Jump to content

Russell Morris: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→‎Career: cleaned up career
Line 29: Line 29:


==Career==
==Career==
===1966-1968: Beginnings and 'Somebody's Image'===
⚫
Morris' career started in September 1966, when Morris was 18 years old with the formation of the Melbourne group Somebody's Image, together with Kevin Thomas (rhythm guitar), Phillip Raphael (lead guitar), Eric Cairns (drums) and Les Allan (aka "Les Gough") (bass guitar).<ref name="ARDb" /> Somebody's Image quickly developed a strong following at Melbourne's premier venues. It wasn't long before the band came to the notice of Go-Set staff writer [[Ian Meldrum]] and the group had a local hit version of the [[Joe South]] song "[[Hush (Billy Joe Royal song)|Hush]]", which peaked at number 15 on the national chart.<ref name="AMG">{{cite web |title=Russell Morris Biography |publisher=[[Allmusic]] |url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p107594/biography|pure_url=yes}} |last=Nimmervoll |first=Ed |authorlink=Ed Nimmervoll |accessdate=2008-05-20}}</ref> (the song reaching #2 on the local Melbourne charts)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.poparchives.com.au/feature.php?id=499 |title=Where did they get that song? |publisher=Pop Archives |accessdate=2008-05-29}}</ref>


Meldrum's support and hard work promoting the band helped them to secure a firmer recording deal with [[EMI Records]]. The result was their third single "Hide And Seek" which peaked at #32 in Melbourne. It was their last release with their original singer with Russell leaving Somebody's Image in September 1968.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milesago.com/Artists/morris.htm|title=RUSSELL MORRIS |publisher=www.milesago.com|accessdate=18 June 2016}}</ref>
⚫
Morris' career started at the age of 18, in September 1966, with the formation of the Melbourne group Somebody's Image, together with Kevin Thomas (rhythm guitar), Phillip Raphael (lead guitar), Eric Cairns (drums) and Les Allan (aka "Les Gough") (bass guitar).<ref name="ARDb" /> Somebody's Image rose to prominence with a local hit version of the [[Joe South]] song "[[Hush (Billy Joe Royal song)|Hush]]".<ref name="AMG">{{cite web |title=Russell Morris Biography |publisher=[[Allmusic]] |url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p107594/biography|pure_url=yes}} |last=Nimmervoll |first=Ed |authorlink=Ed Nimmervoll |accessdate=2008-05-20}}</ref> (the song reaching #2 on the local Melbourne charts)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.poparchives.com.au/feature.php?id=499 |title=Where did they get that song? |publisher=Pop Archives |accessdate=2008-05-29}}</ref>


⚫
===1969 - 1971: Solo Career and "The Real Thing"===
===Success===
⚫
Morris' debut solo single was a near seven-minute production extravaganza around a song called "[[The Real Thing (Russell Morris song)|The Real Thing]]". "The Real Thing" was written by [[Johnny Young]], produced by [[Ian Meldrum]] and engineered by [[John L Sayers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.johnlsayers.com/Pages/Track_Record.htm |title=John Sayers : Track Record |publisher=John Sayers |accessdate=2008-05-21}}</ref> The backing track was performed by members of Melbourne soul band [[the groop]], which included [[Brian Cadd]], Richard Wright (drums) and Don Mudie (bass) as well as [[Zoot (band)|Zoot]] guitarist [[Roger Hicks (rock musician)|Roger Hicks]] (who developed the acoustic guitar riff) and backing vocalists [[Ronnie Charles]] (The Groop), the Chiffons (including [[Maureen Elkner]]) and [[Marcie and The Cookies]]' Sue Brady and Judy Condon.


⚫
"The Real Thing" is one of the classic psychedelic singles of the 1960s. The release unsettled radio programmers, who had never been asked to play such a long Australian single before, and a shortened version which omitted the extended coda was often played. At around six minutes and thirty seconds, it was the longest pop single recorded in Australia at that time, although [[The Beatles]]' "[[Hey Jude]]" at nearly 7 minutes had appeared the year before and is an obvious influence on the song's extended structure. The single reached Australia's Number 1 spot in June 1969, and number one in [[Chicago]], [[Houston]] and [[New York]], despite international distribution difficulties. It was the biggest selling Australian single of 1969.
The band came to the notice of [[the Groop]] and, in turn, the Groop's friend and local music identity [[Ian Meldrum]]. Meldrum convinced Morris to leave Somebody's Image for a solo career. Meldrum, as Morris's manager and producer, spent considerable hours and money to create a seven-minute production extravaganza around a song called "[[The Real Thing (Russell Morris song)|The Real Thing]]".


