By DeMatt Harkins. Special to the Clarion-Ledger Sunday print edition (October 20)
Some people make their own luck. Others have never met a stranger. In the case of lifelong Jacksonian Bill Morris, these notions work in tandem. As the founder of the William Morris Group, Bill has made a name for himself nationally in the insurance world. However in his memoir, This Magic Moment, he details his rhapsodic connection with the musical landscape.
The book recounts Morris’ journey as an adult befriending musical heroes of his youth. By practically willing it, he overtime would come to know, encourage, and advocate for members of The Moonglows and The Drifters. With equal parts amazement and gratitude, Morris zealously regales how these unlikely friendships burgeoned.
Inductees of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2000, The Moonglows began as the The Crazy Sounds in Cleveland, Ohio, during the early 1950s. Members included Magnolia, Mississippi native Prentiss Barnes. DJ Alan Freed, famed for popularizing the term “Rock & Roll,” signed the harmonizers to his Champagne Records. To capitalize on Freed’s nickname of Moondog, The Crazy Sounds became The Moonglows.
Things really got swinging when the group signed to Chess Records–label of Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, and Chuck Berry. Their single, “Sincerely,” took the R&B #1 spot from The Penguins “Earth Angel.” The McGuire Sisters cover of the hit shot to #1 on the Pop chart. Other cuts such as “Most of All,” “See Saw,” “Please Send Me Someone to Love,” and “Ten Commandments of Love,” landed The Moonglows on several notable package tours, and a few movie sets. Yet success proved brief as they essentially dissolved by 1960.
The Drifters, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 1988, were no accident. Upon hearing the lead singer of The Dominoes had quit, Atlantic Records co-founder, Ahmet Ertegun, tracked him down and immediately signed him. The resulting group became The Drifters. After 3 line-up overhauls in their first year, the roster that stuck introduced Bill Pinkney singing bass. Their early-50s hits included “Such A Night,” their first crossover hit, “Honey Love,” and “Money Honey”—later recorded by Elvis.
But soon Clyde McPhatter left, and Pinkney was fired for requesting a promotion from salary to percentage. From there The Drifters would see many members come and go, including Ben E. King. During this time in the late 50s & early 60s the group would cut such hits as, “There Goes My Baby,” “This Magic Moment,” “Save the Last Dance for Me” (#1 ‘60), and “On Broadway” (top 10, ‘64). However, Pinkney would return to lead a legacy version of the band, The Original Drifters, in the 90s & 2000s.
During these bands’ heyday, Bill Morris was savoring their output, along with a cavalcade of other Doo-Wop and R&B sensations. Throughout “This Magic Moment,” he traces songs’ association with specific memories and experiences of his teen years in Jackson.
While attending a dance Downtown during high school, Morris noticed just how much cash the ticket-taker was handling at the door. It switched on a lightbulb. He would pay his way through Ole Miss by promoting dances and concerts across the state. This would serve as his foot in the door by establishing a rapport with the music world.
Fast forward to 1980. Morris had since shifted his entrepreneurial spirit to building his own insurance agency. While in Washington DC for a conference, he caught a current incarnation of The Moonglows. Completely invigorated, Morris made his way back to the club’s backstage. Among the members was the son of Clyde McPhatter from The Drifters. Admiration and laughter lead to spontaneous singing, and new friendships.
About a year later, the Clarion-Ledger ran a profile of original Moonglow, Prentiss Barnes from Magnolia, who was now residing in Jackson. Morris leapt into action to introduce himself. What started as a gesture to supply Barnes with a complete Moonglows catalog, blossomed into a bond that lasted decades. Aside from becoming pals, Morris would prove a conscientious representative for a victim of early Rock & Roll’s financial ruthlessness.
Back in the 80’s, The Drifters performed at a Jackson fundraiser. Once again, swept up in the moment, Morris wanted to meet the musicians that had brought him such joy. Original Drifter Bill Pinkney was fascinated to learn that Barnes lived in town. Morris arranged for them to meet the next day. For 3 hours, the Doo Wop vets reminisced about their amazing ride in the 50s and 60s. And with it, Morris connected with another hero.
By getting to know and assisting Barnes and Pinkney in personal and professional ways, Morris would find himself in the unlikeliest of places, meeting an amazing array of musical legends in the process. Festivals, award ceremonies, and tribute concerts would land Morris next to Fats Domino, Lloyd Price, Bonnie Raitt, Darlene Love, Mary Wilson, or Curtis Mayfield, among others. This wild ride would culminate in Morris producing two albums for The Drifters, as well as establishing a preservation trust with Morgan Freeman.
In This Magic Moment, Morris demonstrates how his outgoing demeanor, generous nature, and musical passion have spiced his life considerably. And repeatedly throughout, he never forgets to count his blessings about earning the trust of Prentiss Barnes and Bill Pinkney.
DeMatt Harkins of Jackson enjoys flipping pancakes and records with his wife and daughter.
William Morris will be at Lemuria on Thursday, October 24, at 4:00 p.m. to sign copies of This Magic Moment.
Comments are closed.