At eighty years old, New York-based musician Art Morris is unlike any artist you’ve come across before. Just three years ago, he ventured into the musical world, and now sits with millions of plays on Spotify and elsewhere. It was his most recent tune ‘Never Give Up’ that caught my attention, an upbeat and inspiring little number that instantly gets stuck in one’s head.
Certain that he’d have an interesting story to tell, I was thrilled when Art agreed to chat with us for a bit. Speaking about his deeply personal new single, the love he has for his producer Brad Cox, and why age is really nothing but a number, please give a big welcome to our new friend Art Morris!
Thanks so much for chatting with us Art! It’s awesome to be able to introduce you to our ever-growing audience! Your journey into the music scene began at the young age of 77! What took you so long? 🙂
To be honest I never thought I was good enough. I just love to sing. My girlfriend Amber thought I was good enough. She pushed me to take voice lessons and record. There I met Eva Sullivan, my voice coach, and Brad Cox my producer genius. He created upbeat happy tracks of old standards. He guides me through the recording sessions and then we have a quality production that listeners seem to enjoy.
You’ve racked up millions of plays on Spotify, so clearly listeners were crying out for someone with your unique and fresh sound. How does it feel to know that so many people are listening to and resonating with your music?
I love it however I am shocked. Brad had the vision but he is shocked as well. Until recently I was never taken seriously by my friends. I was a lawyer trying to be a singer. Now I feel like an artist and I love that feeling.
Reflecting on your musical journey, is there a specific song of yours that you would consider your biggest or proudest achievement?
‘Never Give Up’ is an inspirational song that I co-wrote. It’s partially about my life so that makes it special for me. I lost my wife from cancer and I expressed my feelings about never giving up and following my passion. Hopefully, this song will inspire people to do the same.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences? Who did you grow up listening to? And would you say that your tastes have changed over the years?
Andrea Bocelli and Michael Bublé. I had the good fortune to meet Andrea and his wife Veronica several times. I sang at his event in Italy – ‘Ole Sole Mio’ in English and Italian. I love singing opera but my listeners like my current genre. I grew up with Jerry Vale, Bobby Darin, Mario Lanza, Lionel Ritchie and Neil Diamond. Yes, my tastes have changed to fun upbeat music.
We’re always intrigued by the different approaches that artists take when it comes to their creative process. Can you tell our readers a bit about yours? How do you take an idea and turn it into a complete song?
In my case, the creative genius is Brad Cox, my producer. Up to this point, my creative juices have been limited. He has guided this journey and I have been lucky to go for the ride. I am still learning at 80. I will never stop growing.
What do you love most about being a musician? And on the flip side, what are some of the biggest challenges that you’ve faced so far?
I regret that I am not a trained musician. I taught myself how to play the piano and I have voice training. My lack of musical training has hurt me with complicated rhythms and phrasing. Brad helps me through these more difficult recording sessions. I am growing and learning as an old young artist 😂
OK, Art – desert island time! You’re allowed to grab 3 albums before being stranded on an island. Which do you choose?
Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, and Bobby Darin.
Thanks so much for your time Art! Before we let you go though, what more can we expect from you going forward?
We are currently working on 9 new originals that Brad and Ty are writing. As a new artist, I want to be taken more seriously with new and original music. I am way past my bucket list and I want to go as far as I can in the music world. I am a recording artist but I am truly looking forward to performing. That will require some recognition. Thank you for this opportunity for me to tell my narrative. I hope people are inspired to follow their passion for the arts.