The song was followed by "[[Part Three into Paper Walls]]" was released in July 1969. The track was co-written by [[Johnny Young ]]and Morris and arranged by [[John Farrar]]. The single received extensive airplay making it a double number one recording, the first time an Australian artist had scored consecutive number ones with their first two singles. Many radio stations also began flipping the single over and playing the lush B-side ballad "The Girl That I Love", thereby lengthening the single's shelf life -- and revealing to radio listeners another facet of Russell's singing talents. "Morris Mania" was in full swing, with a demanding schedule of live appearances and the continued invaluable support from Uptight and Go-Set. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milesago.com/Artists/morris.htm|title=RUSSELL MORRIS |publisher=www.milesago.com|accessdate=18 June 2016}}</ref>
⚫
===="The Real Thing"====
{{Main|The Real Thing (Russell Morris song)}}


Morris, in the meantime, travelled to the United Kingdom to help promote "The Real Thing" but the song didn't perform well. Morris returned to Australia in December 1969 and began recording new tracks with Howard Gable. Morris recorded English songwriter's [[Raymond Froggatt]]'s "Rachel" which peaked at #23, in May 1970. The song become a big hit in [[New Zealand]], where it reached #1 in July 1970. "Mr America" followed, which was a riff-heavy, gospel-flavoured number with a soaring female choral backing. Coupled with the equally strong self-penned B-side, "Stand Together", the single returned Russell to the charts, hitting the national Top 10 in January 1971. "Mr America" also won Morris the TV Week's Music Awards accolade for "Composer of the Year".
⚫
"The Real Thing" was written by [[Johnny Young]], produced by [[Ian Meldrum]] and engineered by [[John L Sayers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.johnlsayers.com/Pages/Track_Record.htm |title=John Sayers : Track Record |publisher=John Sayers |accessdate=2008-05-21}}</ref> The backing track was performed by members of Melbourne soul band the Groop, which included [[Brian Cadd]], Richard Wright (drums) and Don Mudie (bass) as well as [[Zoot (band)|Zoot]] guitarist [[Roger Hicks (rock musician)|Roger Hicks]] (who developed the acoustic guitar riff) and backing vocalists [[Ronnie Charles]] (The Groop), the Chiffons (including [[Maureen Elkner]]) and [[Marcie and The Cookies]]' Sue Brady and Judy Condon. Morris was twenty when the record was released.


===1971-1973: ''Bloodstone''===
⚫
"The Real Thing" is one of the classic psychedelic singles of the 1960s. The release unsettled radio programmers, who had never been asked to play such a long Australian single before, and a shortened version which omitted the extended coda was often played. At around six minutes and thirty seconds, it was the longest pop single recorded in Australia at that time, although The Beatles' "Hey Jude" at nearly 7 minutes had appeared the year before and is an obvious influence on the song's extended structure. The single reached Australia's Number 1 spot in June 1969, and number one in [[Chicago]], [[Houston]] and [[New York]], despite international distribution difficulties. It was the biggest selling Australian single of 1969.
Morris concentrated on his own songwriting and with the cream of Australian musicians, spent almost a year painstakingly recording and re-recording what became the ''Bloodstone'' album. The album was recorded at Channel 9's TCS Studios and produced by [[Howard Gable]]. "Sweet, Sweet Love", backed with the funky, Band-ish album cut "Jail Jonah's Daughter" was released and peaked at #7 in July 1971, while the album made the national Top 20, peaking at #12 soon after its release in September and earning great praise from critics as well. "Live with Friends" and "Wings of an Eagle" were also released peaking within the top 20. In March 1973, EMI Records released the first hits compilation called, ''Wings of an Eagle and Other Great Hits'' which peaked at number 12 in Australia.


===1973-1977: New York and ''Russell Morris'' and ''Turn it On''===
The single featured the song in two parts, backed with "It's Only a Matter of Time", written by [[Hans Poulsen]]. It was released on [[EMI]]'s [[Columbia Graphophone Company|Columbia]] label in Australia, on the small [[Diamond Records]] label in the [[United States of America]], and on [[Decca Records]] in the UK as EMI UK turned it down.<ref name="ARDb">{{cite web |work=[[Australian Rock Database]]|title=Russell Morris|publisher=Magnus Holmgren|url=http://hem.passagen.se/honga/database/m/morrisrussell.html |accessdate=2008-05-20}}</ref>
⚫
In 1973, Morris moved to [[London]] to record an album, only to discover there was no record contract waiting for him. He relocated to [[New York]] and worked on an album there. He released ''Russell Morris'' in 1975 on [[Robie Porter]]'s Wizard label in Australia and on [[RCA]] for US release. "Let's Do It" / "Don't Rock the Boat" peaked at number 30 in Australia. A second American album appeared in 1976, called ''Turn it On''. It was two more years before Morris was granted his green card, enabling him to tour America. But by then, any chance of an American career had remained unfulfilled. Instead, Morris returned to Australia


