Maren Morris
When a high school student sings, writes, and plays guitar in a way that has industry insiders begging to hear more of her, she is probably worth listening to. Those who do will quickly understand why Maren Morris has been garnering praise from critics in not just one, but also several musical genres.
The Real. Texas. Festival. presented by Dodge is pleased to present Maren Morris at 3:45 p.m. Saturday, April 26, on the Dodge Real. Texas. Music. Stage.
Although having just turned 17, Maren has been performing live for many years and recorded her first CD at age 14. She also writes and performs her own music in her band. The Arlington Bowie released her second studio album, "All That It Takes," in 2007 to rave reviews.
Fort Worth Weekly called her a "tiny hurricane of blue-eyed soul." She has been compared to Natalie Maines, Aimee Mann and Emmylou Harris.
Her style transcends rock, country, blues and pop styles, with soulful vocals that invite yet defy comparison to current and past musical performers. Village Records proclaims that "the circle may remain unbroken after all."
Maren attended the first ever Grammy Camp, presented by the Recording Academy, as the only Texas artist invited among 43 students from across the nation. The Camp teamed her with other songwriters, musicians and music industry greats such as producers David Foster and Paul Williams.
The singer/songwriter has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with such talent as Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Cheyenne Kimball, Bob Schneider, Monte Montgomery and the Randy Rogers Band. She was named 2007 Songwriter of the Year and the 2006 and 2007 Female Vocalist of the Year by the Fort Worth Weekly and Rising Star of the Year at the 2005 Terry Awards.
She was runner up in the Texas 10 Under 20 contest at the 2004 Dallas Guitar Show. Dixie Chicks producer and steel guitarist extraordinaire Lloyd Maines was floored by Maren’s voice in the studio during the recording of "All That it Takes."
"This girl has everything it takes to make it," he said.
Maren Morris has been paying her dues for years and is finally earning the respect of her peers and others across the music industry.
Once viewed her as a novelty, people realize she has grown in all areas of music. Her writing, vocal ability and guitar playing have all come of age.
3:45 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2008 Dodge Real. Texas. Music. stage.