Russell Morris | Long Play Series

Singer-songwriter Russell Morris is one of Australia’s most versatile artists scoring five Top 10 hits during the 1960s and 1970s before reinventing himself in the 2010s as Australia’s premier blues storyteller. In 1969, Morris released the career-defining psychedelic classic, ‘The Real Thing’ written by Johnny Young and produced by Ian “Molly” Meldrum. Throughout the 1980s, Morris performed with various combos including Russell Morris and The Rubes, and in 1992, he appeared alongside John Farnham, Kate Ceberano and John Stevens as Simon Zealotes in the Australian stage revival of Jesus Christ Superstar.
In 2012, Morris released Sharkmouth, the first in his trilogy of Australiana blues albums. Drawing on traditional American blues and roots music, Morris reimagined the stories of Phar Lap, the Bendigo Gold Rush, and the Australian gangsters of the 1920s and 1930s. His unique take on the blues garnered a new generation of fans, and in 2016, he received the ARIA Award for Best Blues and Roots Album for the third album in the trilogy, Red Dirt - Red Heart.
Russell Morris was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2008.
In this interview with Brian Nankervis, Russell Morris talks about his experience recording of ‘The Real Thing’, the inspiration behind his Australian blues narrative, and his time playing Riff Raff in the stage production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Interviewer: Brian Nankervis
Location: Melbourne Room, Arts Centre Melbourne, 2017
For more Australian Music Vault stories and information visit www.australian...
As part of our commitment to capturing and sharing great Australian music stories, the Australian Music Vault asked some of the country’s most influential trailblazers and unsung heroes to open up about their lives in music as part of our Long Play Series.

[@bellerive7018]

Absolute legend

[@flatoutt1]

this is just unbelievable .australians becoming proud of secure in presenting who they are. and makes me proud to be an aussie. we really do have sonething precious to offer that has it's own unique flavour. just love it .

[@philmoore71]

lovely interview... i say him at the Trocadero, Sydney, once ready to listen to Van Diemen's Land when driving tomorrow

[@billk9856]

Seeing Russell again tomorrow night ... and I get to take my guitarist son ... it will be a special evening.

[@billk9856]

What a smashing show! Russell had Ian Peres from Wolfmother on bass and he gave it the 1000% hard rock god from the first chord to the last. Gave the whole thing an amazing energy and the finale version of Real Thing was just blistering - best I've heard..... and the whole family is off to The Lounge at Nundah this Saturday to do it all again.

[@steveperelli3602]

Howdy cowboy

[@Doodlecroc]

This was the best 44 minutes I have invested in a very long time. A fabulous interview, Brian. Russell is fascinating to listen too. There are so many layers to him and he is incredibly interesting to listen to. I love his stories, hearing the history behind the music and discovering what made him the wonderful entertainer and musician that he is today. It’s great to get an insight into the life and background of such a lovely, talented, personable and humble man.

[@australianmusicvault4604]

Thanks so much for your feedback! We love this interview with Russell too!

[@Aroha016]

Well said Your comment says it all

[@bernadettelanders7306]

Have only recently discovered The Music Vault. Russell’s story was amazing, thoroughly enjoyed it. Once again, things I’d never known about him - absolutely wonderful listening to him and his history, likes, and and dislikes, it was so in-depth. Things the average person never knew. Fascinating interview. Whoever thought of the Australian Music Vault deserves an award. The unknown history behind the artists has opened up a whole new world for me, who only enjoyed the music. Russell just sang great songs, now I know Russell is a lovely caring, even a gentle shy man that I had no idea of at all.

[@australianmusicvault4604]

Thanks so much for your feedback Bernadette, that's so great to hear you enjoyed Russell's interview. There's lots of other interviews in the Long Play Series from some of the country’s most influential trailblazers and unsung heroes who open up about their lives in music for to enjoy and more to come! So stay tuned!

[@bernadettelanders7306]

Australian Music Vault yes, I’m going through them. I discovered firstly Glenn Wheatley’s by accident. Once again totally fascinating, had no idea what he’d achieved. I’ve had to stop watching Lou Bennet to reply to this. Once again so much behind my information that I only knew about her Group Tiddas and their music. Who’s after that one for me? Have no idea, but I’m like a child let loose in a Lolly shop listening to the interviews lol. I’m not a musician, I can’t sing to save myself lol, but my mother, born 1920 was a huge music fan from here era. I was a teenager in the 70s and my love of music keeps my soul alive. Yes, I still have all my old vinyl, I love a huge variety and styles of music. Listening to the interviews behind the songs and singers, enhances the music so much. I’m determined to eventually watch them all 😊

[@australianmusicvault4604]

Thanks Bernadette, this is just so wonderful to hear, I'll share your feedback with the team, they'll be thrilled! I hope you're able to get through them all, there's lots of stories to discover!

[@bernadettelanders7306]

Australian Music Vault It will take time, but I’m determined to get through them all. I’ve shared a few especially if someone mentions someone’s name in the ones I’ve watched. Was hoping to find Mic Conway from Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band and his other groups. I guess they couldn’t do everyone. But he was, as u know, a very talented, intelligent musician and entertainer also in Soapbox Circus.

[@heatherd5609]

I'm totally in love with this guy. Love his voice

[@oldscorpsfan]

Glad I was searching Russell's old songs and found this. Great interview with an Aussie legend.

[@threadfix]

Me too!

[@steveperelli3602]

Hey are you Lasso ing some songs

[@BruceCoble]

Fantastic performer & a great interview. I have had the privilege of sharing the bill with Russell on a few occasions, & he was always very personable and professional. Though they only alluded to it here, my understanding is that the mow-mow vocal parts was supposed to be a guitar riff but the session player was late & Molly got him to record a vocal guide track for the guitar part, but then they realised it sounded brilliant the way it was. Not sure if that story is true...maybe someone can confirm.

[@CJ-pe5dl]

Superb interview thank you

[@rickeap]

Thanks for this. Always good to hear Russell.

[@steveperelli3602]

I say there howdy partner

[@Cadcare]

Great interview with real warmth.

[@australianmusicvault4604]

Thanks Alan for the lovely feedback.