Matt Morris (musician)
Encyclopedia
Matthew Burton Morris is an American pop
artist and songwriter. He is the son of country music star Gary Morris
. He achieved early fame when he appeared on the Disney Channel television series The Mickey Mouse Club in the early 1990s, where he was a cast member from 1991-1995 (Seasons 4-7). Here he met future collaborators Justin Timberlake
and Christina Aguilera
, along with future celebrities Britney Spears
, Ryan Gosling
, Chasen Hampton, Keri Russell
, and JC Chasez. Morris first experienced success as a songwriter in the early 2000s. Morris collaborated with Aguilera on her 2002 RCA Records, "Stripped"
, co-writing 5 songs with Aguilera and producer Scott Storch
, including the hit "Can't Hold Us Down";. Another of their collaborations, "Miss Independent", went on to become a number one hit for American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson
. Morris continued his success in songwriting by co-writing with Timberlake the song "Another Song (All Over Again)" for Timberlake's second solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds
(2006). The track was produced by Rick Rubin
, and the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Most recently, a song of his appeared on Reba McEntire
's Reba: Duets
album, which McEntire sings with Timberlake.
Morris' January 2010 performance of Leonard Cohen
's "Hallelujah" with Justin Timberlake and Charlie Sexton
on the Hope For Haiti Now telethon became the most downloaded song from the international broadcast's digital release and went to #1 on the iTunes music chart and #13 on the Billboard Hot 100. During the same month, Morris released "When Everything Breaks Open
" on Timberlake's Tennman Records
. The release gained wide distribution through Interscope Records
, garnering much praise in the press.
by his mother and stepfather, and had no intention of being a country singer like his father, Gary Morris
, an American country music artist who charted a string of countrypolitan-styled hit songs throughout the 1980s. However, Morris learned much about songwriting from his father, Gary.
Morris biological parents divorced while he was still an infant. Morris was raised in Denver by his mom, Teri Hernandez, and his stepdad, Ken. They lived in the Barnum neighborhood of Denver until Morris was in the fourth grade, when they moved to Bear Valley.
In 1991, when Morris was in 6th Grade, he joined the cast of The Mickey Mouse Club. His castmates included future collaborator and pop superstars Justin Timberlake
and Christina Aguilera
. The show ended in 1994, when Morris was 15. Morris returned to his home in Denver, Colorado with the intention of distancing himself from the entertainment industry and reconnect with his friends and family. Morris attended John F. Kennedy High School and starred in a number of high school plays, including South Pacific and The King and I.
, recorded a series of acoustic performances backstage in the Music Allies
recording studio. The songs were compiled as the 5 song EP
, Backstage at Bonnaroo and Other Acoustic Performances, and released by Tennman Records
September 23, 2008.
on Justin Timberlake
’s label, Tennman Records
. In support of the album, Morris performed on a number of television shows, including The David Letterman Show, Ellen and Lopez Tonight.
When Everything Breaks Open was co-produced by Charlie Sexton and Justin Timberlake. The album was recorded largely at Public Hi-Fi, a recording studio in Austin, Texas founded by Spoon’s Jim Eno.
and Charlie Sexton
during the Hope For Haiti Now telethon. The recording of the song became the most downloaded track from the album, and it charted in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
was for the song, "Live Forever." The video was directed by Matt Stawski, with art by Serge Gay, Jr.. The video takes place in a non-descript suburban neighborhood and is rich with animation.
in a Broadway production produced by Daniel Wise
entitled “Shlomo”. The musical is based on the life of Shlomo Carlebach
, also known as the Singing Rabbi.
named Max, Rupert, and Elliott. He has various tattoos and his favorite one is a sacred heart
on his chest, drawn by the late artist Lee Ball. Morris lives in Denver.
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
artist and songwriter. He is the son of country music star Gary Morris
Gary Morris
Gary Gwyn Morris is an American country music artist who charted a string of countrypolitan-styled hit songs throughout the 1980s....
