Gene Watson’s Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as ‘the singer’s singer’ – and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson’s Peers, who were contacted during 2014, were most gracious with their time and words.
It is here, within this special part of The Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from Gary Morris, which he submitted to this site on Thursday 16 January 2014.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Gary Morris who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Gary Morris
This quote was submitted on Thursday 16 January 2014.
‘Gene Watson put the ‘T’ in Texas music’
Thank you, Gary Morris, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Gary Morris…
Gary Morris was born Gary Gwyn Morris on Tuesday 7 December 1948 and is an American country music artist, who charted a string of countrypolitan-styled hit songs throughout the 1980s.
Gary Morris is known for the 1983 ballad, ‘The Wind Beneath My Wings’, which was written by Larry Henley (Wednesday 30 June 1937 – Thursday 18 December 2014) and Jeff Silbar, although his credits include more than twenty-five other chart singles on the Billboard country music singles chart, including five No.1 hit singles.
Gary Morris has also released nine studio albums, with his 1983 album ‘Why Lady Why’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1983) having earned a ‘Gold’ certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Gary Morris has two siblings, a twin sister, Carey, and younger brother, Mark. Although Gary Morris was best known for pop-oriented hit singles in the 1980s, he was descended from a long line of traditional country singers, who sang hard-twang country music and also gospel music.
Gary Morris’ family moved from Fort Worth, Texas to North Richland Hills, Texas in the late 1950s. While in the third grade, Gary Morris and his sister won a talent show after singing their rendition of the pop music hit single, ‘This Old House’, which was originally popularised by Rosemary Clooney (Wednesday 23 May 1928 – Saturday 29 June 2002).
Gary Morris, a good athlete, played four sports at Richland High School, which led to a scholarship with Cisco Junior College in Texas. It was during college that singing became Gary Morris’ chosen vocation, and he decided to move to Colorado.
Gary Morris and his two friends formed a trio, and asked a Colorado Springs bartender if they could get up on the bandstand and perform a few songs. The audience’s response, and tips, convinced Gary Morris to put his college plans on hold and to pursue a performing career.
In the early 1970s, Gary Morris made a living by singing in nightclubs in Denver, Colorado. Gary Morris also wrote a few commercial jingles for Frontier Airlines.
In 1976, Gary Morris signed on with Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign and sang at fundraisers during Jimmy Carter’s campaign. This job led to Gary Morris performing at The White House following Jimmy Carter’s election. In the audience was Nashville country music producer, Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017), to whom Gary Morris later gave a demo tape.
Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) liked what he heard, and soon signed Gary Morris to his record label, Warner Bros. Records.
In 1980, Gary Morris signed his recording contract with Warner Bros. Records.
In 1981, Gary Morris saw the release of a non-album track, ‘Fire In Your Eyes’, which reached No.40 on the Billboard country music singles chart in early 1981.
On Monday 15 March 1982, Gary Morris saw the release of his self-titled debut album, ‘Gary Morris’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1982), which included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Sweet Red Wine’ (written by J. Tim DuBois and Randy DuBois) (No.40, 1980)
‘Headed For A Heartache’ (written by Kent Blazy and James Dowell) (No.8, late 1981)
‘Don’t Look Back’, which was written by Gary Morris and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020) (No.12, 1982)
‘Dreams Die Hard’, which was written by Chick Rains (Wednesday 5 November 1941 – Friday 21 January 2022) (No.15, 1982)
Gary Morris’ self-titled debut album, ‘Gary Morris’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1982), also included the following tracks:
‘Something’s Falling’ (written by Michael Clark)
‘When I Close My Eyes’ (written by Gary Morris)
‘I Can Tell By The Way You Dance’ (written by Sandy Pinkard and Robb Strandlund)
‘Dancin’ The Night Away’ (written by Gary Morris)
‘No Place To Hide’, which was written by Gary Morris and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020)
‘Day By Day’, which was written by Gary Morris and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020)
Gary Morris’ self-titled debut album, ‘Gary Morris’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1982), reached No.39 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982.
