I chatted with Country legend Lorrie Morgan about her career and her new documentary.
Q: Who influenced you growing up?
Oh my god, I had so many. My dad, George Morgan, was a member of the Grand Ole Opry. I grew up in my living room and in my head listening to country music. But my dad loved all kinds of music from Perry Como to Dean Martin. I was never close minded to great music.
Tammy Wynette was on the top of my list. I was a HUGE Karen Carpenter fan. I loved her voice. She was a very sensual singer.
Q: You performed “Paper Roses” at The Grand Ole Opry at age 13. What was going through your mind? Were you nervous?
My feet.. ::laughs:: wanted to crawl up. My body was shaking. My biggest fear was that I would let my dad down. He believed so much in my singing at an early age. I remember staring at one pole and thinking “If I don’t look at anyone and stare at this pole, I won’t forget my words. That pole was my lifesaver that night. It was a very intimidating moment.
Q: You were inducted into The Grand Ole Opry when you were 24. How did that feel?
Oh, I was in heaven. I had been going to the Opry since I was little girl. That was my dream! It’s where I felt alive. After my dad died, I would go to the owner and ask him if I could become a member. He said “Lorrie, you don’t even have a hit record.” But I LOVED the Opry, and he knew it. I was there every weekend. Anytime someone would cancel, they would call me and I would fill in for them. Finally, because of my faithfulness to the Opry, he decided to make me a member.
Q: You have a documentary out called “Lorrie Morgan: Behind The Interview.” How candid are you in this film?
I’m candid to a fault. I really am. Ask me a question, and sometimes I look in the background and my managers head is down thinking “I can’t believe she’s going to answer that.” I’ve had a hard time living a secluded life. I love talking about my feelings. I want people to know me. I want them to know where my music comes from. I feel like that’s the only way they can truly know me.
Q: You’ve recorded 15 albums and countless country hits. What does it take to have longevity in this business.
I think a good attitude is a big part of it. Also, knowing your place. You’ve got accept your place down the ladder, just as you’ve accepted it going up. It’s an embraceable moment. I was just with a group in Canada who were just coming up, and I remember those radio tour days. I hated those days so much. I told them that I didn’t envy them. I also told them that this is the time to pay your dues. Longevity is what you make it. You might not be working at a 20,000 seater anymore. You might be performing at more intimate 1,500 room.
If I can’t have fun, I’m staying in the house. ::both laugh:: I’m worn out, but I have to embrace it. You can’t be a sour puss.
Q: Are you excited about your show here in Annapolis?
Yes I am! I LOVE that part of the United States. Matter of fact, my husband and I always talk about retiring either on the East Coast of the Gulf..we can’t decide. I was raised in Tennessee and Ohio, so Annapolis feels like Ohio in a way. They’re both very quaint.
Lorrie headlines Rams Head Annapolis Sunday!
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