By Kevin Greer
Lakeside Communications Manager
The gates going up on Labor Day signal the end of the Chautauqua season. However, that doesn’t mean events in Lakeside are over.
Country music star Craig Morgan headlines Lakeside’s new Summer Splash Family Weekend with a concert in Hoover Auditorium on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Morgan has seven top 10 singles, including the 2004 No. 1 hit “That’s What I Love About Sundays.”
While Morgan’s music was topping the charts, he was riding in a convoy of Humvees in Iraq as a member of the U.S. Army. In 2023, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve while on stage of the Grand Ole Opry, where he was inducted as a member in 2008. His invitation came from John Conlee, an artist Morgan always admired.
Throughout his music career, Morgan has toured with several country artists. He joined longtime friend Blake Shelton on his “Friends & Heroes Tour” that included Trace Adkins, Deana Carter and Emily Ann Roberts.
In 2023, Morgan detailed the many facets of life in his memoir, God, Family, Country, which was written with American Sniper co-author Jim DeFelice. In the book, Morgan discusses his military career and his life, as well as the importance of philanthropy.
Morgan has made tour stops in Toledo and Cleveland, but this will be his first visit to Lakeside. He’s been on the road for several months but still found time to chat for a few minutes with The Lakesider newspaper.
Is there anything that you want to do when you come to Lakeside?
Morgan: I wish I could say we have a lot of time to do that. We generally show up and do our job. People are spending hard-earned money to come see us. Our objective is always to try to deliver the best show we can.
Why did you decide to go back to the Army Reserve?
Morgan: I wanted to finish my commitment. I wanted to get that letter that says I retired from the Army. The only retirement options you get are to do 20 years or be medically retired. I was one of the fortunate ones who didn’t get medically retired. I just left when my time was up. I decided to get out and spend more time with the music. Honestly, I wish I stayed in. I didn’t realize that I could have done both.
What are your duties with the Army Reserve right now?
Morgan: I’m a warrant officer in the Army Band. I’m one of the senior vocalists. I work with the Army vocalists at the School of Music in Virginia Beach. My commitment is not necessarily on the weekend. I might be doing the National Anthem at a football game or a baseball game on a weekday. It kind of depends on what it is they want me to do.
They’re giving you something that you really love to do.
Morgan: I will tell you, doing the National Anthem is one of the most nerve-wracking things that we do as artists. As a vocalist in the band, it’s even more nerve-wracking because you’re not only representing musicians and entertainers, but you’re also representing the United States Army, and you don’t want to screw it up.
Do you have an artist you looked up to when you were growing up or even now?
Morgan: John Conlee is one of my favorites. I was influenced by a lot of different musicians and genres. Luther Vandross, Lionel Richie, the Commodores, I love that music. I also love Lynyrd Skynyrd and .38 Special. In country, Gene Watson, George Jones and Vern Gosden, but John Conlee was probably one of most influential artists.
How do you describe walking onto the circle at the Grand Ole Opry for the first time?
Morgan: It’s a very emotional experience. We take a lot of pride in that. The Grand Ole Opry is the cornerstone of our format. To be a part of that, not even as a member, but just as a guest at the Opry, is a very humbling and honorable thing. To do it as a member, those emotions are magnified.
Of all your songs, which one is your favorite?
Morgan: My favorite is the audience’s favorite that night. It changes based on where I’m at. I enjoy them all. I’ve always tried to write, sing, record, produce and deliver music that the fan base wants to hear. Sometimes, even though it might be a number one song, it might not have been as big a song in various areas. For example, if I’m in the Midwest, “International Harvester” is a favorite. If I’m in the southeast, it’s “Redneck Yacht Club.”
Talk about your philanthropy.
Morgan: That’s a big part of who I am. For me, it’s important that we try to do what we can to help others. I’m part of an organization that I’m real proud of called Operation Finally Home. It builds homes for veterans and their families, first responders and those who are in need. I also have the Dickson County Craig Morgan Foundation, which is my personal foundation, where we provide resources for children within our district. Those are my two primaries. Anytime I’m afforded an opportunity to help, especially where it involves soldiers and children, we take part when we can.
What do you do to relax and get away from everything?
Morgan: Family, for sure. My foundation is God, Family, Country. For me, to relax and have fun, I’m usually busy working on the farm or doing stuff with the family. We have a place in Alaska, so we travel there quite a bit. I have a business there that my son runs. I work with a nonprofit called Exodus Road, where we travel around the world freeing enslaved humans. We work really hard in that arena to try to assist in that.
Is there a place that you haven’t performed that you really want to step on stage?
Morgan: I’ve never had a bucket list. I love my life, and I’m grateful to God for it. As long as people want to come see us, we’ll continue to do what we’re doing. I’m sure there will come a day when we’re not relevant in this business anymore, and I’ll move on to something else. Until that day comes, we’re going to keep doing what we’re doing. We know our fans spend their hard-earned money to come see us, and for that, we’re extremely grateful.