. He achieved early fame when he appeared on the Disney Channel television series The Mickey Mouse Club in the early 1990s, where he was a cast member from 1991-1995 (Seasons 4-7). Here he met future collaborators Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake
Justin Randall Timberlake is an American pop musician and actor. He achieved early fame when he appeared as a contestant on Star Search, and went on to star in the Disney Channel television series The New Mickey Mouse Club, where he met future bandmate JC Chasez...
and Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera
Christina María Aguilera is an American recording artist and actress. Aguilera first appeared on national television in 1990 as a contestant on the Star Search program, and went on to star in Disney Channel's television series The Mickey Mouse Club from 1993–1994...
, along with future celebrities Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
, Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling
Ryan Thomas Gosling is a Canadian actor and musician. He first came to public attention as a child star on the Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club and went on to appear in other family entertainment programmes including Are You Afraid of the Dark? , Goosebumps , Breaker High and Young Hercules...
, Chasen Hampton, Keri Russell
Keri Russell
Keri Lynn Russell is an American actress and dancer. After appearing in a number of made-for-television films and series during the mid-1990s, she came to fame for portraying the title role of Felicity Porter on the series Felicity, which ran from 1998 to 2002, and for which she won a Golden Globe...
, and JC Chasez. Morris first experienced success as a songwriter in the early 2000s. Morris collaborated with Aguilera on her 2002 RCA Records, "Stripped"
Stripped (Christina Aguilera album)
Stripped is the fourth studio album by American pop recording artist Christina Aguilera. It was released on October 26, 2002. It reached the top two of the album charts in both the United States and United Kingdom and features two UK number-one hits: "Dirrty" which gained criticism and controversy...
, co-writing 5 songs with Aguilera and producer Scott Storch
Scott Storch
Scott Storch is an American record producer. He produces a variety of music, particularly hip hop, reggaeton, and R&B. His label, Storch Music Company responsible for signing Brooke Hogan and Nox...
, including the hit "Can't Hold Us Down";. Another of their collaborations, "Miss Independent", went on to become a number one hit for American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Brianne Clarkson is an American pop rock singer-songwriter and actress. Clarkson came into prominence after becoming the winner of the inaugural season of the television series American Idol in 2002 and would later become the runner-up in the television special World Idol in 2003.In 2003,...
. Morris continued his success in songwriting by co-writing with Timberlake the song "Another Song (All Over Again)" for Timberlake's second solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds
FutureSex/LoveSounds
In 2005, Timberlake felt inspired to record songs again. Motivated by the "sad state" of pop radio, he decided he needed to experiment with music. Reportedly, it was not until Timberlake turned to producer Timbaland "that he figured out the direction he wanted the record to take"...
(2006). The track was produced by Rick Rubin
Rick Rubin
Frederick Jay "Rick" Rubin is an American record producer and the co-president of Columbia Records. Along with Russell Simmons, Rubin was the co-founder of Def Jam Records and also established American Recordings...
, and the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Most recently, a song of his appeared on Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire
Reba Nell McEntire is an American country music artist and actress. She began her career in the music industry as a high school student singing in the Kiowa High School band , on local radio shows with her siblings, and at rodeos. As a solo act, she was invited to perform at a rodeo in Oklahoma...
's Reba: Duets
Reba: Duets
Reba: Duets is the twenty fourth studio album by American country music artist, Reba McEntire. The album was released September 18, 2007 on MCA Nashville Records and September 24, 2007 on Humphead Records in the UK, and was produced by Tony Brown, Dann Huff, McEntire, and Justin Timberlake.Reba:...
album, which McEntire sings with Timberlake.
Morris' January 2010 performance of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Norman Cohen, is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, poet and novelist. Cohen published his first book of poetry in Montreal in 1956 and his first novel in 1963. His work often explores religion, isolation, sexuality and interpersonal relationships...
