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Elk Hunting at the Mountain Spirit

Fred Myers, the executive director of the Union Sportsmen's Alliance, and a few friends including Richard Trumka, the president of the AFL-CIO, joined us at Mountain Spirit for a little elk hunting. Based in Nashville, the USA is a group of Union sportsmen and women committed to preserving our outdoor heritage for generations to come.

We saw a lot of elk, talked a little politics, might have sipped a little whiskey, ate good, and of course enjoyed a little music around the fireplace after dinner. Fred can make gravy that would put most chefs to shame. I was in charge of breakfast a couple of times. My son Sam and friend Johnny Allred who are some of the best hunting guides anywhere were there; they could track anything and did!

The invincible Bill Carter provided plenty of stories to be enjoyed during dinner. He was one of Jimmy Hoffa's attorneys, in addition to representing Keith Richards; managing Reba; helping Fred Smith establish FedEx; and was a secret service agent on presidential detail with JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Now you see that it's not just hunting at Mountain Spirit. Oh and someone put one of my stuffed mountain lions in the center of the dining table instead of flowers and yes, it's still there!

An Elk Hunter's View of Gary's Ranch

Fred, Gary, and Rich out at sunup and sundown looking for elk

Johnny Allred, one of the best hunting guides in the country

Gary and his son, Sam, relax in front of the fireplace

Mountain Lion Table Décor

What would a coffee table at a hunting lodge be without guns, ammunition, a cowboy hat, and a leather carryall?

Johnny Allred listens as Bill Carter holds court!

Richard Trumka

Jack Daniels Tasting to Benefit the American Cancer Society

My friend, Jeff Arnett, is the Master Distiller at Jack Daniel's and he knows his Tennessee whiskey. On this particular night he was conducting a Jack Daniel's tasting to benefit the American Cancer Society preceding my concert. We sipped Old Number Seven, Gentleman Jack, and JD Single Barrel and it's really an interesting session learning about how they turn creek water into fine whiskey!

They've been doing it in Lynchburg Tennessee for a long time and it's one of Tennessee's most famous exports! At another charity auction, I even bought a barrel of Jack and they put the Mountain Spirit logo on the bottles. Jeff Arnett is only the 7th distiller in the history of Jack Daniel's and he is one great guy. If you find your way to middle Tennessee, I suggest you tour the Jack Daniel's Distillery - it's a world class operation. I was honored to have partnered with Jeff and the American Cancer Society to raise some of the much needed funding for research to stop this dreaded disease.

February 13, 2012 - I'm spending a few days at the ranch before heading out again. There's always plenty to keep you busy and the new 13 inches of snow just made it a little harder to navigate around. I got up early, built a fire, drank coffee, worked out with weights, ate breakfast, watched the news, checked emails /Twitter/Facebook, shoveled snow, chopped firewood, ate lunch, shoveled more snow and chopped more wood, and then I went to FaceBook and I was surprised to hear from friends and fans from everywhere. I'm thrilled you like the new song, "If You Were Mine." Here are a few of the places I heard from today:

Van Buren AR, Norway, Tucson AZ, Mableton GA, Champaign IL, Myrtle Beach SC, Rivertown UT, Hilliard OH, Knoxville TN, Nashville TN, Columbus GA, San Diego CA, Turkey, Merryville IN, Douds IA, Palestine OH, Lincolnton NC, Oakdale TN, Houston TX, Abilene TX, Berlin WI, Bloomington IL, Elizabethton KY, Kimberly WI, Georgetown TX, Jackson TN, Kingsport TN, Kansas City KS, Greensboro NC, Columbus MT, Broken Arrow OK, Cedar Falls IA, Edmonton OK, Searcy AR, Breckenridge TX, Huntington WV, Ft. Worth TX, Fremont OH, Portland TN, Thomasville NC, Crown Point IN, Tremonton UT, Franklin TN, Pocatello ID, Charleston WV, Denver CO, St. Louis MO, Pulaski TN, Lafollette TN, Saluda NC, Lebanon TN, Vacaville CA, Willoughby OH, Lumberton TN, Ft. Smith AR, Tampa FL, Scranton KS, Aiken SC, Jefferson City MO, Fowler IN, Covington GA, Elgin TX, Tyler TX, Plainwell MN, Arnold CA, North Richland Hills TX, Mansfield TX, Ashland OH, Los Angeles CA, Jackson MS, Louisville KY, Huntingdon TN, Atlanta GA, Palm Beach FL, St. Petersburg FL, San Antonio TX, Grenada MS, Florence AL, Washington DC, Austin TX, Santa Fe NM, Sedona AZ, Birmingham AL, Newport TN, LaCrosse WI, Ames IA, Cincinnati OH, Rector AR, Paducah KY, Dearborn MI, Baltimore MD, Charlottesville VA, Bangor MA, Kingsport TN, Rockford IL, Newark NJ, Portland OR, Bartlesfield OK, Youngstown OH, Dillon SC, Duluth MS, Lubbock TX, Simi Valley CA, Westerville OH, Tacoma WA, Toone TN, Las Vegas NV, Hornlake MS, Sugar Land TX, Omaha NB, Wilson NC, San Salvador, Culleoka TN, Newbury Park CA, Fort Payne AL, Pearl MS, Dalton GA, Taos NM, Boise ID, Newport RI, Philadelphia PA, Chicago IL, Dyersburg TN, Half Moon Bay CA, Tupelo MS, Daytona Beach FL, Auburn AL, Meridian MS, Chesterfield PA, Hemet CA, Houma LA, Carrollton TX, Georgetown TX, Lexington KY, Picayune MS, Manchester UK, Farragut TN, Cartersville GA, Springfield MO, Nacogdoches TX, Pontotoc MS, and the list goes on.