===1978-1999: bands, theatre and ''A Thousand Suns''===
In more recent times, "The Real Thing" has been used by the [[Seven Network]] in conjunction with coverage of the [[Australian Football League]] (AFL) and featured in a tourist campaign promoting [[Western Australia]]. Morris's music has also appeared on the soundtrack to ''[[The Dish]]'' and he has appeared on the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] (ABC) show ''Long Way to the Top''. In the early 2010s he toured Australia with fellow 1960s rockers [[Darryl Cotton]] and [[Jim Keays]] in the trio [[Cotton Keays & Morris]].
Once Morris had returned to Australia, he formed the Russell Morris Band. The band signed with [[Mushroom Records]] and commenced live performances, writing songs designed to be played live rather than chasing radio airplay, but scoring a couple of minor hits on the way. Eventually, the band played and recorded as Russell Morris & the Rubes. Morris also fronted The Lonely Boys throughout the 1980s and he also branched out onto the musical stage, appearing as 'Riff Raff' in a Melbourne production of [[The Rocky Horror Show]] and a few years later taking on the role of [[Simon Zealotes]] in the hit 1992 arena production of [[Jesus Christ Superstar (Original Australian Cast Recording)|Jesus Christ Superstar]] alongside [[John Farnham]], [[Kate Ceberano]], [[Angry Anderson]] and [[Jon Stevens]].
In November 1991, Morris released another solo album, ''A Thousand Suns'', which peaked at number 98.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20130219-1428/Issue1198.pdf|title=ARIA Report Week Commencing ~ 11 February 2013 ~ Issue #1198|publisher=pandora.nla.gov.au/|date=11 February 2013|accessdate=17 May 2016}}</ref>


===2000-2006: Cotton, Keays & Morris===
"The Real Thing" has been included on many compilations of psychedelic rock, most notably ''[[Rubble 18]]'', ''We Can Fly #4'' and ''The Best Of The Rubble Collection #5'', where it is paired with "Part 3 / Into Paper Walls."
In 2000, Morris joined fellow 1960s singers [[Ronnie Burns]] and [[Darryl Cotton]] and began touring. [[Jim Keays]] replaced burned and the group called themselves [[Cotton Keays & Morris]]. They released five albums over the next 5 years.
[[Image:s118008.jpg|right|thumb|Russell Morris' 2002 retrospective album ''[[The Real Thing (Russell Morris song)|The Real Thing]]]]''


Also in 2000, Morris' "The Real Thing" and "Wings of an Eagle" featured prominently in the Australian-made movie ''[[The Dish]]'' <ref name="The Dish"/> and [[Midnight Oil]] released their version of "The Real Thing" as a one-off single, the first time this highly regarded band had chosen to record a cover. In 2002 Russell took a place of honour among his peers as part of the hugely successful Long Way To The Top concert tour. Rouseabout Records released the definitive 2CD Russell Morris anthology, called ''The Real Thing'', covering his entire career.
The song was followed by "[[Part Three into Paper Walls]]", co-written by Young and Morris and arranged by [[John Farrar]] and the B-side "The Girl That I Love" arranged by Peter Jones (a pop ballad more indicative of what was to come). Both tracks received extensive airplay making it a double number one recording, the first time an Australian artist had scored consecutive number ones with their first two singles. Just prior to its release, Ian Meldrum relinquished Morris' management. Morris, in the meantime, travelled to the United Kingdom to help promote "The Real Thing." While in [[England]] he recorded English songwriter [[Raymond Froggatt]]'s "Rachel", but re-recorded it on his return to Australia. "Rachel" became a big hit for Morris in [[New Zealand]], where it reached #1 in July 1970. Later hits such as "Live with Friends" and "Wings of an Eagle" were Morris compositions.


===2007-2011 ''Fundamentalist'' and ARIA Hall of Fame===
Morris decided to concentrate on his own songwriting and with the cream of Australian musicians, spent almost a year painstakingly recording and re-recording what became the ''Bloodstone'' album. Recorded at Channel 9's TCS Studios and engineered by [[John L Sayers]], it was one of the first Australian albums of its kind, the first from an Australian singer/songwriter, and a whole world away from the extravagant "The Real Thing." The hit single from Bloodstone was the resonant, romantic "Sweet Sweet Love." The following year, in 1972, Morris released "Wings of an Eagle."
In May 2007, Morris recorded ''Fundamentalist'' an acoustic album of his earlier hits. The album was released on Liberation Blue.