On Wednesday 17 August 1983, Gary Morris saw the release of ‘Why Lady Why’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1983), an album which focused more on ballads, and which included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Velvet Chains’ (written by Kevin Welch and Ron Hellard) (No.9, 1982)
‘The Love She Found In Me’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) and Bob Morrison (No.5, 1983)
‘The Wind Beneath My Wings’, which was written by Larry Henley (Wednesday 30 June 1937 – Thursday 18 December 2014) and Jeff Silbar (No.4, 1983) / Gary Morris’ version of this track garnered both The Academy of Country Music (ACM) and The Country Music Association (CMA) Awards for ‘Song of the Year’
‘Why Lady Why’, which was written by Gary Morris and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020) (No.4, 1983)
Gary Morris’ ‘Why Lady Why’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1983) also included the following tracks:
‘I Can Feel The Fire Goin’ Out’, which was written by Troy Seals and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020)
‘Runaway Hearts’, which was written by Troy Seals, Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020) and Gary Morris
‘I’d Be The First To Fall In Love Again’
‘The Way I Love You Tonight’, which was written by Gary Morris and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020)
‘Again’
‘Mama, You Can’t Give Me No Whipping’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024)
Gary Morris’ ‘Why Lady Why’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1983) reached No.6 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1983.
In July 1983, Lynn Anderson (Friday 26 September 1947 – Thursday 30 July 2015) saw the release of ‘Back’ (Permian Records, 1983), which included ‘You’re Welcome To Tonight’, which was written by Jim Hurt, Larry Henley (Wednesday 30 June 1937 – Thursday 18 December 2014) and Grant Boatwright; the track, which was a duet with Gary Morris, reached No.9 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1983.
On Monday 2 April 1984, Gary Morris saw the release of ‘Faded Blue’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1984), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Between Two Fires’ (written by Jan Buckingham, Sam Lorber and JD Martin) (No.7, 1984)
‘Second Hand Heart’, which was written by Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016), Harold Tipton and Craig Karp (No.7, 1984)
‘Baby Bye Bye’ (written by Gary Morris and Jamie Brantley) (No.1 for one week in March 1985)
Gary Morris’ ‘Faded Blue’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
‘Roll Back The Rug & Dance’ (written by Gary Nicholson, Don Cook and John Jarvis)
‘Whoever’s Watchin’ (written by Gary Morris and Kevin Welch)
‘All She Said Was No’, which was written by Gary Morris and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020)
‘Miracle’ (written by Mac McAnally)
‘West Texas Highway & Me’ (written by Gary Morris)
‘Bed of Roses’, which was written by Gary Morris and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020)
‘Faded Blue’ (written by Brian Neary and Jim Photoglo)
Gary Morris’ ‘Faded Blue’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1984) reached No.12 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984.
On Monday 15 July 1985, Gary Morris saw the release of ‘Anything Goes’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1985), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I’ll Never Stop Loving You’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) and JD Martin (No.1 for one week in November 1985)
‘100% Chance of Rain’, which was written by Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Austin Roberts (No.1 for one week in April 1986)
‘Anything Goes’, which was written by Gary Morris and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020) (No.26, 1986)
Gary Morris’ ‘Anything Goes’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1985) also included the following tracks:
‘Back In Her Arms Again’
‘South December Road’
‘Heaven’s Hell Without You’, which was written by Gary Morris and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020)
‘Dragging The Lake For The Moon’ (written by John Scott Sherrill, Bob DiPiero and Gary Morris)
‘Try Getting Over You’ (written by Michael Bolton and Doug James)
‘Wildflower’ (written by Doug Edwards and Dave Richardson) / this track was released as a single in 1986, and reached No.21 on the Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Chart in February 1986
‘What You Gonna Do About Her’ (written by Mac McAnally and Gary B. Baker)
Gary Morris’ ‘Anything Goes’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1985) reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985.
