Ken Morris Bio
Ken Morris is an original recording artist, songwriter, musician and electrifying entertainer. He began in the rock clubs of New York City, performing in Max’s Kansas City, The Peppermint Lounge, Kenny’s CastAways’s, CBGB’s and other legendary clubs. He even performed in the infamous Studio 54.
Ken has had many legendary musicians perform in his back up bands throughout the years, including Steve Marriot from Humble Pie, Lester Chambers from the Chamber’s brothers, (who also guest’s on his new album, “Heavenly Bound and No Earthly Good”), Corky Lange, (drummer for Mountain), with Lesley West, amongst others. Ken has toured the western world three times. He had the distinct privilege of performing for the Royal family of Sweden, in their Stockholm castle, on his visits there.
At the age of 22, Ken was closing a show for the famed Billy Preston, when a New York management team caught his performance, and three months later, was headlining in Las Vegas with a show he wrote, arranged and produced, and was given his first recording contract.
Shortly after winning his class in the IFBB Mr. USA in bodybuilding, (he also holds high degrees as a black belt in four styles of martial arts), he met Rod Stewart through his friendship with then manager of Elton John. Ken was a guest at Rod’s Madison Square Garden performance that night and shortly after, he decided to make his hobby of writing music as a serious profession. His only goal at the time was to win the Mr. America and open a gym/karate studio. After Rod Steward heard him play some of his songs in the hotel room after the show, Rod encouraged Ken to pursue a career in music.” He gave me some great advice. He said, “Recruit the best musicians possible, sing with all your heart, and try to stay on key. He also said, “Don’t hire musicians....hire personalities that can play well.” Ken has followed that advice ever since and it has served him well.
Having lived for most his life between Los Angeles, New York and London, Ken now resides in Palm Coast and records in Orlando with his long time friend and studio owner David Mikeals.
“ We make a great team recording. David really knows my abilities and except for guest musicians for special parts, we play and sing everything on my albums. It’s just a great friendship and chemistry. It’s a labor of love and I respect Dave’s talents immensely. He is probably the most versatile, multi-talented musician I’ve ever known.” Ken is always quick to give credit where credit is due. “ In this business, it’s not just about me and my songs, but the entire team I have that makes it all happen in good fashion.” Ken’s company, Manitou Music Productions, LLC, also writes for and produces other artists.
"I've had a rough past few years', Ken said.'I've lost both parents, the family home, a rough divorce...kind of stripped of everything from love to freedom."
Ken's new album, coming out soon, is more in the classic rock/adult contemporary genere of music.You can sample it at www.myspace//kenmorris69.
This album was his love of roots and Americana music...but he writes a wide variety of music. "After what
I've been through, it's time to have fun with music again."
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