Ken Morris and Original Rock


      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, CBGB’s and other legendary clubs. He even performed at the infamous Studio 54.
     Ken has had 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 album, “Heavenly Bound and No Earthly Good”), Corky Laing and Lesley West, (from Mountain), among 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.  Three months later, Ken 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 Mr. Eastern 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 Elton John's manager at the time.  Ken was a guest at Rod’s Madison Square Garden performance that night.  Ken's only goal at the time was to win the Mr. America and open a gym/karate studio.  After Rod Stewart heard Ken 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 followed that advice and decided to make singing/songwriting a serious profession.  His decision and Stewart's advice have served him well.
     Having lived for most his life between Los Angeles, New York, London and Florida, Ken now resides in Ohio. While in Florida, Ken recorded 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 played and sang everything on my first 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.”
     "I've had a rough few years', Ken said. 'I've lost both parents, the family home, a rough divorce...kind of stripped of everything from love to freedom." After what I've been through, it's time to have fun with music again."
     Then fun begins again in the Fall of 2010 with the launch of Ken's own Indie label: Beta Wave Records. Followed by a regional tour leading to a national tour and CD release in spring 2011.  With a focus on original rock with a message, the "Live Your Truth" tour represents the best of Ken's work as he calls on his vast life experiences to sing messages from the heart as well as tackling some of the major issues of our time.