Edward Morris, Nashville Music Editor and Columnist Who Steered Billboard’s Country Coverage, Dies at 90
Edward Morris, a prominent Nashville music journalist who spent decades covering country music for major publications, has died aged 90. Morris shaped the landscape of country music journalism through influential roles at Billboard and CMT.com, earning recognition as one of the genre's most respected chroniclers and leaving a significant legacy in how country music was reported to mainstream audiences.
Morris enjoyed a 14-year tenure at Billboard from 1981 to 1995, serving as country music editor for the final four years, and contributed freelance articles from 1972 onwards. He then joined CMT.com in 1999, remaining there until 2020, and authored eight books including "Stardust: An Alzheimer's Love Story" about his relationship with his late wife, Norma Morris, who was also a prominent country music publicist. He received the Charlie Lamb Journalist of the Year award in 2002 and published articles across numerous publications including the Journal of Country Music, TV Guide and the Hollywood Reporter, whilst also writing liner notes for legendary artists including Hank Snow, Chet Atkins and the Judds.
- Influential Nashville journalist Edward Morris, country music chronicler, dies at 90.
- Shaped Billboard's coverage for 14 years; spent 20 years at CMT.com.
- Authored eight books and wrote for multiple major publications throughout his career.