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Kenneth Morris

org, *1917 JM
Musician / Composer / Arranger

b. August 28, 1917, Jamaica, New York d. February 1, 1989, Chicago, Illinois Kenneth Morris was an arranger, composer and co-founder of the gospel music publishing house Marlin & Morris Music Studio. Born in New York, he began making music in church as a youngster and commenced his professional career as a jazz musician. In high school, and later while studying at the Manhattan Conservatory of Music, the Kenneth Morris Band was billed at hotels, restaurants, and lounges. He and others of his band traveled to the Chicago World's Fair in 1934 to perform dance music for the day and evening concerts. Because of the heavy schedule, Morris became ill, and was forced to leave the band. However, he decided to stay in Chicago, and there he met members of the gospel music community, including Lillian Bowles and Charles Pace. A pioneering gospel musician, Morris is noted for the introduction of the Hammond organ to the gospel music sound. He spent six years with Lillian Bowles Music House, and in 1940 partnered with Sallie Martin to form Martin and Morris Music Company. When he died, Martin and Morris Publishing survived as a black gospel sheet music distribution house in the nation. His widow, Necie, continued the business for some time after his death.

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