The gr-it girls
Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan are currently delighting old and new fans across North America on their highly successful Grits and Glamour tour. From the road to the red carpet, on center stage in the theater or under the spotlight in a honkytonk, these two women are comfortable in their high heels. Veteran recording artists and performers, they grace the country format with style, flair and undeniable talent that is captivating and timeless.
Don’t miss your chance to see these legendary ladies live at Lincoln City’s Chinook Winds Casino Resort on Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13.
The duo’s career highlights are numerous and varied. Combined, they have recorded 28 top 10 hits and sold more than 18 million records. There have been Grammys, CMA Awards, movie credits, television appearances and Broadway performances. They have rocked arenas, helmed world-class symphonies and toured on almost every continent.
These 50-somethings are more than a little flattered that they can still sell out shows, turn heads and make hearts beat fast nearly four decades into their careers. It’s almost unnecessary to point out how rare it is to have such long-term success in an industry so fickle, but Tillis and Morgan haven’t missed a beat. In fact, they both maintain extensive solo touring schedules, enhanced by the buzz that surrounds the Grits and Glamour tour.
“We’ve been called divas a time or two,” Morgan said.
“Now, I’m sure they meant it in the best sense of the word,” Tillis said. “As far as being ‘divas,’ we share the title and the responsibility!”
Striking a more serious note, they both recognize the importance of compromise in this unique and special relationship. They respect one another’s artistry, they respect each other as women, and they respect the fact that they’re carrying on the legacies of their fathers, late Opry star George Morgan and the legendary Mel Tillis.
Formed in 2009, the Grits and Glamour tour is a “together is better” event. The show is only loosely scripted. Good-natured ribbing and off-the-cuff remarks are just part of the fun. They add tight harmonies to each other’s material, classic songs like Tillis’ “Maybe It Was Memphis,” and “Mi Vida Loca,” and Morgan’s “Something In Red” and “Except for Monday” as well as new and original music from more recent recordings. The ladies are backed by some of Nashville’s finest musicians and singers. After years of working solo, both artists find teaming up fresh and interesting.
When not touring you are apt to find Tillis in her organic vegetable garden and Morgan tending her roses and overseeing her small menagerie of critters. They’re as earthy as they are glamorous. Recently they got together to do some cooking and found they had chosen chicken and dumplings, green beans, and cobbler for their combined menu. True country girls at heart, both admit they’ve benefited from the world’s recent fascination with Nashville. Magazines have dubbed their hometown “Nowville” and they’re not letting this frenzy pass them by. Tillis can be seen in the new hit television series “Nashville,” and Morgan recently headlined Gaylord Opryland Hotel’s Christmas show, performing for tens of thousands of people over six weeks. Their most recent solo recordings have been both critically acclaimed and enthusiastically received by fans. In an effort to promote that new music, they are avid tweeters, share videos on their YouTube channel and post candid photos and road musings on their Facebook fan pages.
Both shows begin at 8 pm at 1777 NW 44th Street in Lincoln City. Tickets are $25 to $40. For more information, go to chinookwindscasino.com or call 888-624-6228.