Submitted by Teri Westbrook
GULF SHORES, Ala. — Members of the Gulf Shores City Council unanimously voted Monday, Jan. 14, to award a performance contract to country music star Lorrie Morgan, pending approval of her management agency.
Morgan, who was the first female country singer to have three consecutive albums certified platinum, will perform her many hits Feb. 12 and 13 at the Erie Meyer Civic Center as part of the city’s Entertainment Series ‘08.
“I’m really looking forward to having Lorrie perform in Gulf Shores,” Gulf Shores Mayor Billy Duke said. “To get a first-rate singer like her on short notice is evidence of what a great job our Special Events Department does on a daily basis.”
“We are delighted to be able to present an artist of Lorrie’s stature to residents and winter visitors of Gulf Shores,” Special Events Director Patsy Hollingsworth said. “She is a second-generation country music star who has almost 30 years of performing to her credit.”
Born Loretta Lynn Morgan on June 27, 1959, she grew up the daughter of Grand Ole Opry star George Morgan. She spent many nights backstage at the Opry, and made her debut there at 13.
Her father died when she was 16, and she was singing professionally a year later. By 21, she was opening shows for George Jones. She performed at Opryland USA, sang demo sessions for country publishing giant Acuff-Rose and became a member of the Opry in 1985.
Although Morgan charted her first single, “Two People in Love,” in 1979, her career took off with the 1989 release of “Dear Me,” a Top 10 hit that coincided with the death of her husband Keith Whitley.
Over the following decade, Morgan released three No. 1 singles — “Five Minutes,” “What Part of No” and “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” Her other hits include “Out of Your Shoes,” “Watch Me,” “Something in Red” and “Except for Monday.”
Recognized as a creative force in music videos, Morgan charted eight No. 1 videos at CMT. Praise from her peers and fans followed, and Morgan earned nine industry awards including four wins as Female Vocalist of the Year (1994, 1996, 1997, 1998).
She made countless appearances on major network television shows including “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Good Morning America,” among others.
Doors for Morgan’s performances will open at 7 p.m., with the show beginning at 7:30.
Pam Tillis was originally scheduled to perform on these dates but, according to a Tillis spokesperson, emergency surgery has left the performer physically unable to perform. Tickets for the Tillis concerts will be accepted at the Morgan concert. “If you bought tickets for Pam Tillis, your tickets are still good for the same night and the same seat for Lorrie Morgan,” Hollingsworth said.
Additional tickets are available at the Civic Center box office Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. while supplies last. Call (251) 968-1172 for information.
January 28, 2008 09:01 AM Veteran jam band Widespread Panic has its 10th studio album due next month and will road test the new material during a US trek this spring.The band is scheduled to launch the monthlong tour April 1 with a two-night stand in Washington, DC, and then wind its way around the eastern half of the country, stopping for multiple nights in New York City; Chicago; Orange Beach, AL; Savannah, GA; and Raleigh, NC. Also on the books is a May 1 gig at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
