only does what she’s best known for, but also is at her best with a lavish bouquet comprised of Morgan’s own prolific catalogue of material.
Morgan rollicks with her road band – Greg Stocki (drums), Joshua Motohashi (dobro, steel guitar), Kyle Tullis (bass), Randy Flowers (lead and acoustic guitars, harmonies), Alan Johnson (mandolin, acoustic guitar, fiddle, harmonies), Mark Oliverius (keyboards, harmonies), Wendy Hicks (harmonies) and band leader Brittany Allyn and then transitions effortlessly to symphony orchestra, in which her diversity as an entertainer blooms in Broadway show tunes and standards.
As for the selection of cover songs in her captivating performance, drawn from Morgan’s Secret Love album, she states, “It was very important to incorporate them into the project, because that music is a part of what I’m about, and that’s being very romantic.”
In fact, Morgan’s innate romanticism has gracefully coexisted with her staunch country sensibilities since her 1989 platinum-certified debut Leave the Light On, and the equally successful 1991 sophomore effort, Something In Red. While three platinum-selling albums in a row is an odds-defying feat, Morgan’s 1992 release, Watch Me, rounded out the gleaming trio. Her entire collection of albums, including Merry Christmas from London (1993), War Paint (1994), Greater Need (1996), Shakin’ Things Up (1997), Secret Love (1998), My Heart (1999), and several others, is laced with precious metal.
From a demo singer for music publisher Acuff-Rose and a resulting first recording contract with Hickory Records, Morgan has blossomed into one of the most successful and consistent female country artists today. As a vocalist, songwriter, musician and performer, she’s always fresh, exciting, and inspiring.
“I enjoy being a woman, being creative, going through different phases. I’m not afraid of a change,” Morgan assures.
The Color of Roses follows Morgan’s 2001 collaboration album, I Finally Found Someone, with now husband Sammy Kershaw. The collection of mostly duets afforded Morgan the opportunity to get in touch with her inner writer, something she hopes to do more of in the future.
“Songwriting is a great way of expressing myself, my heart, my fantasies – whatever it may be,” Morgan says.
Her creative roots are expanding and flourishing in other directions, as well.
“I am working on a book about country music,” reveals newlywed Morgan, whose literary credits also include Forever Yours, Faithfully. “I’m also workin’ on a movie script, and I’m gettin’ ready to do an album project with [longtime Morgan producer] Richard Landis. I have a lot of things in the making right now. Plus, Sammy and I are busy with our restaurant, HotChickens.com.”
These are more career highlights yet to come from Morgan, who received TNN / Music City News awards for Female Artist of the Year (1998, 1997, 1996, 1994), Vocal Collaboration of the Year (with Jon Randall, in 1997; with Keith Whitley, in 1991), CMT Female Vocalist of the Year (1992), and CMA awards for Album of the Year (1994) for “Common Thread,” Songs of the Eagles, and Vocal Event of the Year (with Keith Whitley, in 1990). Morgan made her acting debut in the TNN movie Proudheart, which was nominated for a Cable Ace award, and she was named the National Cosmetology Association Stylemaker of the Year (1993).
Though modest to a fault about all of the accolades, Morgan sites her greatest professional achievement as “being made a member of the Opry in 1984. I think it was the same day my dad [the legendary George Morgan] was made a member years before that – and I really don’t think it was planned.”
As for Morgan’s three platinum, one double platinum and four gold albums, she insists, “It was a personal thing; something I set out to do and it happened. I’m not one of those entertainers that toot their own horn.
“But I love to play my guitar, I can tell you that.”
