William Michael Morgan Dropped From Warner Music Nashville
William Michael Morgan has been dropped by his label Warner Music Nashville, Saving Country Music has confirmed. The 25-year-old from Vicksburg, Mississippi had recently released a succession of five songs he said he was using to test the waters for the direction of new music for an album that is partially done, though none of them had been released as a proper single. Whatever upcoming record Morgan might be releasing in the future, it won’t be on Warner Nashville. Morgan’s departure from Warner Nashville became official last week.
A pretty staunch traditionalist in the otherwise pop-oriented mainstream of country, William Michael Morgan impressed most everyone with his debut single in 2015, “I Met a Girl.” The song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Country Airplay charts and was eventually Certified Gold. But that initial success was followed up with lukewarm commercial reception for his second single, “Missing,” which stalled at #29 on radio, and couldn’t crack the Top 40 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. His debut album Vinyl sold well initially, charting at #5 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, but also failed to find wide reception, especially without significant radio support or tour opportunities.
Ironically, the news of William Michael Morgan’s departure from Warner Music comes right as he receives one of the biggest opportunities of his career—opening for Alan Jackson on select dates. Despite the mild reception in the mainstream, Morgan is revered by many traditional country fans as a fresh face and a hope for the future for country music that includes deep storytelling, and a twangy sound.
Perhaps fans of Morgan should have seen this coming. A couple of weeks ago, the singer responded to a tweet by media outlet Taste of Country asking who would save real country music by saying in part, “I was debating whether to speak my mind or not. I decided to. I am just gonna say that the state of country music at the moment is far from salvageable. It will take real singers. With real songs to turn this around. But I’m a traditionalist.”
William Michael Morgan’s fate and frustration is common among many of country music’s more traditional country singers as pop stars and more R&B-style performers continue to invade the country music space. However these performers often find more positive reception among more traditional and independent fans, even if major labels fail to craft winning strategies behind them without radio support.
No word on William Michael Morgan’s future plans at the moment, but perhaps a major Music Row label was not the best fit for him to begin with, and a more independent label will be more suitable for Morgan moving forward.
February 6, 2019 @ 1:10 pm
Should’ve teamed with Bebe Rexha, right?!?! Warner Music Nashville’s loss — he has a bright future ahead.
February 9, 2019 @ 12:41 am
There’s no coincidence here, WMM dared to speak his mind and those thin skinned nilly’s cut him. Anybody with two ears and a brain to process his music can see the talent he has. It’s all political. Look at Jimmy’s Carhartt list below and tell me any of those acts that have the talent – with potential he has?. …. Not one …. That’s proof right there something else happened to make them want to cut him. Something pretty damn childish and gutless. What’s happening to this genre is genocide. People like him are people like me, we aren’t wanted anymore. Sorry to go agro but WMM had an incredible first record and shouldn’t be having these problems right now, it’s a shame.
February 6, 2019 @ 1:14 pm
Disappointing news in the short term, however if his second album is as good as his first it should be enough to put him on the map as a traditionalist, more so than he already is, so that he’ll be able to tour for years to come off of what he has now.
Best of luck to him.
February 6, 2019 @ 1:16 pm
He needed to manipulate his eyebrows more in pictures. Maybe do the pose where he hunches with a hand on the back of his neck. Also, snap tracks. Doesn’t he realize country’s target audience is 13 year old girls? More middle school crush songs please
February 6, 2019 @ 1:35 pm
With Warner adding Cody Johnson, I figured they would give Morgan further support or at least wait to see how “Talking to a Girl” might do. They’ve still got Tucker Beathard on their roster, even though he also only had one successful single (also in 2016) and even less of a following. I guess Beathard is — like all the other generic young males in the genre — malleable and conformable to the label’s desires. It seems, just a hunch, that Morgan’s critical comments on the mainstream’s direction is what finally did him in with Warner. At the least, it didn’t help, but God bless him for it.
February 6, 2019 @ 1:52 pm
I disagree. I think after his “see what sells strategy” didn’t generate any traction he realized he was on his way out, or the writing was on the wall, and then he made the statements about the direction of country music for the sake of posturing himself to make it look like he got dropped because he wouldn’t play ball when he was actually doing everything he could, including selling out his music, in an attempt to conform.
The bottom line is he failed at being a sell-out.
February 6, 2019 @ 2:02 pm
The “seeing what sticks” method could have also been his compromise with the label to try to release what he really wanted. If the direction the label wanted him to go wasn’t working with fans, it could have given him more input on his direction.
February 6, 2019 @ 2:49 pm
I’m not sure what he did that qualifies as “see what sells.” I can only think of the r&b sexy groove of “Tonight Girl,” but that wasn’t released as a single or even, as yet, cut for an album. And, besides, “Tonight Girl” was at least organic in its production and far from the worse of what’s happening in the mainstream now.
