History of Lorrie Morgan in Timeline

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Lorrie Morgan

Lorrie Morgan is an American country music singer and actress, daughter of George Morgan and connected to other country singers through marriage (Keith Whitley, Jon Randall, Sammy Kershaw). Active since age 13, she charted her first single in 1979 but achieved peak success between 1988 and 1999. Her RCA albums and "Watch Me" went platinum. Her compilation album, "Reflections: Greatest Hits", is her best-selling album, certified double-platinum. Other albums like "War Paint," "Greater Need," and "Shakin' Things Up" achieved gold certification.

June 27, 1959: Loretta Lynn Morgan Born

On June 27, 1959, Loretta Lynn Morgan, later known as Lorrie Morgan, was born in Nashville, Tennessee. She is the daughter of country singer George Morgan.

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1975: Father's Death

In 1975, Lorrie Morgan's father, George Morgan, passed away, leading her and his band to tour small clubs.

1977: Touring with Roy Wiggins

In 1977, after her father's band disbanded, Lorrie Morgan began touring with Roy Wiggins, continuing her music career.

1979: First Single Charted

In 1979, Lorrie Morgan charted her first single, marking the beginning of her career as a singer.

1979: Marriage to Ron Gaddis

In 1979, Lorrie Morgan married Ron Gaddis, a musician in George Jones' road band.

1979: Singles Released on Hickory Records

In 1979, Lorrie Morgan released two singles, "Two People in Love" and "Tell Me I'm Only Dreaming", on Hickory Records. Both singles charted in the lower regions of the Hot Country Songs charts that year. A third single, "I'm Completely Satisfied with You", featuring electronically overdubbed vocals of her father, also made the charts by year's end.

1979: Original Release of 'The Sad Cafe' by Eagles

In 1979, the song "The Sad Café" was originally released by the Eagles.

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1981: Divorce from Ron Gaddis

In 1981, Lorrie Morgan divorced Ron Gaddis. They had one daughter, Morgan Anastasia Gaddis.

1984: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry

In 1984, Lorrie Morgan became the youngest inductee of the Grand Ole Opry. The same year she issued three singles on MCA Records, including a cover of The Supremes' "Someday We'll Be Together".

1986: Marriage to Keith Whitley

In 1986, Lorrie Morgan married country music singer Keith Whitley.

1988: Greatest Success Begins

From 1988, Lorrie Morgan achieved her greatest success, recording for RCA Records and BNA Records.

1988: Signs with RCA Records and Releases 'Trainwreck of Emotion'

In 1988, Lorrie Morgan signed with RCA Records Nashville and released her first single for the label, "Trainwreck of Emotion", which reached number 20 on the Hot Country Songs chart.

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December 1989: "Out of Your Shoes" Reaches Number One

In December 1989, Lorrie Morgan's song "Out of Your Shoes" reached the number-one position on the Radio & Records country charts.

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1989: Death of Keith Whitley

In 1989, Keith Whitley, Lorrie Morgan's husband, died from alcohol poisoning. They had one son, Jesse Keith Whitley.

1991: Marriage to Brad Thompson

In 1991, Lorrie Morgan married Brad Thompson, a former bus driver for Clint Black.

1991: Release of 'Something in Red'

In 1991, Lorrie Morgan released her second RCA album, "Something in Red", which was later certified platinum by the RIAA.

1992: Signs with BNA Records and Releases 'Watch Me'

In 1992, Lorrie Morgan moved to BNA Entertainment (later known as BNA Records) and released her first album with the label, "Watch Me". She also faced a lawsuit from her former manager and underwent pre-bankruptcy reorganization to counter the fees.

1992: Hot Country Songs Entries

In early 1992, "Something in Red" accounted for four Hot Country Songs entries between 1991 and early 1992: "We Both Walk", a cover of George Jones' "A Picture of Me (Without You)", and "Except for Monday" all reached top ten, while title track reached number fourteen in early 1992.

1993: Divorce from Brad Thompson and Dating Troy Aikman

In 1993, Lorrie Morgan divorced Brad Thompson. She also briefly dated American football player Troy Aikman.

