Country star Maren Morris enters “liberating” new era of music & life after coming out
This profile is part of Queerty’s 2024 Out For Good series, recognizing public figures who’ve had the courage to come out and make a difference in the past year, in celebration of National Coming Out Day on October 11.Name: Maren Morris, 34.Bio: Morris found music at an early age in her hometown of Arlington, Texas.
Her parents, who owned a local salon, recognized her raw talent and helped Morris pursue singing professionally, driving the then-11-year-old to gigs around the state.Subscribe to our newsletter for your front-row seat to all things entertainment with a sprinkle of everything else queer.After a handful of independent albums (and rejection from every singing competition show in the book), Morris bet on herself in her early 20s, moving to Nashville at the encouragement of fellow Texan Kacey Musgraves.
Morris quickly snagged a songwriting deal, and began writing for the likes of Tim McGraw and Kelly Clarkson.Her big break came with “My Church,” a romping tune about the spiritual qualities of country radio.
The powerful track felt too personal to give away, and she was encouraged by producer Busbee to release it on her own. The song led to the release of Morris’ debut album Hero, her first Grammy Award, and a rising profile in country music.In 2018, she lended her vocals to Zedd and Grey’s “The Middle,” crossing into pop and scoring a top-5 Billboard Hot 100 hit.