⚫
On 1 July 2008, Morris was inducted into the [[ARIA Hall of Fame]]. He was joined on-stage by guest musicians [[Steve Kilbey]], [[Tim Powles]], [[Jak Housden]], Clayton Doley and Lachlan Doley to perform "The Real Thing".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ariahalloffame.com.au/document/No5_2008%20ARIA_HOF_announces_all_star_cast_to_induct_and_present.pdf |title=ARIA announced all-star cast to induct and perform |format=PDF |publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]] (ARIA) |accessdate=2008-07-02 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080719211321/http://www.ariahalloffame.com.au/document/No5_2008+ARIA_HOF_announces_all_star_cast_to_induct_and_present.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-07-19}}</ref> According to Andrew Murfett of [[The Age]], <big>"</big>''Russell Morris, whose classic "The Real Thing" was performed with a supergroup comprising members of [[The Church (band)|The Church]], [[The Whitlams]] and [[Powderfinger]], was inducted with a tribute from [[Midnight Oil]] drummer [[Rob Hirst]]. Morris proved to be a revelation on the night, stirring the crowd with a terrific performance.''<big>"</big><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/rockers-hail-rolf-in-hall-of-fame/2008/07/01/1214678042660.html |title=Rockers hail Rolf in Hall of Fame |last=Murfett |first=Andrew |publisher=''[[The Age]]'' |date=2 July 2008 |accessdate=2008-07-05 }}</ref>
===New York===
⚫
In 1973, Morris moved to [[London]] to record an album only to discover there was no record contract waiting for him. He relocated to [[New York]] and set to work on an album there, including new versions of both "Sweet Sweet Love" and "Wings of an Eagle" and the single "Let's Do It". A second American album appeared in 1976. It was two more years before Morris was granted his green card, enabling him to tour America. But by then, any chance of an American career had bolted. Instead, Morris returned to a very different Australia than the one he had left behind five years earlier.

===Solo===
During his solo career, Morris had done limited live performances without a band of his own. He then formed the Russell Morris Band and threw himself into a busy round of live performances, writing songs designed to be played live rather than chasing radio airplay, but scoring a couple of minor hits on the way. Eventually, the band played and recorded as Russell Morris & the Rubes.

In 1991, Morris released another solo album, ''A Thousand Suns'', and spent the subsequent years as part of a successful performing trio with fellow 1960s singers Ronnie Burns and Darryl Cotton of Zoot, with a repertoire made up of their individual hits from the past as well as new songs. In October 2000, Jim Keays of [[the Masters Apprentices]] replaced Burns, the new group being known as [[Cotton Keays & Morris]]. Also in 2000, Morris' "The Real Thing" and "Wings of an Eagle" featured prominently in the Australian-made movie ''The Dish'' (centred on the first moon landing)<ref name="The Dish"/> and Midnight Oil released their version of "The Real Thing" as a one-off single, the first time this highly regarded band had chosen to record a cover.

⚫
On 1 July 2008, Morris was inducted by [[Rob Hirst]] into the [[ARIA Hall of Fame]] and was joined on-stage by guest musicians [[Steve Kilbey]], [[Tim Powles]], [[Jak Housden]], Clayton Doley and Lachlan Doley to perform "The Real Thing".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ariahalloffame.com.au/document/No5_2008%20ARIA_HOF_announces_all_star_cast_to_induct_and_present.pdf |title=ARIA announced all-star cast to induct and perform |format=PDF |publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]] (ARIA) |accessdate=2008-07-02 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080719211321/http://www.ariahalloffame.com.au/document/No5_2008+ARIA_HOF_announces_all_star_cast_to_induct_and_present.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-07-19}}</ref> According to Andrew Murfett of [[The Age]], <big>"</big>''Russell Morris, whose classic The Real Thing was performed with a supergroup comprising members of [[The Church (band)|The Church]], [[The Whitlams]] and [[Powderfinger]], was inducted with a tribute from [[Midnight Oil]] drummer [[Rob Hirst]]. Morris proved to be a revelation on the night, stirring the crowd with a terrific performance.''<big>"</big><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/rockers-hail-rolf-in-hall-of-fame/2008/07/01/1214678042660.html |title=Rockers hail Rolf in Hall of Fame |last=Murfett |first=Andrew |publisher=''[[The Age]]'' |date=2 July 2008 |accessdate=2008-07-05 }}</ref>