I’ve been following WMM on Facebook for over two years, and his love for traditional country is often expressed. When his critical comments were made, they certainly didn’t strike me as calculated or posturing.
February 6, 2019 @ 3:40 pm
Maybe so. I detested his “strategy” as much or more than the next person, but I really want to assume the best. Hopefully that disaster was just him yielding to the pressure of the label; now that he’s a freed man, we have a better shot at getting to know what/who he wants to be and become.
This news is a bit surprising, though, given the undeniable momentum of acts who are succeeding without playing by the rules. I get that––for example––Stapleton, CoJo, Kacey, and Church are not typical acts (meaning, labels don’t bet on acts like them to gain a foothold in the industry), but I think their successes show that WMM’s real downfall was not only (or even mostly) some kind of kiss-my-ass uncompromising traditionalism, but rather his lack of fanbase. Of course, the labels may say that, statistically, the former entails the latter; however, that claim would be more wrong now than it has been in a good while.
February 6, 2019 @ 2:19 pm
Beathard’s dad is a big time songwriter so that helps I am sure.. his dad has helped write some pretty solid songs.
February 6, 2019 @ 5:48 pm
Regarding Tucker…..he was just recently added to the Warner roster. He previously recorded for Big Machine, where he scored a radio hit….then went several years without any major traction.
February 7, 2019 @ 10:17 am
Well…he sucks right now. That is Tucker’s problem. I wish I could use kinder words, but kindness in art enables mediocrity or worse. He’s a 101 level songwriter with a shitty, shitty voice. He needs to put the work in for 5-6 years. Come back when he’s been through his “graduate” courses.
February 6, 2019 @ 2:33 pm
Whadda surprise.
I’m so glad squeaking Raelynn & Keith Urban clone Hunter Hayes are still with Warner Nashville…like 16 year old youtube-star Tegan Marie, honky-tonk-queen Bailey Bryan or Cale Dodds…or Trea Landon…or just another young & hopeles…ful next best thing.
February 6, 2019 @ 4:06 pm
Hunter Hayes is still selling records? He may be able to play guitar but his music has never been attached to a country song. William Michael Morgan has such a great voice. Hopefully it will find a space in country music.
February 6, 2019 @ 3:01 pm
future headline from the year 2020: “New Bloodshot Records signee William Michael Morgan drops duets album with Lydia Loveless, Sarah Shook, and Banditos.”
February 6, 2019 @ 3:20 pm
Not super surprised by this. I figured the label would have at least seen how his new album would have performed. With him getting the Alan Jackson gig and all, seems like an odd transaction along with his current momentum push.
February 6, 2019 @ 4:12 pm
Artists Warner Music Nashville decided to keep on instead of William Michael Morgan:
-Bailey Bryan
-Cale Dodds
-Dee White
-Devin Dawson
-High Valley
-Hunter Hayes
-Ingrid Andress
-Michael Ray
-Morgan Evans
-Realynn
-Tegan Marie
-The Last Bandoleros
-The Wild Feathers
-Trea Landon
-Troy Cartwright
-Tucker Beathard
-Walker County
February 6, 2019 @ 5:23 pm
Dee White is actually awesome, but the rest…yeah…
February 6, 2019 @ 5:45 pm
Who?
These are unknowns out here.
Not interested.
February 6, 2019 @ 5:58 pm
The Wild Feathers are amazing but I get your point.
February 7, 2019 @ 1:23 am
I like Troy Cartwright but a Texan in Nashville is a risky business.
February 7, 2019 @ 5:59 am
The Wild Feathers are awesome
February 7, 2019 @ 10:48 am
Well hey, NOTICE they still have Raelynn…BIG name. Could it be Shelton has another GREAT one to take to them to replace this Country Singer.
February 7, 2019 @ 6:20 pm
Raelynn’s debut album Wildhorse has sold 125 000 copies WMM’s debut album Vinyl sold 30 600 and it’s been out a year longer than hers. Shitting on her for building a fan base when WMM couldn’t makes you look petty.
February 9, 2019 @ 8:38 am
One more for the wild feathers! I am actually surprised they don’t get more love on this site. They are a little more SoCal country rock than the southern fried country acts like BBS, Whiskey Meyers or other new southern rock bands covered here, but they are organic, write their own songs, play their own instruments and have three great albums full of great to fantastic songs. In short, they are a real band like is seldom seen these days and they should supported.
February 10, 2019 @ 2:28 pm
I had never heard of the Wild Feathers, but was inspired by your post to check them out. I can’t say it’s life changing stuff, but certainly not worthy of the OP’s contempt. Maybe even a little Eagles or Tom Petty vibe in there? I’ll add them the long list of bands I wouldn’t mind seeing open for someone I really like. Thanks for supporting real music.
