Interview with Tenacious Grammy-award Winning Maren Morris (“My Church”)

[Brian Stoppee]

North America has become known for tenacity. On this holiday season, when we celebrate Canada Day and Independence Day, that tenacious spirit, which our founders endured, continues.

This fitting interview ran this morning with Grammy-award winning Maren Morris, (“My Church”), in which she talks about how no defeat would wear her down, her unexpected successes, and the congratulatory calls from Elton John, which she initially skipped (not knowing who was phoning):

http://www.today.com/video/maren-morris-writing-my-church-was-a-defining-factor-in-my-life-981731907...

That said, if there is something which you feel divinely called to do, and it just doesn’t seem to work the first time (or for that matter the second, third, or fourth time), remain tenacious. Be the pioneer you were intended to be.

[Peru Bob]

That was an interesting interview. A lot of what was discussed surprised me.

[Brian Stoppee]

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Peru+Bob  wrote

A lot of what was discussed surprised me.

What were you expecting as opposed to what you discovered?

[Peru Bob]

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Brian+Stoppee  wrote

What were you expecting as opposed to what you discovered?

I was surprised that she was not even accepted as a contestant for America's Got Talent and The Voice, among other things.

[Brian Stoppee]

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Peru+Bob  wrote

I was surprised that she was not even accepted as a contestant for America's Got Talent and The Voice, among other things.

Was it Colbie Caillat who tried to be on American Idol 3 times?

[Peru Bob]

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Brian+Stoppee  wrote

.

Was it Colbie Caillat who tried to be on American Idol 3 times?

I don't know.

[Brian Stoppee]

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Peru+Bob  wrote

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Brian+Stoppee   wrote

.

Was it Colbie Caillat who tried to be on American Idol 3 times?

I don't know.

According to this article in Rolling Stone, both Colbie Caillat and Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott didn't make it to the American Idol stage: 11 Famous Singers Rejected by 'American Idol' - Rolling Stone

[Nancy OShea]

American Idol wanted the "whole package,"  age limit 15 - 28. 

Consider Susan Boyle, who at age 47 couldn't have gotten an audition much less a chance at finals.

Susan Boyle - Cry Me a River (High Quality) Britains Got Talent 2009 - YouTube

[Brian Stoppee]

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Nancy+OShea  wrote

American Idol wanted the "whole package,"  age limit 15 - 28. 

Consider Susan Boyle, who at age 47 couldn't have gotten an audition much less a chance at finals.

Susan Boyle - Cry Me a River (High Quality) Britains Got Talent 2009 - YouTube

Idol did start with that model and there are a few thoughts on why it fell into ratings decline and plenty of conjecture on whether or not the new ABC model will be more successful than what Fox was doing.

The Voice has a big following and its not so age oriented but it hasn't had a Carrie Underwood kind of success story either.

[Ussnorway]

singing christian music is a big door opener in the US... gun control will end your career fast however so it boils down to know your audience.

good luck to her, I say!

[Brian Stoppee]

Ussnorway  wrote

singing christian music is a big door opener in the US... gun control will end your career fast however so it boils down to know your audience.

good luck to her, I say!

As the interview quickly mentions, Maren Morris did get some projects to write for other big name Country music performers but "My Church" was her big door opener as a solo performer. She didn't have a record label contract so the wasn't an A&R (Artists and Repertoire) person providing direction as to what the label thinks will sell.

Not being someone who closely follows Country music from a very broad view, I wasn't even family with Maren Morris career prior to 2016 so I cannot speak for how A&R may have changed her direction.

Generally, the Country audience has responded well the Christian cross-overs and fusions. Country rock (the big seller) isn't as big with spiritual-based lyrics. I'm not sure why. You did get me thinking about A&R directions on that topic, so thank you UssNorway​. You're on what place on our planet?