FeedArtist Ron Morris Sings Us A Good Song
Written by NetBear on May 12, 2008 – 5:13 am -In the song Killing Me Softly from 1973 Roberta Flack describes going to a cafe to “hear a young boy who sang a good song, who had a style.” Artist Ron Morris is the out and bearded embodiment of the artist described in that song.
When you listen to him play you too will feel like he is singing your life with his words.
As gay men we are sometimes denied experiences that are commonplace for other people. For me one of them was getting to have a crush on someone as a teen. Like many gay men at that point in life, I was kind of confused. And there just weren’t many gay teen idols to inspire me back then.
Present day cubs and bears have it so much easier. Channels like LOGO bring handsome young artists like Ron Morris right to your door. Indeed, his first video, Boyfriend, reached the Top 10 of LOGO’s The Click List. Take a look and see why:
Recently I got the rare opportunity to ask Ron a few questions about life, love and music. Think of it as an online fireside chat.
Bearotic: It’s always wonderful to find an LGBT artist who’s out of the closet. When you came out, what was the experience like for you?
“It’s funny, I find that coming out is an ongoing process. At this point, I’m out to my family and friends (and have been for quite a few years). Often, though, when I least expect it, I find myself coming out again. When I go to a new town or am playing for a new group of people, folks don’t necessarily make the assumption that I’m gay. My music, I hope, is universal and folks seem to relate to it, regardless of sexuality.”
“However, sometimes when I’m talking to folks after a show, we start discussing music and before you know it we’re talking about life in general. People want to know where you’re from and who your family is.”
“They see a ring on my left hand and they want to know if I’m married. And there I am, coming out again. I think it’s good for the soul. Being faced with the decision to be honest or to hide away. In my experience, folks are generally quite accepting. Maybe it’s because we’ve already connected in an emotional place because of the music, or maybe I just keep meeting really nice people, but I’m usually pleasantly surprised at the conversations.”
“These days, since I’m singing Boyfriend during the set, I think most people have it figured out before we talk.”
Bearotic: Since you are part of Bearapalooza we’re sure that you know about the bear community. Can you tell us your thoughts about what being a “bear” is all about for you?
“I have found the bear community to be an extremely accepting and supportive group of men. Bears have been really instrumental in spreading the word about my music, mentioning me in blogs, and showing up at performances. It’s always good for the ego to walk onstage and hear a “woof!” from the someone in the audience. It lets me know there are friends in the crowd.” 
Bearotic: Your track Boyfriend really made us smile. What inspired you to write that song?
“A summer drive in up state New York. I was driving down a country road in an old car with a new love. It struck me that the feeling of falling in love, was a lot like finding an old song you love on the radio. Exciting, comfortable, and familiar. I thought the tongue in cheek nature of using The Angels’ My Boyfriend’s Back as the old song was too perfect.”
Bearotic: You’re a handsome guy so I’m sure somebody is going to ask us about this. Are you single?
“Thanks for the compliment! I always appreciate that question. My partner was the new love in that old car I just mentioned. He played my boyfriend in the “Boyfriend” video, and he plays my husband in real life.”
It’s fun to hear warm and familiar lyrics that speak to us as modern gay men. Watch this video of Ron performing Cher’s “We All Sleep Alone” and I bet you can imagine him as your own bearish folk singer from Roberta Flack’s song. Beware. Once you look in his eyes you’ll be hooked!
And next in “Now Appearing” our folk-bear again delivers a beautiful and romantic performance. As you’ll see, there’s some fur peeking out of his shirt. So cute!
On June 24, 2008, RoadWorm Music will premiere the latest release by our openly out, crystal-voiced crooner.
Truth Stained Lies investigates the nature of truth on eleven melody rich, folk infused pop songs and marks Morris’ third RoadWorm release, and his first time in
the producer’s seat.
Truth is slippery. It’s created through the stories we tell ourselves about what happens in the world.
Truth Stained Lies is a collection of the stories that I tell myself (and that others tell me) about who I am, what I’m scared of, what should happen, what did happen, why it happened, and on and on and on.
We all face these questions. Identity. Perspective. What is fact, what is fiction? Believe what you will. There’s a little bit of truth in all of it… and a fair share of lies.
Folk artist Ron Morris sings about life with eloquence, simplicity and warmth, reminding us to appreciate and enjoy the richness of our being. Watch for his new album and look for him on the Bearapalooza tour.
Ron’s first two albums, Speak True and Boyfriend and Other Sides of Love are available on iTunes. For the dance crew, the electro remixes of Boyfriend are a lot of fun!
By Ed on May 12, 2008 12:31:58 PM | Reply
OMG he is gorgeous!
By Andrew on May 19, 2008 1:16:24 PM | Reply
Damn he is sexy and talented.