The daughter of singer George Morgan, she made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry at age thirteen, performing Marie Osmond's "Paper Roses." Her father died when she was sixteen.
When her father died in 1975, she took over his band and began leading the group through various club gigs. Within a few years she disbanded the group, and in 1977 she went on to play with the Little Roy Wiggins band. She then became a receptionist and demo singer at Acuff-Rose, where she also wrote songs.
In 1978, she had one minor hit single; the following year another minor hit with "I'm Completely Satisfied", an electronically dubbed duet with her late father. She began touring Nashville nightclubs and opened for a number of acts, including Jack Greene, Billy Thunderkloud, and Jeannie Seely. She toured as a duet partner with George Jones and spent two years as part of the Opryland USA bluegrass show and as a regular singer on TNN's Nashville Now.
In 1983, TNN was launched as the first cable network devoted to country music. Morgan was a regular on the show Nashville Now, singing towards the end of each show.
In 1984, Morgan scored a minor hit with "Don't Go Changing". That year she became the youngest singer ever to join the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1988, Morgan was signed with RCA Records, her first major label.
In 1989, Morgan's first album Leave the Light On was released; "Trainwreck of Emotion" became her first Top 20 hit, followed by her first major hit with "Dear Me".
In 1990, Morgan had her first number one single, "Five Minutes". That song was also featured in her album Leave the Light On, which went gold.
In 1991, Morgan's second album Something in Red went platinum. Morgan married her third husband Brad Thompson, bus driver of Clint Black.
In 1992, Morgan's third album Watch Me was released on RCA's newest label, BNA Records, spawning the number one single "What Part of No".
In 1993, Morgan was the first female country artist to have three albums in a row to be certified platinum. Morgan's romantic life gained tabloid attention with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman following her third divorce.
In 1994, Morgan was voted Female Vocalist of the Year by the fans in TNN's Music City News awards. She would earn this honor again in 1996, 1997 and 1998. She also appeared on Frank Sinatra's Duets II album, singing a version of "How Do You Keep the Music Playing" intertwined with Sinatra's "My Funny Valentine".
In 1995, Morgan had another number one song on the Country Charts called "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" from her Greatest Hits CD.
In 1996, Morgan was featured on the Beach Boys' now out-of-print album Stars and Stripes Vol. 1 performing a cover of their 1964 hit "Don't Worry Baby". The Beach Boys provided the harmonies and backing vocals.
Personal life
======================
Morgan is known for her turbulent personal life -- she told Larry King in an interview that "drama is something that lets you know you're still alive." As of 2006, she is married to singer Sammy Kershaw; they were separated at one point but apparently have since reconciled. Kershaw is her fifth husband; she was married to country singer Keith Whitley from 1986 until his death in 1989. They had one child together, a son, Jesse Keith Whitley, born in 1987. She also has a daughter Morgan from her first marriage. Prior to Kershaw she was involved in a lengthy relationship with Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Troy Aikman.
[edit] U.S. Senator Fred Thompson and Lorrie Morgan (1994-1996)
Morgan was also romantically linked from 1994 to 1996 with actor, lobbyist, former U.S. Senator from Tennessee (and former Hendersonville, Tennessee resident), and possible 2008 Republican Presidential candidate Fred Dalton Thompson.
In her book Forever Yours, Faithfully: My Love Story, Morgan states that:
It was great to go out with an older man [Fred Thompson] who was very successful on his own. I felt very secure with him, and he became a wonderful friend, a caring, inspirational man who would encourage me not to doubt myself (which, maybe you can tell by now, is one of my best things).
Fred is an extremely generous man. He wined and dined me and bought me presents --- furs, earrings, Chanel shoes with real high heels.
For a while, I enjoyed my first exposure to politics. It was interesting to hear about political conversations, and people even began talking about Fred as a potential president. It was inevitable that I would be sitting at a glamorous party and would have the flickering thought, So, this is what it's like to be a First Lady. Hell, I could handle that. Then I would say, "Oops, better drop the 'hell'"
I put myself to the task of being a great companion to a stimulating and important man, and as a result I become boring. I lost my spunk, my spontaneity, I had to stop and think about the political implications of everything before I uttered a word in public. Was this a Democratic issue? Was this a Republican issue? I could not trust my best asset, my gut instincts. In other words, I could not be myself.