In October 2010, Morris' 1973 album, ''Wings of an Eagle'', was listed in the book ''[[100 Best Australian Albums]]''.<ref name="ODonnell">{{Cite book | title = [[100 Best Australian Albums]] | last1 = O'Donnell | first1 = John | authorlink1 = John O'Donnell (music journalist) | last2 = Creswell | first2=Toby | authorlink2 = Toby Creswell | last3 = Mathieson | first3 = Craig | authorlink3 = Craig Mathieson | publisher = Hardie Grant Books | date = October 2010 | location = [[Prahran, Victoria|Prahran, Vic]] | isbn = 978-1-74066-955-9 }}</ref>
In October 2010, Morris' 1973 album, ''Wings of an Eagle'', was listed in the book ''[[100 Best Australian Albums]]''.<ref name="ODonnell">{{Cite book | title = [[100 Best Australian Albums]] | last1 = O'Donnell | first1 = John | authorlink1 = John O'Donnell (music journalist) | last2 = Creswell | first2=Toby | authorlink2 = Toby Creswell | last3 = Mathieson | first3 = Craig | authorlink3 = Craig Mathieson | publisher = Hardie Grant Books | date = October 2010 | location = [[Prahran, Victoria|Prahran, Vic]] | isbn = 978-1-74066-955-9 }}</ref>


===2012-present: ''Sharkmouth'', ''Van Diemans Land'' and ''Red Dirt-Red Heart''===
Morris is one of Australia's most enduring singers. A major pop star in the late 1960s, he went on to become one of the country's most well-known singer-songwriters. Both ends of his career feature predominantly in the soundtrack to the movie ''[[The Dish]]''.<ref name="The Dish">{{cite web |url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1419039/ |title=Russell Morris |publisher=[[Internet Movie Database]] |accessdate=2008-05-20}}</ref>
In 2013 Morris released the first of his trilogy of Australian story albums. ''Sharkmouth'' is a collection of tracks about the Australian of the 1920s and 30s and includes songs about [[Phar Lap]], [[Les Darcy]] and [[The Great Depression]]. The album features appearances by [[Mark Lizotte]], [[Troy Cassar-Daley]] and [[Renee Geyer]]. The album reached No. 6 on the ARIA charts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ambitionentertainment.com/russell-morris/ |title=Russell Morris |publisher=[[Ambition Entertainment]] |accessdate=2014-01-26}}</ref>


In 2013 Morris released an album of self-penned blues music titled, ''Sharkmouth''. The album is a collection of tracks about the Australian of the 1920s and 30s and includes songs about [[Phar Lap]], [[Les Darcy]] and [[The Great Depression]]. The album features appearances by [[Mark Lizotte]], [[Troy Cassar-Daley]] and [[Renee Geyer]]. The album reached No. 6 on the ARIA charts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ambitionentertainment.com/russell-morris/ |title=Russell Morris |publisher=[[Ambition Entertainment]] |accessdate=2014-01-26}}</ref>
In 2014, Morris released ''Van Dieman's Land'' which focused on larger events rather than individuals, from the prison ships that began Australia as a penal settlement to the union strikes, the First and Second World Wars as well as paddle steamers on the [[Murray River]]. ''Van Diemen’s Land'' was nominated for Best Blues and Roots at the 2014 ARIA Awards, certified Gold sales and was the highest charting album of Russell’s 50 year career to date debuting at No.4 on the overall ARIA Charts. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://aria.com.au/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-albums-2014.htm|title=End of Year Charts – ARIA Top 100 Albums 2014|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|accessdate=8 January 2015}}</ref>


In 2015, Morris released ''Red Dirt – Red Heart'', the third and final album in the trilogy. ''Red Dirt - Red Heart'' is about the Australian Interior. Stories of two bushrangers, a song about a beautiful town, a song about a loner, a recluse, and an escape artist, a snake and the spectacular Nullabour. Also included is some of our great indigenous heroes in the hope that we can share their stories. The album peaked at number #22 on the ARIA Charts.
In 2014, Morris released ''Van Dieman's Land''. ''Van Diemen's Land'' was the 76th best-selling album of 2014 in Australia and reached No. 4 on the ARIA charts..<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aria.com.au/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-albums-2014.htm|title=End of Year Charts – ARIA Top 100 Albums 2014|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|accessdate=8 January 2015}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==