Elk Chili

2 pounds ground lean elk
1 pint roasted green chilies, chopped
4 large tomatoes
2 large yellow onions
3 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Garlic, to taste
Salt, fresh ground black pepper to taste

Brown the elk in oil and place in a bowl; set aside. Cut tomatoes and onions into small pieces and place in a 2 gallon pot; half fill the pot with water. Bring to a boil. Add chopped peppers and elk. Mince garlic, add to pot and reduce heat. Fill pot with water and cook down by a fourth. Make roux by combining the flour and oil and cooking over medium heat until it reaches a golden color. Add to the chili to thicken and stir until well mixed. Allow to simmer on low temperature. Season the chili to taste with salt and pepper.

CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates)

CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) hosted a guitar pull fundraising event. Performers included Richie McDonald, Gary Morris and Brett James. Lisa Harless of Regions Bank emceed the event. The organization has provided support for over 700 kids who have been victims of abuse or neglect since it was founded in 1997. Gary's youngest son, Garon, joined his dad at the event and assisted Emcee, Lisa Harless, on stage. Garon currently is a member of a band and has playing the guitar and singing for several years - are you surprised?



(L-R): McDonald; Michelle Shirley, Madison County CASA Exec. Dir.; James; Harless; and Morris.


Like father, like son - Garon Morris (far left) joined his dad and other musicians at the event.

A CD review of Faith and Freedom on Music News Nashville

One thing is for sure. Gary Morris was born with one of the most expressive voices of his time. That shows on many of his 1980s hits on Country Radio such as “Leave Me Lonely” and “The Love She Found In Me.” Thankfully, after taking the better part of a decade away from the limelight, Morris is back with a project that is bound to touch a few hearts, and maybe heal a few as well.

With there being so much division and pain in the United States as of late, many of these tracks offer a little bit of hope that some of those feelings might be cast aside. Tracks like the title cut and “Climb Every Mountain” blend well with inspirational classics like “Rock Of Ages” and ”Battle Hymn Of The Republic” to make this album a treat for the ears.

Morris’s voice has lost none of its’ timber, and if nothing else has even gotten stronger with time. He updates his classic “Wind Beneath My Wings” as well as his underrated gem “Anyt.hing Goes.” Though he recorded the latter back in 1985, the lyrics hit home today as much as they ever have.

Welcome back, Gary Morris. It’s been a while. Hopefully, it won’t be as long next time!

Full Article Here

Gary Morris returned to Houston for the second annual Best Cellars Dinner to benefit the T. J. Martell Foundation. Gary auctioned off fishing and hunting trips to Mountain Spirit in support of this worthy cause and helped to raise over $203,000 in one evening. A command performance of "Wind Beneath My Wings," brought in over $10,000 for the Physician Science Program at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, one of the cancer research centers supported by the Foundation. "It was especially meaningful for me this year as Diane, who has worked with me for many years, is battling cancer. Only through research can we find the cure to stop this disease. Events like this enable us to do that," said Gary.

The T.J. Martell Foundation's Best Cellars Dinner is one of the Foundation's signature events that is known for pairing Best Sellers (country music's top selling artists) with Best Cellars (Nashville's top wine collectors) plus an extraordinary gourmet meal prepared by a guest chef.

Sneak Preview of Michael Sloan's portrait of Gary Morris

A few of Gary's friends were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of Faith and Freedom by nationally acclaimed artist, Michael Sloan, of Dickson, Tennessee. A limited number of special edition prints from the original artwork commissioned especially for this project are available at concerts and from the website. Gary has signed and hand numbered each of these 19x19 inch matte prints.

(Right) Award-winning lyricist, Pat Bunch, was inspired to co-write the title cut, "Faith and Freedom," with Gary the moment she saw the painting.

