On Tuesday, Nov. 4, the Lyceum Concert Series will feature The Rhodes Show, including performers junior Sam Morris and senior Savannah Morris. The concert will begin at 7 p. m. in the Administration Auditorium and is $3 or free with a CAB pass.
According to Savannah Morris, The Rhodes Show started in the 1930s with the Morris’ grandparents, Dusty and Dot Rhodes and Dusty’s brothers, Slim Rhodes, and Speck Rhodes. These four were the traditional members of the The Rhodes Show that toured the Mid-South and had their own Memphis-based television show that aired for more than 25 years. The show was popular and featured several other famous musicians including Elvis Presley. The band now includes seven family members and junior Austin Westjohn and sophomore Heath Bennett who will all perform at Harding for the Lyceum.
Throughout the years, all members and generations of The Rhodes Show have worked with multiple well-known artists. The Morris’ mom was a back up singer for many of Al Green’s number one hits as well as for Elvis.
Both of the Morris’ are third generation family members in The Rhodes Show. Working with their family has not only made them all closer as a whole but has made them closer musically as well.
“Music is my life, and music is what I love to do,” Savannah Morris said. “God couldn’t have given me anything greater than being able to share music with my family.”
Both Sam and Savannah Morris are active in Harding’s music community. They are both members of Belles and Beaux and perform individually all around Searcy. This performance will show what their musical roots are.
“I’m really looking forward to this show because very few Harding students really know what Savannah and I do as far as performing outside of campus,” Sam Morris said.
The Lyceum Concert Series has been an ongoing event on Harding’s campus for almost 60 years. The series features different kinds of musical performing genres for students to enjoy. Music department chair Dr. Cliff Ganus III works closely with the concert series.
“Any university needs to provide to its students and its community the opportunity to see and hear a variety of performances,” Ganus said.
While The Rhodes Show has been primarily country, they plan on doing some popular pop song covers and some original songs written by Sam Morris and Bennett.
“These are talented musicians who will put on a good show — and Savannah and Sam are part of our family as well as theirs,” Ganus said.