Revision as of 13:11, 19 June 2016

For other people Russell Morris, see Russell Morris (disambiguation).
Russell Morris
Russell Morris at the 2014 ARIA Music Awards, Sydney, November 26th, 2014
Russell Morris at the 2014 ARIA Music Awards, Sydney, November 26th, 2014
Background information
Birth nameRussell Norman Morris
Born (1948-07-31) 31 July 1948 (age 76)
Australia
OriginAustralian
GenresRock
Occupation(s)musician, singer, songwriter, guitarist, bassist
InstrumentGuitar
Years active1966–present
LabelsEMI
Wizard
Festival Records
Mushroom Records
Websitehttp://www.russellmorris.com.au

Russell Norman Morris (born 31 July 1948) is an Australian singer-songwriter who had five Australian Top 10 singles during the late 1960s and early 1970s.[1] On 1 July 2008, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) recognised Morris' iconic status when he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.[2][3]

The Real Thing was added to the National Film and Sound Archive's Sounds of Australia registry in 2013.[4]

Career

1966-1968: Beginnings and 'Somebody's Image'

Morris' career started in September 1966, when Morris was 18 years old with the formation of the Melbourne group Somebody's Image, together with Kevin Thomas (rhythm guitar), Phillip Raphael (lead guitar), Eric Cairns (drums) and Les Allan (aka "Les Gough") (bass guitar).[5] Somebody's Image quickly developed a strong following at Melbourne's premier venues. It wasn't long before the band came to the notice of Go-Set staff writer Ian Meldrum and the group had a local hit version of the Joe South song "Hush", which peaked at number 15 on the national chart.[6] (the song reaching #2 on the local Melbourne charts)[7]

Meldrum's support and hard work promoting the band helped them to secure a firmer recording deal with EMI Records. The result was their third single "Hide And Seek" which peaked at #32 in Melbourne. It was their last release with their original singer with Russell leaving Somebody's Image in September 1968.[8]

1969 - 1971: Solo Career and "The Real Thing"

Morris' debut solo single was a near seven-minute production extravaganza around a song called "The Real Thing". "The Real Thing" was written by Johnny Young, produced by Ian Meldrum and engineered by John L Sayers.[9] The backing track was performed by members of Melbourne soul band the groop, which included Brian Cadd, Richard Wright (drums) and Don Mudie (bass) as well as Zoot guitarist Roger Hicks (who developed the acoustic guitar riff) and backing vocalists Ronnie Charles (The Groop), the Chiffons (including Maureen Elkner) and Marcie and The Cookies' Sue Brady and Judy Condon.

"The Real Thing" is one of the classic psychedelic singles of the 1960s. The release unsettled radio programmers, who had never been asked to play such a long Australian single before, and a shortened version which omitted the extended coda was often played. At around six minutes and thirty seconds, it was the longest pop single recorded in Australia at that time, although The Beatles' "Hey Jude" at nearly 7 minutes had appeared the year before and is an obvious influence on the song's extended structure. The single reached Australia's Number 1 spot in June 1969, and number one in Chicago, Houston and New York, despite international distribution difficulties. It was the biggest selling Australian single of 1969.

The song was followed by "Part Three into Paper Walls" was released in July 1969. The track was co-written by Johnny Young and Morris and arranged by John Farrar. The single received extensive airplay making it a double number one recording, the first time an Australian artist had scored consecutive number ones with their first two singles. Many radio stations also began flipping the single over and playing the lush B-side ballad "The Girl That I Love", thereby lengthening the single's shelf life -- and revealing to radio listeners another facet of Russell's singing talents. "Morris Mania" was in full swing, with a demanding schedule of live appearances and the continued invaluable support from Uptight and Go-Set. [10]

Morris, in the meantime, travelled to the United Kingdom to help promote "The Real Thing" but the song didn't perform well. Morris returned to Australia in December 1969 and began recording new tracks with Howard Gable. Morris recorded English songwriter's Raymond Froggatt's "Rachel" which peaked at #23, in May 1970. The song become a big hit in New Zealand, where it reached #1 in July 1970. "Mr America" followed, which was a riff-heavy, gospel-flavoured number with a soaring female choral backing. Coupled with the equally strong self-penned B-side, "Stand Together", the single returned Russell to the charts, hitting the national Top 10 in January 1971. "Mr America" also won Morris the TV Week's Music Awards accolade for "Composer of the Year".