A contribution from each print purchased will benefit TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.)

$50.00

Product ID: GMP-050

Gary Morris Returns to the Grand Ole Opry!

Gary Morris returned to the stage of Grand Ole Opry Friday, August 5, 2011. Following his performance of "Wind Beneath My Wings," and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," the Opry announcer said, "The house is standing and applauding. Wow, I'd hate to follow that voice - it'd be like a teaspoon following a bulldozer." A return to the stage of the Mother Church of Country Music after a 20 year absence, and Gary Morris proves he still has it. One fellow entertainer quipped backstage, "Brother you sure make old Hank proud tonight. That was some performance!"

Fans Give Gary Morris Two Standing Ovations at the Johnny Cash Festival

Over 7,000 fans filled the ASU Convocation Center August 4th for the first Johnny Cash Music Festival. An estimated $350,000 was raised during the Music Festival for work on the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home Project in Dyess AR, Cash's hometown. Joining Rosanne Cash, John Carter Cash, Dailey and Vincent, members of the Cash family, and Kris Kristofferson in the tribute; Gary followed George Jones to the stage to perform the Cash classic, "God's Gonna Cut You Down." The crowd roared, stomped their feet and clapped to the beat of the traditional folk song.

But when Gary began "Wind Beneath My Wings," it was if a hush had blown across the building. "I want him to bring the house down," smiled Bill Carter, the producer of the concert which was filmed for a PBS television special to be aired in early 2012. Half way through the acoustic performance, Matt walked onto the stage and as he began to sing, Gary played the guitar and harmonized. By the time they hit the last note together, Bill Carter got his wish, and the crowd burst into applause and stood to cheer.

No one could top that but Gary Morris as he and Matt eased into the Leonard Cohen masterpiece, "Hallelujah." Still no one moved no one got out of their seats; the blue lights waving across the audience were the only semblance of motion. Gary's son Garon sat and watched as his dad and brother once again brought the house down to the words . . .

(Left) Matt Morris and his brother, Garon Morris, at the Arkansas State University following the Johnny Cash Music Festival

"Now I've heard there was a secret chord That David played and it pleased the Lord But you don't really care for music, do you? Well it goes like this..."

What followed was an unbelievable second standing ovation, the only artist to receive two that evening. It was one of those magical times that Gary got to share with two of his sons. "Honoring 'the man in black,' whose voice knew no one musical genre; and then to follow one of my all-time favorites – George Jones, who is truly in a league all by himself, I'm in awe and so humbled to be invited to help honor Johnny Cash," Gary added.



(Right) Gary and his son, Matt Morris, performing in Jonesboro AR at the Johnny Cash Festival, 8/4/2011

A July 4th Thank You to our military!

Initially over 28,000 member of the US Armed Services received free MP3 downloads

"It is with pride that I dedicate the title cut from my latest CD, Faith and Freedom, to the members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard," said Gary Morris. This song is being released initially to the members of our armed services around the world to honor their bravery and sacrifice, as we observe the birth of our nation. The members of the military and their families will receive complimentary downloads of the single.

Morris, known for his signature rendition of the classic Wind Beneath My Wings, a string of country hits, his award-winning North American Sportsman television show, and his starring role in Broadway's Les Misérables; has long been an active supporter of America's military. He has performed for every US President since Jimmy Carter, at military bases around the world, and has made guest appearances with various military bands. He has hosted celebrity golf tournaments for TAPS, raising in excess of $1,000,000. Part of the proceeds from this song and art prints of the original art on the CD cover will benefit the military families supported by TAPS.

As we celebrate the 235th anniversary of our nation's independence on July 4, 2011; it's time to say thank you to America's military. These hundreds of thousands of men and women in uniform, now and throughout history, have dedicated their lives to uphold our inalienable rights – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

"As we spend the holiday with family and friends, I ask that you take time to reflect and to thank the members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard who continue to assure us our faith and freedom," added Morris.

Broadway World Reviews: CINDERELLA, the ENCHANTED EDITION from showHOPE

"Also new to the cast this year: Nashville's own Broadway and Country Music Superstar Gary Morris, whose resume includes his laudable turn as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. Morris was in excellent voice as King Maximillian and his regal bearing allowed him to believably portray the royal father. He was paired with Shelean Newman as Queen Constantina, whose gorgeous voice shone to perfection in the reprise of "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?"

Cinderella, the Enchanted Edition. Music by Richard Rodgers. Book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Adapted for the stage by Tom Briggs, from the teleplay by Robert L. Freedman. Directed by Matt Logan. Musical direction by Stephen Kummer. Choreography by Ashley Anderson McCarthy. Presented for show HOPE at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville, April 2011."

Read more: CLICK HERE!