5 Intriguing Points About Maren Morris: Not Just Another Country Pop Artist

Fans of country music are undoubtedly familiar with Maren Morris, who made a name for herself with the hit 'My Church' in 2015. This marked the beginning of her ascent to fame, and since then, she has continued to ascend through successful tours, like her time on the road with The Chicks, and delivering hits that resonate with fans worldwide. Interestingly, Morris didn't initially aim to be a country star, something that became evident as she veered towards pop sounds in her musical journey. Here are five lesser-known aspects of the talented country-pop artist, Maren Morris.

1. Songwriting Origins for Others

Morris set her sights on Nashville at the age of 20, but not with the intention of taking the stage herself. Her initial goal was to hone her songwriting skills in the heart of country music. She gained recognition with her contribution to Tim McGraw's 'Last Turn Home' in 2013, a project she collaborated on with Ryan Hurd, who would later become her husband. Other notable artists benefitting from her songwriting include Kelly Clarkson and Toby Keith. However, she soon felt that her songs were too personal to hand over, leading to the release of her own EP in 2015.

2. Television Rejections to Big Hits

Morris's music journey includes auditions for shows like The Voice, American Idol, Nashville Star, and America's Got Talent, but she didn't make the cut for any. Despite the rejections, her music later featured in The Voice and American Idol, with 'My Church' becoming a sought-after choice for contestants to cover. Morris reflected on this, realizing that these rejections possibly steered her towards a more suitable path for her career.

3. A New Wave of Country Talent

Morris has contributed to reshaping the image of contemporary country singers. Her embrace of digital streaming and astute online branding helped her rise in the digital age. She's often mentioned in the same breath as Kelsea Ballerini and Kacey Musgraves, artists who are known for their candid lyrics and willingness to blend different musical styles. Morris deviates from the stereotypical country image, opting for a more candid and authentic presence with her distinctive style and music.

4. Crafting Tunes for TV

Fans of the TV series Nashville might have heard Morris's work without even knowing it. She penned several tracks for the show, contributing to the musical narrative of its characters with songs like 'Boomtown' and 'The Book.' Morris's versatility as a songwriter was showcased in this crossover between music and television.

5. Performing until the Last Beat

In a show of commitment and passion, Morris performed at the Houston Rodeo while she was nearly nine months pregnant, astonishing fans with her dynamic stage presence. Her prepared team was on standby for any unexpected labor, but the show went without incident. After welcoming her son Hayes, Morris took a brief hiatus from touring, returning in 2022 and joining The Chicks in 2023 for memorable performances.

country, pop, songwriter