Tennessee Governor Bill Lee Honors CMA, ACM, and Grammy Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter Gary Morris With A Day Of Recognition On October 23
Proclamation presented via video by CEO of the Country Music Association, Sarah Trahern
In honor of October’s Red Ribbon Week, Tennessee’s Governor Bill Lee has issued a proclamation declaring October 23 a day of recognition for country and Broadway legend Gary Morris.
“I am both humbled and surprised by this honor from my adopted state of Tennessee,” says Morris. “I have seen the ravages of drugs and have always been happy to donate my time to drug awareness and prevention. Thank you so much.”
Gary learned of the honor via a video presentation by CMA CEO Sarah Trahern.
“We honor Gary’s career and his work in the drug prevention education fields by marking October 23, the first day of Red Ribbon Week, as Gary Morris Day here in Tennessee. So, for all of your hard work Gary, I present to you the proclamation from the governor and wish you thanks for your work and congratulations on this honor,” Trahern declared.
Though primarily recognized for his signature vocal talents and performing abilities, Morris uses his platform to shed light on and uplift underprivileged and vulnerable communities. His most recent partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Educational Foundation provides younger generations with the tools and education to help prevent drug use. Morris recently anchored the organization’s first virtual fundraisers during the pandemic, which raised over $150,000 in donations. Donated funds are being used to promote and support their arts, sports and extracurricular outreach educational campaigns across fifty cities in the U.S.
With an illustrious career behind him and boundless opportunity in front of him, there is no doubt that this platinum-selling singer has been an influence on Nashville’s country music scene. Morris has earned a plethora of musical accolades including, five #1’s and 16 Top 10 singles, a Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music “Song of the Year” award, a role in the New York epic production of Broadway’s “La Bohéme” with Linda Ronstadt and the iconic “Les Misérables,” as well as sold-out shows and stadium performances including singing for multiple US Presidents (Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H. W Bush and more). Morris boldly steps into the future of his career as he pushes the envelope, expands his platform, and brings support to communities and individuals in need.
Whether he is melting hearts with this voice and music, using his outdoor experience to teach others respect for the environment, encouraging the youth, or uplifting wounded servicemen and women through a difficult time in their lives, there is no doubt Gary Morris is impacting the world with his gifts and passion. As a testament to his relentless outreach, he is currently running a giveaway on his socials of autographed items to be sent to veterans and families, friends and supporters of veterans as we approach Veterans Day.
About Gary Morris
Gary Morris is known world-wide for his vocal mastery, able to hold audiences mesmerized and overwhelmed by the pure beauty and inspiration of his voice. His recording career garnered five #1 and 16 Top-10 singles, including “Why Lady Why,” “The Love She Found in Me” and “Baby Bye Bye.” Morris’ original rendition of the classic “Wind Beneath My Wings” won both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music “Song of the Year” awards. Morris was also named Billboard’s “Male Artist of the Year” early in his career. At the height of his Nashville recording career, the Texas-bred tenor was tapped to play the lead role of Jean Valjean in Broadway’s epic hit “Les Misérables,” to critical acclaim. This role led to a Drama Desk Award nomination. His famous rendition of “Bring Him Home” on the platinum-selling, Grammy Award-winning international cast album resulted in a Command Performance by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Additional Broadway roles include Rodolfo in the production of Puccini’s opera “La Bohéme.”
Morris’ love of the great outdoors, combined with his respect and compassion for veterans, has resulted in his affiliation with Fly Fishers International and its Abilene Fly Fishers club. Gary’s passion for wounded veterans also motivated him to make his Mountain Spirit Ranch a place where veterans suffering from PTSD can experience the therapeutic properties of the serene sport of fly fishing to treat PTSD and other combat-related conditions.
Whether he is melting hearts with this voice and music, amazing New York City critics with his acting, using his outdoor experience to teach others respect for the environment, or using his gifts to help our wounded service men and women through a difficult time in their lives, there is no doubt Gary Morris is impacting the world with his gifts and passion.
Morris’ most recent album is “Sense of Pride.”
To stay updated on Gary Morris, visit the following:
Website: garymorris.com
Facebook: Gary Morris Music
Twitter: @garymorristour
YouTube: Gary Morris
