Celebrated country music star, TV personality, Grand Ole Opry member and Army veteran Craig Morgan performs April 25 at Cherokee Casino in West Siloam Springs, Okla. Morgan will bring greatest hits like "Bonfire," "Redneck Yacht Club" and "What I Love About Sunday," as well as new tunes, to the Qualla Ballroom. Morgan has had a busy few years with his recent return from yet another trip overseas to entertain service members and military families; the launch of his family's farm-to-home business The Gallery at Morgan Farm featuring artisan items handmade by Morgan; and continuing to tour and perform year-round. Morgan took a few minutes to answer these questions for What's Up! ahead of his visit.
Q. Congratulations on your Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. You're coming from both sides on that. What did it mean to have an artist there supporting you in person while you served? And then on the civilian side, what does that recognition of your continued service to our armed forces mean to you?
FAQ
Craig Morgan
WHEN — 8 p.m. April 25
WHERE — Cherokee Casino in West Siloam Springs, Okla.
COST — $30
INFO — (800) 754-4111, cherokeecasino.com, craigmorgan.com
FYI — Must be at least 21 to attend.
A. As a soldier, I remember being grateful that someone from home took the time to come overseas to see us and bring us a taste of home. I would say the recognition for our continued service is a bit embarrassing and humbling -- embarrassing because we don't do these things to receive awards or credit and humbling because I'm honored that I am still able to participate in some way with those men and women who serve.
Q. How do you feel you've evolved as a musician and a creator over your career?
A. I would like to think that no matter your occupation, the more you do it, the better you get at it. For me in particular, I've learned how to take better care of myself so that I can do my job better as far as songwriting and singing. And I would like to think, again, that I've gotten better at it because I've done it so much. However, my success as a singer, songwriter and entertainer is not dictated solely by my personal input; it's truly due to the fans and their passion for the music.
Q. What's important to you now versus when you were just starting out?
A. It was then and is now and always will be my God, my family and my friends and country. Everything else -- my writing, my singing, my touring, everything -- revolves around that.
-- Jocelyn Murphy
NAN What's Up on 04/21/2019