Fred let me know that it was important how I dressed. Sedate was in. Even if I felt like a little flair that night, forget it --- we might be with men who had big wallets and insecure wives, wives who were a little older than I was. So get that basic black dress out of the closet. And no cleavage, baby.
Fred's senator buddies loved me, and some of my friends said that they never seen me happier. For a while, I wanted to marry Fred, but I knew he could not accept me as I am.
Forever Yours, Faithfully: My Love Story. pp. 262-263. Lorrie Morgan with George Vecsey. 1997. Ballantine Books. ISBN 0-345-41297-4
Harper Valley PTA
Lorrie Morgan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Bout a Harper Valley widowed wife
Who had a teenage daughter
Who attended Harper Valley Junior High
Well, her daughter came home one afternoon
And didn't even stop to play
She said, "Mom, I got a note here
Well, the note says, "Mrs. Johnson
You're wearing your dresses way too high
And it's reported you've been drinkin'
And a runnin' 'round with men and goin' wild"
"And we don't believe you ought to be
A bringin' up your little girl this way"
And it was signed by the secretary
Harper Valley PTA
Well, it happened that the PTA
Was gonna meet that very afternoon
And they were sure surprised
When Mrs. Johnson wore her miniskirt into the room
And as she walked up to the blackboard
I can still recall the words she had to say
She said, "I'd like to address this meeting
Of the Harper Valley PTA"
"Well, there's Bobby Taylor sittin' there
And seven times he's asked me for a date
And Mrs. Taylor sure seems to use a lotta ice
Whenever he's away"
"And Mr. Baker, can you tell us
Why your secretary had to leave this town?
And shouldn't widow Jones be told
To keep her window shades all pulled completely down?"
"Well, Mr. Harper couldn't be here
'Cause he stayed too long at Kelly's Bar again
And if you'll smell Shirley Thompson's breath
You're sure she's had a little nip of gin"
"And you have the nerve to tell me
You think that as a mother I'm not fit
Well, this is just a little Payton Place
And you're all Harper Valley hypocrites"
Well, I wouldn't put you on
Because it really did it happened thisa way
The day my mama socked it to the Harper Valley PTA
The day my mama socked it to the Harper Valley PTA
Yes she did
The song Harper Valley PTA by Lorrie Morgan tells a story about a widowed mother and her daughter who lived in the small town of Harper Valley. The daughter received a note from the Harper Valley PTA that criticized her mother for her dress code and her alleged promiscuous behavior. Mrs. Johnson, the mother, decides to attend the PTA meeting and confronts the members for their hypocrisy.
The lyrics are a commentary on the judgmental nature of small-town America and how individuals are quick to judge and criticize others without knowing the full story. The song also highlights the double standards that exist between men and women and how women are often unfairly judged for their behavior.
In the end, Mrs. Johnson stands up for herself and her daughter and exposes the hypocrisy of the PTA members. The lyrics also suggest that although Mrs. Johnson may be judged by the townspeople, she is still a caring and devoted mother to her daughter.
Overall, Harper Valley PTA is a timeless song that speaks to the universality of human nature and the need for individuals to stand up for themselves and their loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to tell you all the story
The singer wants to share a story about a Harper Valley widow and her daughter.
'Bout a Harper Valley widowed wife
The widow of Harper Valley, who is the singer of the story.
Who had a teenage daughter
The widow has a daughter who is of teenage age.
Who attended Harper Valley Junior High
The daughter goes to Harper Valley Junior High School.
Well, her daughter came home one afternoon
The daughter comes home from school one day.
And didn't even stop to play
The daughter is in a hurry and doesn't take any breaks along the way.
She said, "Mom, I got a note here
The daughter tells her mother that she received a note.
From the Harper Valley PTA"
The note is from the local Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in Harper Valley.
Well, the note says, "Mrs. Johnson
The note informs Mrs. Johnson of specific complaints.
You're wearing your dresses way too high
Complaint 1: Mrs. Johnson wears dresses that are too short.
