Local Man Finds Success in Music Business

Written by

Zach Hedrick, SMT Writer

Dexter Missouri- Keith Morrison is an up and coming musician from Dexter, Missouri. Being raised and living in the Missouri heartland gives Keith his work ethic and focus on success.  His voice and lyrics in the songs he writes pay homage to those who came before him, and his enigmatic stage presence sets him apart.

His talent as a musician and a songwriter is clear in his music.  Keith’s touring boundaries have expanded from his home in Dexter tremendously in only six short months.

Keith's determination and willpower was proven at a young age. He emerged as a fighter at the tender age of four.  Due to issues during birth, Keith had to deal with frequent headaches and multiple seizures.

His parents were proud and hardworking, but were without medical insurance. The Morrison's church received donations and held benefits to help in their fight to get Keith the treatment he desperately needed.

Keith was taken to the Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee where surgeons performed tests, eventually discovering a tumor on his brain.  Skilled surgeons removed the tumor, despite a 90% chance of him being paralyzed. The risk was taken, giving Keith a chance at a normal life. To the doctors surprise his rehabilitation took only a little over four months.

Keith not only survived, he re-learned everything, including walking and talking. However, the doctors warned the Morrison's that Keith would probably never be able to play, read, write or do what normal children do everyday. Every time you hear his songs you are hearing a bit of a miracle.

Keith gets his musical talent honest. His father played drums for a 50’s & 60’s cover band when he was a child so a family tradition began. Keith learned to play the drums at 12 years old, playing in his middle and high school bands. The snare drum & triple toms kept him busy while dreaming of his future in music.  Then, there was baseball. Keith was a very talented baseball pitcher his Junior year of high school, pitching the first no-hitter for his Babe Ruth Summer League team in Dexter.  Keith could have played college baseball, but decided to chase his dream of playing music instead.  

The Morrison’s moved to Selmer, Tennessee where Keith began his climb, playing in a few bands, finally landing a regular gig with the band “Southern Style.” As the drummer and lead singer Keith quickly became a well-known artist in the Selmer area.

Not long after his success in Selmer, Keith found himself being actively recruited by the band “Steel Country.” The songs he covered varied greatly, playing everything from Alabama to Waylon Jennings. As the band's fan base grew, people wanted to hear Keith sing more.

The band got a new drummer, and Keith got out front, selling out shows in northern Mississippi. To date, Steel Country has opened for multi-million dollar touring acts, such as Hank Williams Jr. and Jerry Lee Lewis. Keith also was honored to perform at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame with the legendary band, Lynyrd Skynyrd.  Steel Country released a single in both Japan and The United Kingdom, receiving multiple raves.

Keith also made the finals on the popular T.V. series "Nashville Star.”  He has been making trips to Music City, Tennessee regularly, co-writing songs with exceptional songwriters, such as; Marty Brown, Tracy Byrd Sarah Majors, and Faith Hill.  He has also had the privilege of working with Michael Martin Murphy, Corey Barker, Jon Conley, C.J. Watson, Dave Tough, and David Harper. (composer for Sony Pictures, ABC, NBC, CBS & HBO).

Keith’s new demo CD reflects his country-rock roots and amazingly smooth voice. He is currently working on a compilation of original works for his upcoming album. His fan base is growing, and anxiously anticipates its release.