1971-1973: Bloodstone

Morris concentrated on his own songwriting and with the cream of Australian musicians, spent almost a year painstakingly recording and re-recording what became the Bloodstone album. The album was recorded at Channel 9's TCS Studios and produced by Howard Gable. "Sweet, Sweet Love", backed with the funky, Band-ish album cut "Jail Jonah's Daughter" was released and peaked at #7 in July 1971, while the album made the national Top 20, peaking at #12 soon after its release in September and earning great praise from critics as well. "Live with Friends" and "Wings of an Eagle" were also released peaking within the top 20. In March 1973, EMI Records released the first hits compilation called, Wings of an Eagle and Other Great Hits which peaked at number 12 in Australia.

1973-1977: New York and Russell Morris and Turn it On

In 1973, Morris moved to London to record an album, only to discover there was no record contract waiting for him. He relocated to New York and worked on an album there. He released Russell Morris in 1975 on Robie Porter's Wizard label in Australia and on RCA for US release. "Let's Do It" / "Don't Rock the Boat" peaked at number 30 in Australia. A second American album appeared in 1976, called Turn it On. It was two more years before Morris was granted his green card, enabling him to tour America. But by then, any chance of an American career had remained unfulfilled. Instead, Morris returned to Australia

1978-1999: bands, theatre and A Thousand Suns

Once Morris had returned to Australia, he formed the Russell Morris Band. The band signed with Mushroom Records and commenced live performances, writing songs designed to be played live rather than chasing radio airplay, but scoring a couple of minor hits on the way. Eventually, the band played and recorded as Russell Morris & the Rubes. Morris also fronted The Lonely Boys throughout the 1980s and he also branched out onto the musical stage, appearing as 'Riff Raff' in a Melbourne production of The Rocky Horror Show and a few years later taking on the role of Simon Zealotes in the hit 1992 arena production of Jesus Christ Superstar alongside John Farnham, Kate Ceberano, Angry Anderson and Jon Stevens. In November 1991, Morris released another solo album, A Thousand Suns, which peaked at number 98.[11]

2000-2006: Cotton, Keays & Morris

In 2000, Morris joined fellow 1960s singers Ronnie Burns and Darryl Cotton and began touring. Jim Keays replaced burned and the group called themselves Cotton Keays & Morris. They released five albums over the next 5 years.

Also in 2000, Morris' "The Real Thing" and "Wings of an Eagle" featured prominently in the Australian-made movie The Dish [12] and Midnight Oil released their version of "The Real Thing" as a one-off single, the first time this highly regarded band had chosen to record a cover. In 2002 Russell took a place of honour among his peers as part of the hugely successful Long Way To The Top concert tour. Rouseabout Records released the definitive 2CD Russell Morris anthology, called The Real Thing, covering his entire career.

2007-2011 Fundamentalist and ARIA Hall of Fame

In May 2007, Morris recorded Fundamentalist an acoustic album of his earlier hits. The album was released on Liberation Blue.

On 1 July 2008, Morris was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. He was joined on-stage by guest musicians Steve Kilbey, Tim Powles, Jak Housden, Clayton Doley and Lachlan Doley to perform "The Real Thing".[13] According to Andrew Murfett of The Age, "Russell Morris, whose classic "The Real Thing" was performed with a supergroup comprising members of The Church, The Whitlams and Powderfinger, was inducted with a tribute from Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst. Morris proved to be a revelation on the night, stirring the crowd with a terrific performance."[14]

In October 2010, Morris' 1973 album, Wings of an Eagle, was listed in the book 100 Best Australian Albums.[15]

2012-present: Sharkmouth, Van Diemans Land and Red Dirt-Red Heart

In 2013 Morris released the first of his trilogy of Australian story albums. Sharkmouth is a collection of tracks about the Australian of the 1920s and 30s and includes songs about Phar Lap, Les Darcy and The Great Depression. The album features appearances by Mark Lizotte, Troy Cassar-Daley and Renee Geyer. The album reached No. 6 on the ARIA charts.[16]

In 2014, Morris released Van Dieman's Land which focused on larger events rather than individuals, from the prison ships that began Australia as a penal settlement to the union strikes, the First and Second World Wars as well as paddle steamers on the Murray River. Van Diemen’s Land was nominated for Best Blues and Roots at the 2014 ARIA Awards, certified Gold sales and was the highest charting album of Russell’s 50 year career to date debuting at No.4 on the overall ARIA Charts. [17]

In 2015, Morris released Red Dirt – Red Heart, the third and final album in the trilogy. Red Dirt - Red Heart is about the Australian Interior. Stories of two bushrangers, a song about a beautiful town, a song about a loner, a recluse, and an escape artist, a snake and the spectacular Nullabour. Also included is some of our great indigenous heroes in the hope that we can share their stories. The album peaked at number #22 on the ARIA Charts.

