Whitey Morgan and the 78’s – 2010
Whitey Morgan and the 78’s are a Honky Tonk band from Flint, Michigan. They haven’t re-invented the wheel, they just picked it up and started it rolling all over again.
In Flint, the factories are closed, jobs are scarce and the people are bitter. Whitey sings songs these people can relate to. In much the same way his grandfather and mentor did over 3 decades ago, to a whole generation of southern transplants who came up US-23 to Flint looking for the good life. In the spirit of William Morgan, Waylon, Merle and Paycheck; Whitey’s melodies help people forget their problems for a few hours and serve as the guideline for drinking sorrows away. The 78’s halftime groove brings out everyone’s dancing shoes and while Whitey and the 78’s play, the world is a better place. .
Emerging from the Detroit area music scene, re-creating a forgotten genre for the area, Whitey Morgan and the 78’s have toured the country spreading their sound and attitude everywhere they go. They play honky tonk tunes in any club in any town without apology—they drive their point home just like their families drove the cars they built on the line home from work. With a purpose.
Around 200 shows a year you can count on Whitey Morgan and the 78’s to deliver. Whitey’s whiskey tinged vocals, the 78’s foot stomping beats, all relentlessly stirring up dance floors everywhere they go. The bottle turns up, spirits elevate and in this world, there isn’t a person who couldn’t use Whitey Morgan and the 78’s.
Band Accomplishments Worth Noting
* “Honky Tonks and Cheap Motels” released 9/23/08 on Small Stone Records and distributed internationally.
* The band has been featured in premiere episode of NBC horror show, Fear Itself.
* Song featured in Fall Guy DVD box set.
* Have performed over 400 shows In the 4.5 years together.
* Performed with notable acts such as Shooter Jennings, Hank Williams III, David Alan Coe, Dale Watson, Eric Church, Leon Russell, Luke Bryan, Justin Moore, Bad Company, Lynyrd Skynryd, The Kentucky Headhunters, .38 Special, and many more.
* Featured at festivals throughout Michigan including Arts, Beats and Eats, Beaver Island Music Festival, Just Let Me Breathe, Hamtramck Blowout, Benny’s Bike Rally, Dryden Fall Fest, Detroit Riverdays, Motown Hoedown and many others.
* Performed SXSW in March 2009 & 2010.
* Winner of 3 Detroit Music Awards in 2009: Best Country Vocal Performance, Best Country Songwriter, Best Country Album
* Song “Sinner” featured on the aired version of MTV’s Nitro Circus / “Sinner” and “Another Round” featured on the DVD release
* Song “Another Round” featured on nationally televised NASCAR event
* Song “Another Round” and “Sinner” featured during Florida Marlins games
* Song Sinner featured on MTV’s The T.O. Show