On Monday 18 August 1986, Gary Morris saw the release of ‘Plain Brown Wrapper’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Honeycomb’, which was written by Bob Merrill (Tuesday 17 May 1921 – Tuesday 17 February 1998) (No.27, 1986)
‘Leave Me Lonely’ (written by Gary Morris) (No.1 for one week in February 1987)
‘Plain Brown Wrapper’ (written by Gary Morris and Kevin Welch) (No.9, 1987)
Gary Morris’ ‘Plain Brown Wrapper’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986) also included the following tracks:
‘Better Than The New’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024)
‘Today I Started Loving You Again’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 and Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Bonnie Owens (Tuesday 1 October 1929 – Monday 24 April 2006) / the original version of this track was recorded by Merle Haggard, who included it on ‘The Legend of Bonnie & Clyde’ (Capitol Records, 1968); the track was the ‘B’ side of ‘The Legend of Bonnie & Clyde’ (written by Merle Haggard), which was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in April / May 1968
Although Merle Haggard‘s version of ‘Today I Started Loving You Again’ was never released as a single, it has become a country music standard, recorded by more than one hundred different artists.
‘Lovesick Blues’, which was written by Cliff Friend (1 October 1893 – Thursday 27 June 1974)
‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’, which was written by Hank Williams (Monday 17 September 1923 – Thursday 1 January 1953)
‘Eleventh Hour’ (written by Gary Morris and Kevin Welch)
‘Moonshine’ (written by Gary Morris and Kevin Welch)
‘Ain’t Got Nothing But The Blues’, which was written by Duke Ellington (29 April 1899 – Friday 24 May 1974) and Don R. George (27 August 1909 – 1987)
Gary Morris’ ‘Plain Brown Wrapper’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986) reached No.9 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1986.
In 1987, a romantic comedy film, ‘Blind Date’, which was directed by Blake Edwards (Wednesday 26 July 1922 – Wednesday 15 December 2010), and starred Kim Basinger and Bruce Willis, was released; this film was the ‘official’ film debut of Bruce Willis in his first leading role.
The soundtrack to the film was released by Rhino Records in 1987, and one of the tracks, ‘Simply Meant To Be’, featured vocals from Gary Morris and Jennifer Warnes.
On Tuesday 14 July 1987, Crystal Gayle & Gary Morris saw the release of ‘What If We Fall In Love?’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Makin’ Up For Lost Time’, which was written by Gary Morris and Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) (No.1 for one week in February 1986) / this track was also known as ‘The Dallas Lovers’ Song’, and had been previously featured in the night time drama, ‘Dallas’, which aired, in the United States, on CBS, between April 1978 and May 1991
‘Another World’ (written by John Leffler and Ralph Schucket) (No.4, 1987) / this track became the theme song of the NBC daytime soap opera of the same name; Crystal Gayle appeared in a few shows of the series around this time as herself, almost becoming a victim of the serial killer plot which was airing at the time
‘All of This & More’ (written by Becky Foster, Jennifer Kimball and Greg Prestopino) (No.26, 1987)
Crystal Gayle & Gary Morris’ ‘What If We Fall In Love?’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987) also included the following tracks:
‘What If We Fall In Love?’ (written by Jan Buckingham)
‘Who’s Goin’ To Love You Like Me’, which was written by Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023)
‘Love Won’t Let Me Quit’
‘One More Try For Love’
‘There’s No Love Like Our Love’
‘Wanna Give My Love’
‘Reminisce’
Crystal Gayle & Gary Morris’ ‘What If We Fall in Love?’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987) reached No.25 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1987.
