A Fond Farewell To Ray Morris

[Clark Connell]

I would like to say a fond farewell to my friend and fellow steel guitarist, Ray Morris, from Des Moines, Iowa. Ray has played with nearly all of the popular country bands around the central Iowa area; I remember him well because we took music lessons at the same music school, Professional Music Center in Des Moines, and Ray played at many of the school recitals and shows for the school back in the 60's and 70's. He was a fine musician and a fine person, and he will be missed by all who knew him. Best regards to his family.

[Ken Newman]

RIP ray morris. remember when peoples would proudfully use the description,'vanilla', or perhaps sears roebuck? that was ray's music personified. pure and sweet. even in life, ray underplayed his part. he had a couple of gadgets to plug into, they laid against the wall un-plugged during a two nite convention gig [Mississippi river button collectors]he asked me to play with him at the ft des moines hotel. an out of town singer called for ' lost in the feeling ',,,... ray, struggled through it Friday nite, [without a sour note by the way],,,,then Saturday nite rolled around,,, he played it like 2 john hugheys. always , 'just right'. a genuine pleasure to be around such a 'vanilla human being',, meaning that in the kindest fashion. ray will always have work in heaven. stay tuned, Kennyx

[Chet Wilcox]

Ray was a good friend , i picked up some steel licks from him, so sorry to hear that he is gone, Chet