And it's reported you've been drinkin'
Complaint 2: Mrs. Johnson has been reported for drinking alcohol.
And a runnin' 'round with men and goin' wild"
Complaint 3: Mrs. Johnson has been seen with men and engaging in questionable behavior.
And we don't believe you ought to be
The PTA finds Mrs. Johnson unfit to parent.
A bringin' up your little girl this way"
The PTA believes that Mrs. Johnson's behavior is setting a bad example for her daughter.
And it was signed by the secretary
The note is signed by the secretary of the Harper Valley PTA.
Harper Valley PTA
The local Parent-Teacher Association in Harper Valley.
Well, it happened that the PTA
The PTA was about to have a meeting.
Was gonna meet that very afternoon
The meeting is scheduled for later in the day.
And they were sure surprised
The PTA members were taken aback by what happened next.
When Mrs. Johnson wore her miniskirt into the room
Mrs. Johnson's attire caused a stir among the PTA members.
And as she walked up to the blackboard
Mrs. Johnson takes center stage at the meeting.
I can still recall the words she had to say
The singer remembers what Mrs. Johnson said at the meeting.
She said, "I'd like to address this meeting
Mrs. Johnson speaks up at the meeting.
Of the Harper Valley PTA"
Mrs. Johnson addresses the members of the local PTA.
"Well, there's Bobby Taylor sittin' there
Mrs. Johnson calls out various PTA members in her speech.
And seven times he's asked me for a date
Mrs. Johnson implies that Bobby Taylor is romantically interested in her.
And Mrs. Taylor sure seems to use a lotta ice
Mrs. Johnson suggests that Mrs. Taylor is gossiping about her behind her back.
Whenever he's away"
Mrs. Johnson implies that Mrs. Taylor puts on airs when her husband is not around.
And Mr. Baker, can you tell us
Mrs. Johnson calls out Mr. Baker.
Why your secretary had to leave this town?
Mrs. Johnson questions Mr. Baker about his secretary's sudden departure.
And shouldn't widow Jones be told
Mrs. Johnson brings up another resident of Harper Valley.
To keep her window shades all pulled completely down?
Mrs. Johnson questions the behavior of a widow who lives nearby.
"Well, Mr. Harper couldn't be here
Mrs. Johnson takes another jab, this time at Mr. Harper.
'Cause he stayed too long at Kelly's Bar again
Mrs. Johnson implies that Mr. Harper has a drinking problem.
And if you'll smell Shirley Thompson's breath
Mrs. Johnson insinuates that another resident has been drinking.
You're sure she's had a little nip of gin"
Mrs. Johnson believes that Shirley Thompson has been imbibing in alcohol.
And you have the nerve to tell me
Mrs. Johnson turns the tables on the PTA members.
You think that as a mother I'm not fit
Mrs. Johnson defends herself against the accusations made against her.
"Well, this is just a little Payton Place
Mrs. Johnson makes a reference to a TV show about small-town scandals.
And you're all Harper Valley hypocrites"
Mrs. Johnson accuses the PTA members of being hypocrites.
Well, I wouldn't put you on
The singer emphasizes the truthfulness of the tale.
Because it really did it happened thisa way
The story is based on actual events.
The day my mama socked it to the Harper Valley PTA
Mrs. Johnson stood up to the Harper Valley PTA and defended herself.
The day my mama socked it to the Harper Valley PTA
Reinforcement of the story's message and the events that transpired.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tom T. Hall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheFitchhung
Love Lorrie โค๏ธ. My dear Motherโs favorite song. Miss u Mama
@tinafifarek5473
Dayum! Goosebumps from the opening line and then some!
@colinrobottom1254
Yep, spot on ๐๐๐๐๐๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
@dangoudge2503
Crushed it
@sbruce2002
She sound really good. Nice to see and hear her singing again
@mikesnyder4801
Talented woman
@dailydoseofrandom8931
Agreed!
@sbruce2002
Remember Lorrie and Keith!
@user-qe4mc1ks1y
Please cd. Play
@dennissnider3936
They're just effing jealous you and J.C Riley are beautiful women and ya both got that country twang lawd yuns don't know what that does to country boys we turn into silly putty it's kryptonite I know I've had it get me a couple in of times