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

Date Artist Label Cat. # Tracks AUS Chart
9/1967 Somebody's Image In Records IN-S-8088 "Heat Wave" / "When I Come Home"
11/1967 IN-S-8116 "Hush" / "Baby Blue (It's All Over Now)"
4/1968 Columbia
EMI 		DO-8315
7MA 4463 		"Hide and Seek" / "Livin' in Style"
3/1969 Russell Morris Columbia DO-8710 "The Real Thing" / "It's Only a Matter of Time" 1
7/1969 DO-8828 "Part Three into Paper Walls" / "The Girl That I Love" 1
12/1969 DO-9020 "Rachel" / "Little Lady"
4/1970 DO-9102 "Rachel" / "Slow Joey" 25
12/1970 DO-9314 "Mr. America" / "Stand Together" 8
6/1971 His Master's Voice EA-9539 "Sweet, Sweet Love" / "Jail Jonah's Daughter" 7
3/1972 EA-9824 "Live with Friends" / "Alcohol Farm" 13
11/1972 EA-10030 "Wings of an Eagle" / "Satisfy You" 9
10/1975 Wizard ZS-127 "Let's Do It" / "Don't Rock the Boat" 30
5/1976 ZS-140 "Sail with Me" / "Hard Road"
1976 ZS-160 "Wolves in White" / "Two Wheeled Flyer"
1979 Mushroom K7399 "Thunder Ground" / "Two Minute Warning" 49
The Russell Morris Band K7539 "Hot Love" / "Love Stealer"
1980 Russell Morris & The Rubes K-8090 "Hush" / "In the Heat of the Night" 35
2/1981 K-8229 "The Roar of the Wild Torpedoes" / "Just Another Night"
4/1981 K-8283 "So Tough" / "Walk Don't Run"
7/1982 K-8804 "Get It Right" / "You Wanted Fame"
1983 K-9131 "I'll Stay with You" / "Turn to Stone"
1990 Russell Morris Festival RPS 47 "The Real Thing" (Remix) / "Rachel" 1
1991 K-10327 "Tartan Lines" / "Over Excited" 61
1991 K-10386 "A Thousand Suns" / "This Bird Has Flown" 84
1992 K-11049 "Stay with You" / "She Is Leaving"

References

General
  • Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop by Ian McFarlane (Allen & Unwin, Sydney (1999)) (ISBN 1-86508-072-1)
  • Australian Encyclopedia of Rock & Pop by Noel McGrath (Rigby Publishers (1978))
  • The Who's Who of Australian Rock by- Chris Spencer (Moonlight Publishing (1993))
Specific
  1. ^ ""Wings of an Eagle" at Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA)". APRA. Retrieved 21 May 2008.
  2. ^ Cashmere, Paul (17 May 2008). "Dragon and Russell Morris to be Inducted into ARIA Hall of Fame". undercover.com.au. Retrieved 17 May 2008.
  3. ^ Mangan, John (18 May 2008). "Old rockers never die, says ARIA". The Age. Retrieved 20 May 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ National Film and Sound Archive: Sounds of Australia.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference ARDb was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Nimmervoll, Ed. "Russell Morris Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 20 May 2008.
  7. ^ "Where did they get that song?". Pop Archives. Retrieved 29 May 2008.
  8. ^ "RUSSELL MORRIS". www.milesago.com. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  9. ^ "John Sayers : Track Record". John Sayers. Retrieved 21 May 2008.
  10. ^ "RUSSELL MORRIS". www.milesago.com. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  11. ^ "ARIA Report Week Commencing ~ 11 February 2013 ~ Issue #1198" (PDF). pandora.nla.gov.au/. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  12. ^ Cite error: The named reference The Dish was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  13. ^ "ARIA announced all-star cast to induct and perform" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 July 2008. Retrieved 2 July 2008.
  14. ^ Murfett, Andrew (2 July 2008). "Rockers hail Rolf in Hall of Fame". The Age. Retrieved 5 July 2008. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  15. ^ O'Donnell, John; Creswell, Toby; Mathieson, Craig (October 2010). 100 Best Australian Albums. Prahran, Vic: Hardie Grant Books. ISBN 978-1-74066-955-9.
  16. ^ "Russell Morris". Ambition Entertainment. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  17. ^ "End of Year Charts – ARIA Top 100 Albums 2014". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  18. ^ "ARIA Report Week Commencing ~ 11 February 2013 ~ Issue #1198" (PDF). pandora.nla.gov.au/. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2016.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Russell_Morris&oldid=726020078"