1993: Recording 'Crying Time' for 'The Beverly Hillbillies' Soundtrack

In 1993, Lorrie Morgan recorded a rendition of Buck Owens' "Crying Time" for the soundtrack of the film 'The Beverly Hillbillies'.

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1993: Releases 'Merry Christmas from London' and Acting Debut

In 1993, Lorrie Morgan released her first Christmas album, "Merry Christmas from London", featuring orchestral accompaniment and duets with Tammy Wynette, Andy Williams, and Johnny Mathis. She also made her acting debut in the made-for-TV movie "Proudheart" on TNN.

1993: "Leave the Light On" Earns Platinum Certification

In 1993, Lorrie Morgan's album "Leave the Light On" earned a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments of one million copies.

1993: 'What Part of No' Reaches Number One

In early 1993, Lorrie Morgan's song "What Part of No" became her second number-one single on the Hot Country Songs chart, holding that position for three weeks.

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1994: Relationship with Fred Thompson

From 1994, Lorrie Morgan began a relationship with politician Fred Thompson. This relationship increased her interest in politics but also made her consider the political implications of her public statements.

1994: Release of 'War Paint' and First Headlining Tour

In 1994, BNA issued Lorrie Morgan's album "War Paint", which included her first writing credits on her own albums. By the end of the year, Morgan had also begun touring as a headlining artist for the first time.

1994: Contributions to Multi-Artist Albums

In 1994, Lorrie Morgan contributed to three multi-artist albums: 'Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles' (covering "The Sad Café"), Frank Sinatra's 'Duets II' (singing a medley), and 'Keith Whitley: A Tribute Album' (duetting on "I Just Want You").

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1994: Stars in Television Pilot

In 1994, Lorrie Morgan portrayed the lead role in a television pilot for CBS called "Lorelei Lee", which focused on a country music-singing detective, but the pilot was not picked up for series.

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1994: Reflection on Relationship with Keith Whitley

In 1994, Lorrie Morgan reflected on her relationship with Keith Whitley, stating that she would "walk away" from a similar relationship but believed they "could have lasted forever".

1995: Reflections: Greatest Hits Released

In 1995, Lorrie Morgan released "Reflections: Greatest Hits", which became her best-selling album, earning a double-platinum certification.

1995: Greatest Hits Album Release

In 1995, Lorrie Morgan released her first "Greatest Hits" album, featuring major hit singles and three new tracks. The album reached double-platinum status, becoming her highest-certified album by the RIAA.

1996: Collaboration on 'Stars and Stripes Vol. 1' and 'Hope: Country Music's Quest for a Cure'

In 1996, Lorrie Morgan collaborated with The Beach Boys on a rendition of "Don't Worry Baby" for the album 'Stars and Stripes Vol. 1'. She also contributed to the charity single "Hope: Country Music's Quest for a Cure".

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1996: Continuation of Relationship with Fred Thompson

In 1996, Lorrie Morgan continued her relationship with politician Fred Thompson, and she wished to marry him but thought that marrying a politician would create personal conflicts between them.

1996: Marriage to Jon Randall

In 1996, Lorrie Morgan married country singer Jon Randall.

1996: Greater Need Album Release

In 1996, Lorrie Morgan released the album "Greater Need", which featured the Jon Randall duet "By My Side".

1996: Original Recording of 'I Finally Found Someone' by Barbra Streisand and Bryan Adams

The song "I Finally Found Someone" was originally recorded in 1996 by Barbra Streisand and Bryan Adams for the movie 'The Mirror Has Two Faces'. Lorrie Morgan wanted to record the song after seeing the movie.

1997: Shakin' Things Up Album Release

In 1997, Lorrie Morgan released "Shakin' Things Up", which featured the top-ten hit "Go Away".

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1997: "Good as I Was to You" Reaches Number Four

In 1997, Lorrie Morgan's single "Good as I Was to You", from the album "Greater Need", reached number four on the Hot Country Songs chart.

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1998: Secret Love Album Release

In 1998, Lorrie Morgan released "Secret Love", an album composed entirely of cover songs from the 1940s and 1950s, dedicated to her father.