's "Hallelujah" with Justin Timberlake and Charlie Sexton
Charlie Sexton
Charles Wayne Sexton is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter best known for the 1985 hit Beat's So Lonely and as the guitarist for Bob Dylan's backing band from 1999 to 2002 and since 2009...
on the Hope For Haiti Now telethon became the most downloaded song from the international broadcast's digital release and went to #1 on the iTunes music chart and #13 on the Billboard Hot 100. During the same month, Morris released "When Everything Breaks Open
When Everything Breaks Open
When Everything Breaks Open is the debut album by American singer-songwriter Matt Morris, released January 12, 2010 on Tennman Records. Recording sessions for the album took place in Austin, Texas and Los Angeles, California. It was produced by both Charlie Sexton and Justin Timberlake, Tennman...
" on Timberlake's Tennman Records
Tennman Records
Tennman Records is an American record label created as a joint venture between Justin Timberlake and Interscope Records.-History:The label was announced in a press release dated May 28, 2007....
. The release gained wide distribution through Interscope Records
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...
, garnering much praise in the press.
Early life
Matt Morris was born and raised in Denver, ColoradoDenver, Colorado
The City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is a consolidated city-county, located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains...
by his mother and stepfather, and had no intention of being a country singer like his father, Gary Morris
Gary Morris
Gary Gwyn Morris is an American country music artist who charted a string of countrypolitan-styled hit songs throughout the 1980s....
, an American country music artist who charted a string of countrypolitan-styled hit songs throughout the 1980s. However, Morris learned much about songwriting from his father, Gary.
Morris biological parents divorced while he was still an infant. Morris was raised in Denver by his mom, Teri Hernandez, and his stepdad, Ken. They lived in the Barnum neighborhood of Denver until Morris was in the fourth grade, when they moved to Bear Valley.
In 1991, when Morris was in 6th Grade, he joined the cast of The Mickey Mouse Club. His castmates included future collaborator and pop superstars Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake
Justin Randall Timberlake is an American pop musician and actor. He achieved early fame when he appeared as a contestant on Star Search, and went on to star in the Disney Channel television series The New Mickey Mouse Club, where he met future bandmate JC Chasez...
and Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera
Christina María Aguilera is an American recording artist and actress. Aguilera first appeared on national television in 1990 as a contestant on the Star Search program, and went on to star in Disney Channel's television series The Mickey Mouse Club from 1993–1994...
. The show ended in 1994, when Morris was 15. Morris returned to his home in Denver, Colorado with the intention of distancing himself from the entertainment industry and reconnect with his friends and family. Morris attended John F. Kennedy High School and starred in a number of high school plays, including South Pacific and The King and I.
UnSpoken
In 2003, Morris released the independent album UnSpoken. To support the album, Morris toured colleges around the U.S. and gave an interactive session and dialogue with audiences called "Reflections on Artistry and the Business of Music: A Dialogue with Matt Morris." The event consisted of a discussion of Morris' experiences in the music industry, as well as his thoughts about file sharing.Backstage at Bonnaroo and Other Acoustic Performances EP
Morris performed at the 2008 Bonnaroo Music Festival. While at the festival, Morris and producer, Charlie SextonCharlie Sexton
Charles Wayne Sexton is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter best known for the 1985 hit Beat's So Lonely and as the guitarist for Bob Dylan's backing band from 1999 to 2002 and since 2009...
, recorded a series of acoustic performances backstage in the Music Allies
Music Allies
Music Allies is a marketing company that promotes 20+ independent record labels and major music festivals. It was started in January 2003 by Sean O'Connell. Successful artists include Ani DiFranco, Aimee Mann, G...
recording studio. The songs were compiled as the 5 song EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
, Backstage at Bonnaroo and Other Acoustic Performances, and released by Tennman Records
Tennman Records
Tennman Records is an American record label created as a joint venture between Justin Timberlake and Interscope Records.-History:The label was announced in a press release dated May 28, 2007....
September 23, 2008.
