News : Gary Morris singing in Vinton after local fan invites him

Gary Morris, the original singer of 'Wind Beneath my Wings,' comes to Vinton for Sunday concert.

Gary Morris, the singer whose voice was the first to bring us "Wind Beneath My Wings," is coming to Vinton.
Why Vinton? Because he was asked.
Barb Rego, who area children know as a worker at Happy Time day care as well as the Vinton Public Library, is a relative of Morris.
"His dad and I were first cousins," says Barb.
Barb has been following Gary's career -- and Gary -- for the past 27 years. She often travels to hear him sing in neighboring states.
A few months ago, Barb went to Kansas City to see Gary sing. Her daughter, Shelly Swanson went along.
Barb tells what happened next:
"After his show, we were driving to the airport with Gary," she recalls. "My daughter called a friend who was not able to come -- Becky Smith of La Porte City.
Becky told Shelly she would like to speak to Gary.
Soon, Barb and Shelly hear Gary say, "Well, if you find me a nice quiet place with 200 seats, I will be there."
Becky had asked Gary Morris when he was coming to Iowa; Barb and Shelly heard her reply.
Barb returned to Vinton and began making arrangements with Gerald and Marcy Horst at the Palace.
Gary will sing at the Palace on Sunday, at 3 and 7 p.m.

Below is Marcy's summary of Gary's concert.

Legendary country singer/songwriter Gary Morris will appear LIVE on the Palace stage on Sunday, November 7 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Morris has family ties in the Vinton area. You can thank the lovely Barbara Rego for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Gary Morris is best known for his original recording of "Wind Beneath My Wings," which won both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music Song of the Year Awards.

Morris boasts an eclectic stage career. At the height of his Nashville recording career, Morris played opposite Linda Ronstadt in the New York Shakespeare Festival production of Puccini's opera La Boheme. Next, he portrayed Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables," on Broadway, receiving resounding critical praise, including a Drama Desk Best Actor nomination.

Tickets for the show are $20 and may be purchased online atwww.vintonpalace.org, or at the Palace.