1998: Tabloid Allegations Regarding Bill Clinton

In 1998, tabloids alleged that Lorrie Morgan had been spotted with Bill Clinton, then the President of the United States, but Morgan dismissed the claims as "fabricated".

1999: End of Greatest Success Period

By 1999, Lorrie Morgan's period of greatest success, which began in 1988, came to a close. During this time, she recorded for RCA Records and BNA Records.

1999: Divorce from Jon Randall

In 1999, Lorrie Morgan and Jon Randall divorced.

1999: Release of 'My Heart' Album and 'Maybe Not Tonight' Single

In 1999, Lorrie Morgan released her last BNA studio album, 'My Heart', featuring the successful Sammy Kershaw duet "Maybe Not Tonight". The single was promoted simultaneously by BNA and Mercury Nashville. Morgan also covered Bryan Adams' "The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You".

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2000: Release of 'To Get to You: Greatest Hits Collection'

In 2000, BNA issued 'To Get to You: Greatest Hits Collection', including covers of Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" and Tammy Wynette's "Another Lonely Song". Lorrie Morgan then ended her contract with BNA, spurred by declining sales and creative differences.

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September 1, 2001: Recording of 'The Color of Roses' Live Performances

On September 1, 2001, Lorrie Morgan recorded live performances for 'The Color of Roses' compilation at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, accompanied by the Belmont University School of Music Orchestra.

September 29, 2001: Marriage to Sammy Kershaw

On September 29, 2001, Lorrie Morgan married country singer Sammy Kershaw.

2001: Signing with RCA Nashville and Release of 'I Finally Found Someone' Album

In 2001, Lorrie Morgan and Sammy Kershaw signed a one-album deal with RCA Nashville, resulting in the collaborative album 'I Finally Found Someone'. The album featured the single "He Drinks Tequila", Morgan's last top 40 entry on Hot Country Songs.

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2002: Signing with Image Entertainment

In 2002, Lorrie Morgan signed to Image Entertainment. Her first project was 'The Color of Roses', a two-disc compilation featuring live performances and studio recordings.

July 2004: Appearance on 'Larry King Live'

In July 2004, Lorrie Morgan stated on 'Larry King Live' that "Drama is something that lets you know you're still alive."

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2004: Release of 'Show Me How' Album

In 2004, Lorrie Morgan released the studio album 'Show Me How' on Image Entertainment, featuring her last chart entry, "Do You Still Want to Buy Me That Drink (Frank)".

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October 23, 2007: Filing for Divorce from Sammy Kershaw

On October 23, 2007, Lorrie Morgan filed for divorce from Sammy Kershaw, citing irreconcilable differences.

2008: Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

In 2008, Lorrie Morgan filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, with an estimated $1 to $10 million in debts, stating she "didn't watch [her] own money" or audit her accountants.

October 27, 2009: Release of 'A Moment in Time' Album

On October 27, 2009, Lorrie Morgan's eleventh album, 'A Moment in Time', was released on the Stroudavarious label, featuring covers of traditional country songs and duets with Tracy Lawrence and Raul Malo.

September 15, 2010: Sixth Marriage to Randy White

On September 15, 2010, Lorrie Morgan married Tennessee business owner Randy White, marking her sixth marriage.

2010: Release of 'I Walk Alone' Album and Sixth Marriage

In 2010, Lorrie Morgan released another studio album called 'I Walk Alone', featuring songs she co-wrote and co-produced. On September 15, 2010, she married Tennessee business owner Randy White.

2014: Release of 'Dos Divas' Collaboration Album

In 2014, Lorrie Morgan released 'Dos Divas', a collaboration album with Pam Tillis.

2016: Release of 'Letting Go...Slow' Album

In 2016, Lorrie Morgan released a solo album, 'Letting Go...Slow'.

2017: Release of 'Come See Me and Come Lonely' Duets Album

In 2017, Lorrie Morgan released a second duets album with Pam Tillis, titled 'Come See Me and Come Lonely'.

2024: Release of 'Dead Girl Walking' Album

In 2024, Lorrie Morgan released her next studio album 'Dead Girl Walking' under the Cleopatra label.