Lorrie Morgan Q&A

What was it like to perform with your dad on stage at the Grand Ole Opry? Well, I was a nervous little mess the first time, for sure! I had basically grown up at the Opry, but it was Dad’s comfortable place, you know? I loved watching him; such a great entertainer. He really wanted me to perform and I really wanted to, but we had an agreement. Before he introduced me, he looked back at me in the wings and if I shook my head “no,” he would move on, but if I nodded, he’d bring me out. When he looked my way, I nodded, but it was shaky! I did it, and the rest is history, as they say. I know he was proud and that’s probably the most powerful part of my memories. Now, the Opry has become my second home.

What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician? First, thank you for even using the word, “great”! Ha! I know a good song, and I know when a song is right for me. I don’t get precious about only recording or performing things I’ve written. I seek out songs that are simply right for me. That has really worked for me. Also, I just love music. It’s part of me and I can’t imagine doing anything else other than making music … whether it’s my own performances or producing for someone else. I just love the music.

What is it about music that makes you feel passionate? It’s that ability of music to touch people deeply, to connect people with shared experiences, joys, and pains. And it isn’t just lyrics. Sometimes, a certain cadence or progression of notes and chords just goes straight to the heart and causes goosebumps or tears. That is a powerful kind of communication.

Are there any musicians who have inspired you in the past and do they still inspire you today? Oh, goodness, yes, so many … and the list changes all the time as new folks appear. I love the new traditionalists, like Morgan Wallen. I am moved by Jelly Roll and his brilliant, honest lyrics. I’ve recorded with people outside of country music and I always learn so much and am inspired by those differences … the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra. Amazing! I still am moved by Tammy Wynette, Jeannie Seely, and of course, my Dad … his confident, simple elegance as a singer and performer.

What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you? I recently talked about this on my podcast (War Paint with Lorrie Morgan). Seely has given me great advice throughout my career. Early, early on, she told me that there were no stars at the Opry. Backstage, we’re all just people. We’ve all been there, done that. Nobody’s stuff doesn’t stink. That’s Vintage Seely.

Has your musical style evolved much since the beginning of your career? Oh, sure. We all grow and change. Life gives us new perspectives. The constant for me, I believe, has been that core determination to choose songs that work for me … at any stage.

What was it like to become the youngest inductee of the Grand Ole Opry and how often do you go back to perform? Oh, I am at the Opry a lot and I love every single opportunity. It’s home. It’s family. I didn’t really think about being the youngest at the time of my induction. I had been pestering them to make me a member for so long that it felt too long for me! Oh, the hubris of youth!

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