When Everything Breaks Open
On January 12, 2010, Morris released When Everything Breaks OpenWhen Everything Breaks Open
When Everything Breaks Open is the debut album by American singer-songwriter Matt Morris, released January 12, 2010 on Tennman Records. Recording sessions for the album took place in Austin, Texas and Los Angeles, California. It was produced by both Charlie Sexton and Justin Timberlake, Tennman...
on Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake
Justin Randall Timberlake is an American pop musician and actor. He achieved early fame when he appeared as a contestant on Star Search, and went on to star in the Disney Channel television series The New Mickey Mouse Club, where he met future bandmate JC Chasez...
’s label, Tennman Records
Tennman Records
Tennman Records is an American record label created as a joint venture between Justin Timberlake and Interscope Records.-History:The label was announced in a press release dated May 28, 2007....
. In support of the album, Morris performed on a number of television shows, including The David Letterman Show, Ellen and Lopez Tonight.
When Everything Breaks Open was co-produced by Charlie Sexton and Justin Timberlake. The album was recorded largely at Public Hi-Fi, a recording studio in Austin, Texas founded by Spoon’s Jim Eno.
| Chart (2010) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... (U.S.) |
99 |
| Billboard Top Independent Albums | 13 |
| Billboard Top Rock Albums | 31 |
| Billboard Top Alternative Albums | 25 |
Hallelujah
On January 22, 2010, Morris performed the Leonard Cohen song, "Hallelujah", with Justin TimberlakeJustin Timberlake
Justin Randall Timberlake is an American pop musician and actor. He achieved early fame when he appeared as a contestant on Star Search, and went on to star in the Disney Channel television series The New Mickey Mouse Club, where he met future bandmate JC Chasez...
and Charlie Sexton
Charlie Sexton
Charles Wayne Sexton is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter best known for the 1985 hit Beat's So Lonely and as the guitarist for Bob Dylan's backing band from 1999 to 2002 and since 2009...
during the Hope For Haiti Now telethon. The recording of the song became the most downloaded track from the album, and it charted in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Live Forever video
The first video from When Everything Breaks OpenWhen Everything Breaks Open
When Everything Breaks Open is the debut album by American singer-songwriter Matt Morris, released January 12, 2010 on Tennman Records. Recording sessions for the album took place in Austin, Texas and Los Angeles, California. It was produced by both Charlie Sexton and Justin Timberlake, Tennman...
was for the song, "Live Forever." The video was directed by Matt Stawski, with art by Serge Gay, Jr.. The video takes place in a non-descript suburban neighborhood and is rich with animation.
Shlomo
Morris was offered the lead role alongside India.ArieIndia.Arie
India.Arie is a Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter and record producer . She has sold over 3.3 million records in the U.S. and 10 million worldwide. She has won four Grammy Awards from her 21 nominations, including Best R&B Album.-Background:Simpson was born in Denver, Colorado...
in a Broadway production produced by Daniel Wise
Daniel Wise (playwright)
Daniel Jeffrey Wise is an American playwright, producer and author.-Professional life:As a writer/producer his plays and musical productions have been presented New York, on and off Broadway, as well as in Japan, Russia, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Britain and South Africa.He pioneered...
entitled “Shlomo”. The musical is based on the life of Shlomo Carlebach
Shlomo Carlebach
Shlomo Carlebach , known as Reb Shlomo to his followers, was a Jewish rabbi, religious teacher, composer, and singer who was known as "The Singing Rabbi" during his lifetime...
, also known as the Singing Rabbi.
2002
- "Can't Hold Us DownCan't Hold Us Down"Can't Hold Us Down" is a song written by Christina Aguilera, Scott Storch and Matt Morris for Aguilera's second album, Stripped, with production by Storch. Released on August 26, 2003 as the fourth single from the album, the single peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Aguilera's 10th...
", "Walk Away", "Infatuation", "Loving Me 4 Me", "Underappreciated" on Christina AguileraChristina AguileraChristina María Aguilera is an American recording artist and actress. Aguilera first appeared on national television in 1990 as a contestant on the Star Search program, and went on to star in Disney Channel's television series The Mickey Mouse Club from 1993–1994...
