In class our task was to research a Maori hero, this was part of Learn-Create-Share. We had to write a biography with the information we found out, this had to be thorough and we got to choose how to present our information. Here is my writing about Howard Leslie Morrison.
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Howard Morrison also is known as ‘The Sinatra of New
Zealand’ and ‘ Ol’ Brown Eyes.’ An amazing New Zealand
'leading television and concert performer. He gained his
fame by being part of the Howard Morrison Quartet,
which was formed in 1956, he was there with his brother
Laurie, cousin John, and Gerry Merito. They had a long line of hit-singles
in New Zealand and gained a reputation as being extremely skilled at live
performances in the act of combining amazing pure harmonies with great humor.
They had many averages and really popular performances all over the Tasman.
But after the Quartet had disbanded in 1964, Morrison still had a highly successful
career as a solo artist.
His services to the New Zealand entertainment scene were noticed in
1990 with a knighthood.
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Howard Morrison was born in Rotorua on August 18, 1935, Morrison was a
descendant
of Te Arawa and Irish. His mother was Kahurangi Morrison and his father was
Temuera Leslie Morrison, he had 3 siblings; this brother Laurie Morrison, and his
2 sisters Judy Tapsell and Rene Mitchell. During his school days, he attended
Te Aute College and Rotorua Boys’ High School with his siblings. He performed
in many Maori Cultural groups, shows, and concert parties. In 1955 the communities
started putting together vocal groups to amuse many Rugby clubs in Rotorua,
Morrison decided to join them. After he had come home from a successful tour in
Australia in 1956 with the Aotearoa Concert Party, he had figured out that Gerry
Merito was performing at a family function and talked to him about forming a group.
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In 1957 Howard Morrison had married to his spouse Rangiwhata Ann Kuia Manahi.
He has 3 children 2 sons and a daughter who is Richard Morrison,
Howard Jr. Morrison and Donna Morrison.
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An Auckland entrepreneur, named Benny Levine had spotted the Quartet
at a talent quest in late 1957 and signed them to appear on his tour ‘Pop Jamboree.’
They started singing and playing at Auckland venues and soon got a recording
contract. In 1958 they released their first single, ‘There's Only One of You’/’Big Man’.
It was not a big seller but the follow-up single, ‘ Hoki Mai’ with ‘Po Karekare Ana’ on
the flip-side’ was enjoyed with great success.
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The Quartet’s first national tour in 1959 signed by another coming out showbiz
entrepreneur, Harry M. Miller. They were advised to become professional singers.
But Laurie and John could not make this commitment.
Morrison had convinced Wi Wharekura and Noel King from Rotorua to join the
Quartet, this decision cemented the Quartet’s place in New Zealand’s entertainment
history.
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In 1960 the Quartet played in front of many huge crowds as they topped the bill
for the ‘Summertime Spectacular.’ Even without all the Live performances, they were
very successful. They released 13 incredible hit singles. Three EPS and two
LPs released too. It was a test of popularity if they didn’t suffer from over-exposure.
Comedy and parody was also a vital feature in their performances. A lot of international
hits were given obvious New Zealand twist. In 1960 they recorded
a bittersweet parody of another hit of Lonnie Donegan, ‘ My Old Man’s A Dustman.’
‘My Old Man’s An All Black,’ which was recorded live in Pukekohe Town Hall.
They used humor to make a point about the All Black’s decision of touring around
South America without Maori Players. It was their worst recorded song ever but
was their biggest seller, with around 60,000 copies of the singles were sold.
The constant touring around New Zealand and Australia shaped the Quartet
becoming a more polished act.
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In Australia, the Quartet supported a huge number of international acts and Miller
thought the Quartet was ready for larger venues of Las Vegas and London.
Morrison was reluctant to take this decision in fear that it would end any hope of
maintaining their family way of life. The Quartet and Miller split up in 1963.
In 1964 Morrison played as solo-support in many touring American acts.
The group had got back together for an end of year tour of Australia but while
in Sydney they decided to call it quits. There was a massive farewell national tour
was an overwhelming success. This was ended this a concert in
Rotorua of New Years Eve. Morrison ended up touring the country in 1965
with the Miss New Zealand Show. The year after he moved to the larger screens,
topping the bill off in the musical comedy Don’t Let it Get You and he was named
‘Entertainer of the Year.’ He had new opportunities rising in Asia, Morrison had
developed a
well-built fan-base in venues from Singapore to Manila, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur,
Taiwan, and Hong Kong. He had starred at the opening celebrations of the Sheraton
in Waikiki, performing with many international artists including his idols Sammy
Davis Jnr, Andy Williams, and Glen Campbell. He continued touring in New Zealand
and releasing his last solo album ‘Getting it All Together’ in 1969.
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Howard Morrison had re-established his role as one of New Zealand’s foremost
entertainers in 1982 following a television special filmed in Hamilton. The result
of a new album, this was Morrison’s massive seller with the single
‘How Great Thou Art/Whakaaria Mai’ which spent 5 weeks of being number one on
New Zealand’s charts. Morrison also had performed a hymn at the Royal Command
Performance in 1981 This song defined the latter part of his career. Many
New Zealanders had come familiar with Morrison with this song like the same
way as Sinatra had done with ‘My Way.’ Morrison followed up this success with
the albums Songs Of New Zealand in 1985, he was awarded the title of New
Zealand’s Entertainer of The Year in 1986 and the Entertainer of The Decade in
1989. His love for live performances remained, where he could truly showcase his
skills as an entertainer. In 1989 Morrison was a subject of the television tribute
show This is Your Life, the show came out popular and had lead calls for a
nationwide tour. Morrison played in packed houses he also sung at the
Opening Ceremony of the Auckland Commonwealth Games the year after, in
October 1990 he received Knighthood in his home marae in Ohinemutu.
Throughout the 90’s he had continued performing, recording and promoting
New Zealand because of his title as Cultural Ambassador,
he also continued his started charity work, this includes his Ride for Life in 1990
where he did a 45-day horse trek from Invercargill to Cape Reinga to raise awareness
of the Work of Life Education. Along that journey, he helped raise in excess of $1.2
million.
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He had passed away while he was in his sleep in his home in Rotorua on the
24th of September 2009 at the age of 74.
Buried at the Kauae Cemetery, Ngongotaha Rotorua, Rotorua District,
Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