On Thursday 22 October 1987, Gary Morris saw the release of ‘Hits’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘That’s The Way It Is’, which was written by Gary Morris and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020) / this track was new
‘Velvet Chains’ (written by Kevin Welch and Ron Hellard) (No.9, 1982)
‘Headed For A Heartache’ (written by Kent Blazy and James Dowell) (No.8, late 1981)
‘100% Chance of Rain’, which was written by Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Austin Roberts (No.1 for one week in April 1986)
‘Baby Bye Bye’ (written by Gary Morris and Jamie Brantley) (No.1 for one week in March 1985)
‘Finishing Touches’ (No.64, 1987)
‘I’ll Never Stop Loving You’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) and JD Martin (No.1 for one week in November 1985)
‘The Love She Found In Me’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) and Bob Morrison (No.5, 1983)
‘Wind Beneath My Wings’
‘Leave Me Lonely’ (written by Gary Morris) (No.1 for one week in February 1987)
‘Lasso The Moon’ (written by Steve Dorff and Milton Brown) (No.9, 1985)
‘Your Little Hand’
Gary Morris’ ‘Hits’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987) reached No.24 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1987.
On Tuesday 6 September 1988, Gary Morris saw the release of ‘Every Christmas’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1988), his first seasonal album, which included the following tracks:
‘Silent Night’
‘Little Drummer Boy’
‘Every Christmas’
‘We Three Kings’
‘I Wonder As I Wander’
‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Joy To The World’
‘Away In A Manger’
‘O, Holy Night’
‘Silver Bells’
‘Carol of The Bells’
On Monday 1 May 1989, Gary Morris saw the release of ‘Stones’ (Capitol Records, 1989), which included three tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Never Had A Love Song’ (written by Gary Morris and James Brantley) (No.48, 1989)
‘The Jaws of Modern Romance’ (written by Michael Cody) (No.60, 1989)
‘So Little Love In The World’, which was written by Michael Smotherman (Wednesday 17 December 1947 – Friday 29 November 2019) / this track was released as a single in 1989, but it did not chart
Gary Morris’ ‘Stones’ (Capitol Records, 1989) also included the following tracks:
‘Chrome Plated Heart’ (written by Melissa Etheridge)
‘Shelter’ (written by Gary Morris and David O’Chase Jr.)
‘Bread & Water’ (written by Gary Morris and Jeffrey Rea)
‘Stones (Dig A Little Deeper)’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024)
‘Sooner Or Later’ (written by Gary Morris and John Jarvis)
‘Stand My Ground’ (written by David O’Chase Jr.)
‘Love Will Provide’ (written by John Jarvis and Joe Henry)
Gary Morris’ ‘Stones’ (Capitol Records, 1989) reached No.40 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1989.
On Tuesday 21 August 1990, Gary Morris saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits, Volume 2’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1990), which included the following tracks:
‘Why Lady Why’, which was written by Gary Morris and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020) (No.4, 1983)
‘Second Hand Heart’, which was written by Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016), Harold Tipton and Craig Karp (No.7, 1984)
‘Makin’ Up For Lost Time’, which was written by Gary Morris and Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) (No.1 for one week in February 1986) / this track, which was a duet with Crystal Gayle, was also known as ‘The Dallas Lovers’ Song’, and had been previously featured in the night time drama, ‘Dallas’, which aired, in the United States, on CBS, between April 1978 and May 1991
‘Between Two Fires’ (written by Jan Buckingham, Sam Lorber and JD Martin) (No.7, 1984)
‘Plain Brown Wrapper’ (written by Gary Morris and Kevin Welch) (No.9, 1987)
‘Don’t Look Back’, which was written by Gary Morris and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020) (No.12, 1982)
‘You’re Welcome Tonight’ / this track was a new track
‘Honeycomb’, which was written by Bob Merrill (Tuesday 17 May 1921 – Tuesday 17 February 1998) (No.27, 1986)
‘Dreams Die Hard’, which was written by Chick Rains (Wednesday 5 November 1941 – Friday 21 January 2022) (No.15, 1982)
‘Another World’ (written by John Leffler and Ralph Schucket) (No.4, 1987) / this track, which was a duet with Crystal Gayle, became the theme song of the NBC daytime soap opera of the same name; Crystal Gayle appeared in a few shows of the series around this time as herself, almost becoming a victim of the serial killer plot which was airing at the time
On Tuesday 2 October 1990, Gary Morris saw the release of ‘These Days’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1990), which included two tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Workin’ Man Blues’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart / the original version of this track was recorded by Merle Haggard, who included it on ‘A Portrait of Merle Haggard’ (Capitol Records, 1969); Merle Haggard‘s version of the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in August 1969
‘Miles Across The Bedroom’ (No.47, 1991) / this track also reached No.37 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1991
Gary Morris’ ‘These Days’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1990) also included the following tracks:
‘Love Don’t Work That Way’
‘How Did I Get Here’
‘Don’t Throw Wood (On A Dying Fire)’
‘Let Me, Let Me’
‘My Finest Hour’
‘These Days’
‘Somebody Lives There’
‘Time Will Tell’
Gary Morris’ ‘These Days’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1990) reached No.47 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1990.
