dennis morgan

Biography

Dennis Morgan, born July 30, 1952 in Tracy, Minnesota, is a prolific American songwriter whose work has spanned both country and pop music. Inspired by seeing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show as a child, Morgan began learning guitar at age 11 and was writing songs and playing in bands by his early teens. At 20, he hitchhiked to Nashville with just forty dollars and a suitcase full of original songs, quickly immersing himself in the city's vibrant music scene as a solo performer in clubs and honky-tonks.

Morgan's career took off in the mid-1970s when his songwriting began attracting the attention of major artists and publishers. He became known for his versatility, contributing not only to country hits for artists like Barbara Mandrell, Charley Pride, and Ronnie Milsap, but also to pop successes, most notably co-writing the Grammy-winning international hit "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" for Aretha Franklin and George Michael. Over the decades, Morgan has built a publishing empire in Nashville, founding several companies that collectively manage a catalog of over 8,000 songs and numerous master recordings.

Morgan's legacy is cemented by his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and his broad influence across genres. He remains active in songwriting and publishing, with his work recorded by artists ranging from Johnny Cash to Rod Stewart. His career reflects both the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial drive that define Nashville's music industry.

Fun Facts

• Dennis Morgan co-wrote the international pop hit 'I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)' for Aretha Franklin and George Michael, which won a Grammy and topped charts worldwide.
• He wrote national advertising jingles early in his career, including a 1976 Bicentennial spot with William Shatner called 'Pull for America.'
• Morgan is one of only two Minnesotans inducted into the Country Songwriters Hall of Fame, the other being Bob Dylan.
• He has managed or published catalogs for other major songwriters, including Paul Craft and Faron Young, amassing over 8,000 songs in his publishing group.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• The Beatles - Inspired Morgan to pursue music after seeing them on The Ed Sullivan Show (General inspiration, not direct collaboration) [1960s]
• David Conrad - Publisher who supported Morgan's early Nashville career (Session work and publishing guidance) [1970s]
• Tom Collins - Publisher and industry mentor in Nashville (Session work and publishing guidance) [1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Kye Fleming - Frequent songwriting partner; together wrote numerous hits (Barbara Mandrell, Ronnie Milsap, Sylvia) [Late 1970s–1980s]
• Simon Climie - Co-writer of 'I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)' (Aretha Franklin & George Michael) [1987]
• Frank Myers - Songwriter and collaborator within Morgan's publishing companies (I Swear (as publisher), various) [1980s–present]
• Tony Arata - Songwriter and collaborator within Morgan's publishing companies (The Dance (as publisher), various) [1980s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Frank Myers - Worked under Morgan's publishing group and benefited from his mentorship (I Swear) [1980s–present]
• Tony Arata - Supported by Morgan's publishing companies, contributing to his success (The Dance) [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. You're My Everything / Vienna Dreams (Painting The Clouds With Sunshine (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
2. Pumpkin Head Harvey (Pumpkin Head Harvey - Single)
3. Love Changes (Everything) (Clubland Allstars Radio Cut) (Love Changes (Everything))
4. Love Changes (Everything) (Radio Edit) (Love Changes (Everything))
5. You're My Everything ? Vienna Dreams (Painting the Clouds With Sunshine)
6. Love Changes (Everything) (Club Mix) (Love Changes (Everything))
7. Love Changes (Everything) (Clubland Allstars Remix) (Love Changes (Everything))
8. Love Changes (Everything) - Radio Edit
9. Love Changes (Everything) (Clubland Allstars Remix)
10. No You - No Me

External Links

• Spotify