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Vicksburg, MS born country singer, William Michael Morgan is having a banner year. The breakout star notched his first No. 1 with single, “I Met A Girl” and was named 2017 CRS New Face of Country Music and Music Row’s Next Big Thing. Morgan recently performed at the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City, FL where we had a chance to talk about what’s coming up next and his favorite family recipe. Check it out below!
For newer fans, how did your passion for music and career come about?
I grew up listening to real traditional country music. I grew up on Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley, and George Strait. That is who I am influenced by and what I base my music around.
You credit your greatest influences as Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley and George Strait. As you know, a lot of artists mention them as influences, but not many stay true to that kind of old school country sound like you do. Is that something that you strive to hang on to and not jump on current trends with the radio friendly country?
It’s what I have listened to my whole life and because of that I don’t really know to much more. Just for fun I listen to that and this, but traditional country music is really just what I love and am inspired by.
What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about pursuing a career in music?
Stay true to yourself. Do you and don’t let others try to change you. Listen to everybody because they probably have some good stuff to say, but at the end of the day is your career and your job. You’re the one that has to step up and do it.
What song that you have recorded means the most to you and why?
It’s my favorite song and what we named the album after called “Vinyl.” It’s going to be my third single and I am so excited about that.
Looking back, what was the first album or “Vinyl” you bought?
I am not sure about purchasing, but listening to would be Marty Robbins “El Paso.”
If you could have penned a song in any genre what would it have been?
I would say my favorite song of all time, which not many people know, is a Lefty Frizzell song, “I Never go Around Mirrors.”
You’ve played on a lot of stages with a lot of big artists, is there anyone you been star struck by?
George Strait!
There are also a lot of great artists playing the festival today. Is there anyone you’re really impressed with?
I am good friends with Shay from Dan and Shay, we are on the same label. I love Colt Ford. I have wrote a couple times with Darryl Worley.
What do you have coming up to close out 2017 with a bang?
We are going back in the studio and getting more songs recorded. But liked I said we are going to release “Vinyl” as the new single.
Where is your favorite place to eat in your hometown of Vicksburg, MS?
It’s place called Rowdy’s Family Restaurant. It is a catfish place but they have everything fried you can possibly think of. I am a big fan of catfish and the whole deal; greens, cole slaw, everything!
What’s your favorite family recipe?
My dad makes a great chili that I have yet to learn the recipe.
Southerners know good cooking. What should every Southern kitchen be stocked with?
Butter!
Since we are here on the gulf coast, what is your favorite seafood?
Shrimp, but I like crawfish too.
What are 3 things you can always find in your refrigerator?
Water, cola, and Coffee-mate
One food everyone tells you to try, but you just can’t get up the nerve.
Oysters
Most memorable meal while touring. Where were you and what did it involve?
When I was in Portland, Maine I had the best lobster!
Finally, If you could eat or have a drink with one person dead or alive, who would it be and what would you have?
Frank Sinatra and whatever he wants, we will have a toast for sure.
Website: http://www.williammichaelmorgan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamMichaelMorgan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wmmorganmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wmmorgan
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC08aiNoxvdm5CVVej1Xxixw
