By MACY WEATHERFORD/Staff Contributor
In the heart of country music, where melodies echo the values that define the American soul, Craig Morgan emerges as a steadfast beacon of faith, family and patriotism. Stepping onto the stage for his “God, Family, and Country Tour,” the Nashville native and decorated U.S. Army veteran embarks on a musical journey that transcends the ordinary concert experience.
Morgan’s love for the red, white and blue is significant. His tour is not just a performance; it is a heartfelt celebration of the core principles that shape his life and the lives of countless others. This is more than a concert — it’s an anthem for the values that matter most, and every note played is a testament to the enduring spirit of God, family, and country.
Morgan stepped onto the stage at the UT Tyler Cowan Center at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 12 for a memorable evening. For his dedicated fans, it was a chance to unite, to immerse themselves in the melodies of the “God, Family, Country Tour,” and to share in the profound sentiments that Morgan’s music embodies.
Before pursuing a career in music, Morgan served in the U.S. Army for nearly two decades. He was stationed in various locations, and he often performed for his fellow soldiers during his military service. This background in the military has deeply influenced his music and his connection to the military community.
Morgan’s music career took off in the early 2000s. He signed with Broken Bow Records and released his self-titled debut album in 2000. His popular songs include “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “Little Bit of Life,” and “International Harvester.” His music often reflects rural and patriotic themes.
Morgan is also a faithful and devoted Christian who works to give glory to God in his music as he does in all else. The 2005 Billboard’s No. 1 country single, “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” captures his beliefs in God and the joy it is to be a Christian.
One admirable quality in Morgan is his enduring spirit and zest for life, even though he and his family have experienced profound grief following the tragic loss of their son, Jerry, in a 2016 boating accident.
Family holds immense significance in Morgan’s life, and this sentiment was evident during the show. During the show, he asked his wife, Karen Greer, to join him on stage. Remarkably, despite a career spanning two decades, his wife has never shared the stage with him before Morgan’s performance at the Cowan Center. After much persuasion, however, she embraced the spotlight. It couldn’t have been more timely, as they recently celebrated 35 years of marriage.
Serenading his wife with the timeless classic “You Are So Beautiful,” Morgan proved that love knows no bounds. Although Greer may not have been accustomed to the limelight, their profound love for each other left a lasting and touching impression on the audience.
Morgan’s military roots are still very important to him: in fact, during the show, Morgan mentioned that he recently re-enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served 17-and-a-half years, and his goal is to finish the last two and half years. By the end, he will have a total of 20 years of service.
Morgan performed a wonderful patriotic song on his “God, Family, Country” album called “Soldier.” At the end of the song, he held the American flag in his hands with pride, while the entire audience gave him a standing ovation. At a certain point in the show, Morgan asked anyone who served in the United States military or who served as a first responder to stand. The audience also gave these brave men and women a standing ovation.
Morgan created a memorable evening filled with exciting announcements and spectacular performances. The country music sensation thrilled the crowd as he unveiled his upcoming extended play, titled “Enlisted.” The EP is scheduled for release on Oct. 20. On the EP, Morgan collaborated with some of his close friends. These friends are a few of the music industry’s most prominent celebrities, including Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, Gary LeVox, Lainey Wilson and Trace Adkin.
Throughout the concert, Morgan interacted with the crowd, told stories, and asked specific audience members questions, which made for a light-hearted evening. He ended the night with his upbeat hit, “International Harvester,” which made fans walk away wanting more. The whole crowd cheered and clapped for an unforgettable night.
Morgan’s “God, Family, Country Tour” is not just another musical event; it is a heartfelt and powerful stand for values that resonate deeply with many. As the name suggests, the tour is a celebration of the core guiding principles for his life, including faith, family, and love for his country. Morgan’s performance is an embodiment of this meaningful message.
