Stories from Fans & Friends

Gary tees off with TSHOF

This year I had the opportunity to play in a few celebrity golf tournaments across the country to benefit some worthy causes. In September, I joined my good friend, Don McLeary of Jackson, who is a board member of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame for a round to benefit this TSHF Museum. Several members of the Titans and Vince Gill hit the links. We didn’t win this one, but it was a great day.

Gary Morris visits Bethel University in McKenzie, TN

Gary Morris visited with the students in the Renaissance Program of Bethel University in McKenzie TN. He shared stories and answered questions about the music industry and encouraged the students to chase their dreams. Gary left with a new group of friends and fans who have stayed in touch on Facebook and on Twitter. "There are some really talented kids at Bethel and I even shared the stage with them at one of my Christmas shows."

Gary welcomes Jack and Daryl Peterson of “The Best of the West” TV series to Mountain Spirit

While home for a few days of elk hunting, Gary welcomed Jack and Daryl Peterson to his home in Colorado. After a long drive from Cody WY, the Petersons joined Gary for dinner and the following morning, they introduced him and his longtime friend and hunting buddy, Johnny Allred, to their new Best of the West Signature Series Rifle by Cooper Firearms of Montana.

The long range expertise of The Best of the West and artistic craftsmanship of Cooper Firearms have come together to bring you this new series. A blend of state-of-the-art, high-tech machining, and old world craftsmanship; every rifle is painstakingly hand crafted to the highest quality standards. They are made in many calibers to meet all of your hunting and shooting needs by America’s finest rifle makers.

On every rifle is mounted a Huskemaw Optics scope, the most advanced long range hunting scope available today, creating a turn-key system sure to extend your range and bring you a lifetime of hunting and shooting satisfaction. These turn-key systems are individually proven accurate to 1,000 yards.

Snow on the ground, a roaring fire in the fireplace, and a hearty breakfast was followed by a round of shooting at targets 1,000 yards and further from Gary’s front porch. Both Gary and Johnny hit the targets with the first shot! Oh Santa, guess what these boys have on their Christmas list! Jack and Daryl have been invited and are coming back to Chromo with film crew for a little hunting episode with Gary. They’re also planning their first trip to New York to see Gary starring in “Soul Doctor;” so it’s from the backroads to Broadway for these guys!

Gary Needs Your Help

Please sign up for Gary's Monthly Newsletter on his site and encourage your friends to join you too. If Gary's fans would each share the information about signing up, he could reach millions! The mailing list is kept strictly confidential and for use only by Gary to inform you of upcoming show announcements, giveaways and special contests. We promise not to overload your mailbox with information.

Please visit Gary's Facebook Page, GaryMorrisMusicianBand too. It's a chance for you to interact with Gary. Dates are being booked for 2012, and it's an exciting time for him and his fans. Be sure to check back for new photos on the Fans and Friends page, as well as the latest news. We'll be keeping it updated. There are a lot of new videos on GTV, so be sure to check them out. We received more today from performances and Master Classes this month. This will go up very soon too.

What would you name Gary's Wild Boar?

Gary & Master Class at Clarke College, Dubuque, IA (2011)

Gabe & Gary after in-studio interview at WQPC, WI.

R.J. & Gary before in-studio interview, September 3, 2011, at WQPC, Prairie du Chien, WI.

Gary in-studio interview with Ryan McCall, WGLR.

Gary with DJ Ryan McCall at WGLR after interview.

Gary at WGLR autographing CDs with onlookers Patrice Steiner, receptionist, and Ryan McCall, DJ.

Gary with Bernie Parkette, the mother of Rob Spangler, Program Director at WGLR, on his visit to the station. (2011)

Gary, Rob Spangler, Program Director at WGLR, along with his daughters, Regan (left) and Camden (center). (2011)

Gary with Cindy & Terry Bolsinger, celebrating their 17th Wedding Anniversary at the Dubuque, IA, concert. (2011)

Gary with long time fan Sheryl Bequealth, Dubuque, IA concert.

Tuesday I flew from Colorado to Nashville on the red-eye to say goodbye to one of the greatest women I've ever known, Jeanette Rudy. Mrs. Rudy was a fun-loving character who enjoyed life and found the greatest joy in helping others.

You always knew where she stood, and even though we weren't always on the same page, we were always in the same book. She shared my love of the great outdoors, and was one of America's most generous philanthropists – the Jeanette Cantrell Rudy Wing at the Smithsonian Institute (housing her prize duck stamp collection); the Dan Rudy Cancer Center; the Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing, to mention a few – all of which benefit thousands.

She didn't do it for the glory; Mrs. Rudy never sought the spot light. She helped people because she believed in them, or what they were trying to accomplish. She lived a modest life across the street from the Opry House – which sets on the former Rudy Farms.

She taught me many valuable lessons and as I sang for her one final time, I knew that I was one of many who was a better person because of her. I was lucky in that I got to spend a few minutes with her a couple of days before she passed away. For that I am thankful. Singing alone to her "Wind Beneath My Wings," was never more meaningful to me. Mrs. Rudy . . . "did you ever know that you're my hero . . ." I encourage everyone to tell your heroes just how much they mean to you. God speed Mrs. Rudy, you were one of my heroes and I was one of your fans.

- Gary Morris