's StrippedStripped (Christina Aguilera album)Stripped is the fourth studio album by American pop recording artist Christina Aguilera. It was released on October 26, 2002. It reached the top two of the album charts in both the United States and United Kingdom and features two UK number-one hits: "Dirrty" which gained criticism and controversy...
2003
- "Miss Independent" on Kelly ClarksonKelly ClarksonKelly Brianne Clarkson is an American pop rock singer-songwriter and actress. Clarkson came into prominence after becoming the winner of the inaugural season of the television series American Idol in 2002 and would later become the runner-up in the television special World Idol in 2003.In 2003,...
's ThankfulThankful (Kelly Clarkson album)-Sales and chart performance:Release of the album was preceded by the single "Miss Independent", which become a top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit and a #1 top 40 smash. In thanks to the success of the single, as well as buzz from her American Idol win , the album sold well in the United States...
2010
- performed "Hallelujah" live with Justin TimberlakeJustin TimberlakeJustin Randall Timberlake is an American pop musician and actor. He achieved early fame when he appeared as a contestant on Star Search, and went on to star in the Disney Channel television series The New Mickey Mouse Club, where he met future bandmate JC Chasez...
and Charlie SextonCharlie SextonCharles Wayne Sexton is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter best known for the 1985 hit Beat's So Lonely and as the guitarist for Bob Dylan's backing band from 1999 to 2002 and since 2009...
. "Hallelujah" was written by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard CohenLeonard CohenLeonard Norman Cohen, is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, poet and novelist. Cohen published his first book of poetry in Montreal in 1956 and his first novel in 1963. His work often explores religion, isolation, sexuality and interpersonal relationships...
and released on Cohen's seventh studio album, Various PositionsVarious PositionsVarious Positions, the seventh studio album by Leonard Cohen, was released in December 1984 . It marked not only Cohen's turn to the modern sound and use of synthesizers , but also - after her work on harmonies and background vocals on the previous Recent Songs - an even greater contribution from...
(1984). - featured on "Infatuation" by FlobotsFlobotsThe Flobots are a political rock and hip hop musical group from Denver, Colorado, formed in 2000 by Jamie Laurie. Flobots found mainstream success with their major label debut Fight with Tools , featuring the single "Handlebars", which became a popular hit on Modern Rock radio in April 2008.-Early...
. "Infatuation" is co-written by Morris and included on Flobots second studio album, Survival StorySurvival Story-Singles:"White Flag Warrior" was the first single from the album, released digitally on 2 February 2010.-Personnel:Group members*Jamie Laurie – vocals, songwriter, guitar, drums, bass, keyboard*Andy Guererro – guitars, background vocals*Kenny Ortiz – drums...
(2010).
Personal life
Morris is openly gay and married his husband Sean Michael Morris when same-sex couples were allowed to do so in California. His husband was his inspiration for the song "Love" found on his debut album. He has three mixed breed dogsMixed-breed dog
A mixed-breed dog, also known as a mutt or mongrel, is a dog whose ancestry is generally unknown and that has characteristics of two or more types of breeds. A mixed-breed may be a cross-breed dog, a random-bred dog, or a descendant of feral or pariah dog populations...
named Max, Rupert, and Elliott. He has various tattoos and his favorite one is a sacred heart
Sacred Heart
The Sacred Heart is one of the most famous religious devotions to Jesus' physical heart as the representation of His divine love for Humanity....
on his chest, drawn by the late artist Lee Ball. Morris lives in Denver.
Discography
- 2003: UnSpoken
- 2008: Backstage at Bonnaroo and other Acoustic Performances EP
- 2010: When Everything Breaks OpenWhen Everything Breaks OpenWhen Everything Breaks Open is the debut album by American singer-songwriter Matt Morris, released January 12, 2010 on Tennman Records. Recording sessions for the album took place in Austin, Texas and Los Angeles, California. It was produced by both Charlie Sexton and Justin Timberlake, Tennman...
External links
- Official website
- Woodsongs Archive Page - Matt Morris was one of 2 guests on program 564 of the WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour . You can listen to the broadcast or watch it as it was webcast live while being recorded before a live audience on 2-8-2010.