On Tuesday 10 September 1991, Gary Morris saw the release of ‘Full Moon, Empty Heart’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1991), which included two tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Full Moon On An Empty Heart’ / this track was released as a single in 1991, but it did not chart
‘One Fall Is All It Takes’ / this track was released as a single in 1991, but it did not chart
Gary Morris’ ‘Full Moon, Empty Heart’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1991) also included the following tracks:
‘Texas Bound’
‘Man Upstairs’
‘Promised Land’
‘Where Love Is Concerned’
‘Moosechin Stew’
‘She Keeps Me In One Piece’
‘Light May Not Be Out’
‘Maybe Now You’ll See’
Following the release of Gary Morris’ ‘Full Moon, Empty Heart’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1991), his success on the Billboard country music singles chart began to fade, as tastes switched once again to neo-traditional country music. Gary Morris later opened a music publishing office in Nashville, with one of his employees being future country music artist, Faith Hill.
On Sunday 15 November 1998, Gary Morris saw the release of ‘My Son, Your Christmas’ (In-House Records, 1998).
On Saturday 1 September 2001, Gary Morris saw the release of ‘Lone Star Knight’ (In-House Records, 2001); this album was definitely not a country music offering, allowing Gary Morris to approach a more traditional pop music ambience.
Gary Morris also enjoyed a very successful acting career. One of his first big roles was in the Broadway production of ‘Les Misérables’, as Jean Valjean. The full symphonic recording of ‘Les Misérables’ was a ‘Platinum’ selling, Grammy Award-winning album, ‘Les Miserables: The Complete Symphonic Recording’ (Red Ink Records, 2004), and featured Gary Morris’ version of ‘Bring Him Home’.
Gary Morris has also appeared in a production of Puccini’s opera ‘La Boheme’ with fellow country music / pop music singer, Linda Ronstadt.
In the 1980s, Gary Morris did a stint on ‘The Colbys’, as a blind country music singer, who was signed to Dominique Deveraux’s record label; ‘The Colbys’ aired, in the United States, on ABC, between November 1985 and March 1987.
In the 1990s, Gary Morris spent a great deal of time working on music projects, such as the PBS special concert production, in Moscow, Russia, in the famous Tretyakov Gallery. Gary Morris returned to country music in the 1990s, performing in concerts and as a record producer. Gary Morris also hosted and also produced The Nashville Network’s ‘The North American Sportsman’.
On Tuesday 1 January 2008, Gary Morris saw the release of ‘I Believe’ (Gary Morris Music, 2008), a Gospel music album.
On Monday 25 October 2010, Juice Newton saw the release of ‘Duets: Friends & Memories’ (Fuel 2000 Records, 2010); the album featured two duets with Gary Morris, ‘Still The One’ and ‘Fooled Around & Fell In Love’.
At the time of the acquisition of this ‘Peer’s Quote’ about Gene Watson, in January 2014, Gary Morris’ most recent album was ‘Faith & Freedom’ (Gary Morris Music, 2011), which was released on Monday 4 July 2011 and was dedicated to the military troops.
• Visit Gary Morris’ official site at garymorris.com
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