February 6, 2019 @ 4:57 pm
we have a local indie label in town with 40 acts on its roster .
ONE indie player …40 acts . ..how many of those scenarios must exist across the industry …hundreds !
several friends of mine are part of that roster in two different bands . biggest complaint ? not enough attention or promotion given to them ….not shows ….no ‘opening act ‘ stuff etc.
the label fronts the $$$ for the albums …..then ‘ throws em at the wall ” to see what sticks without investing diddley really in promotion . they don’t push for radio airplay , they don’t have much CD product on hand ( and had none for earlier shows ). the labels rely more an more on he acts , through social media and their own hustle , to do the legwork and ‘ heavy lifting’ when it comes to gaining some sort of foothold.
40 acts are vying for attention at one label . there is an ABSOLUTE GLUT of music out there from this indie stuff to home-made stuff to big label stuff to oldies in every genre , music contest shows , streaming sources , radio , late night tv shows and on and on and on …..A GLUT .
several years ago it was said that Hollywood was cranking out 200 movies a year . 3-5 made money and if they made BIG money costs for everything that didnb’t was recovered . throw it all at the wall and see what sticks . MAKING product is the easy part . Making product that is good and that people will buy is and always has been a whole ‘nuther story . If a label even SNIFFS that an act has generated more than usual interest , that’s the act that gets all of the attention , promotion , funding and TIME .
Not a fan of the artist above , but the ol’ ‘what have you done for me lately ‘ has obviously played into the label’s decision and it may take the act alone to resurrect his career keeping inb mind that people weren’t buying what the label wasn’t selling .
February 6, 2019 @ 6:18 pm
He is more country than most of the sound and look alikes out there. Bebe stinks, but then again she sang with FGL – also stinks. WMM will be signed by people who will appreciate him. I wish him good luck.
February 7, 2019 @ 4:22 am
William Michael Morgan Is easy on the eyes & has a voice for D A YS !!! 👩🌾
February 7, 2019 @ 5:39 am
“Babe, I lost my record deal today.”- Kevin Denney
Great song. Eye opener to what these people go through. Can’t imagine. Hang in there, William.
February 7, 2019 @ 8:05 am
Anybody who knows who Kevin Denney is, is a friend of mine.
February 7, 2019 @ 6:29 am
he’s just as cleaned up as anyone else on the pop side of things,however…his songs don’t do anything new..if he’s really good he’ll do fine on his own…this isn’t the YMCA he can’t get a participation trophy just for wearing a cowboy hat and doing a sound that’s been done already years ago
February 7, 2019 @ 11:49 am
Hey dumbass some people like that sound and don’t need to hear people that can’t decide what genre they want to be.
January 25, 2021 @ 1:08 pm
Piss off
February 7, 2019 @ 6:52 am
Hopefully he’ll end up on a label that is a better fit.
February 7, 2019 @ 8:35 am
I have seen William Micheal Morgan 4 times in concert and he is the real deal…heartfelt country music…reminds me a lot of Alan Jackson…Warner music don’t know what they had…he will rise above all the b.s. of music row and break thru all of the barriers…good luck to him and I plan on seeing him in a couple of months! #truefan
February 7, 2019 @ 12:11 pm
They let him go, just when he was dangerously close to releasing songs that people want to hear more than once. Thank goodness Alan Jackson is there with an opening tour spot to help prevent another murder on music row. Good luck, WMM. I’m pulling for you.
February 7, 2019 @ 2:15 pm
He should just call 30 Tigers and be done with it.
February 7, 2019 @ 2:36 pm
This kid is the most authentic country singer since George Strait. I have known him since he was 13 and he is the same as he has always been. One of the best voices out there and nothing will stop him from being a star! Some have real talent and some don’t, but this kid is the REAL DEAL!
February 7, 2019 @ 5:12 pm
Joining Mo Pitney on the list of 2010’s traditionalists that have stalled out from career mismanagement. What a strange decade this is been for country music.
February 7, 2019 @ 5:33 pm
He’s always been watered down first or second album Garth Brooks at best.
January 25, 2021 @ 1:06 pm
Garth is trash. Get a reality check. From taking his music off of all streaming platforms, to charging people for that hot piece of garbage “Fun” years before even releasing it. To just losing his twang and sounding like a fat washed up alternative rock singer.
If William had 1/100th the backing that Garth had at that time he could be the biggest star in country music.
February 11, 2019 @ 3:15 pm
What a shame. WMM is one of the only real country singers left on the radio. And I haven’t heard his songs on the radio for a year or two. Just Kane Brown, Dan and Shay, and Marren Morris.
He is the real deal. Good luck, William
February 13, 2019 @ 12:02 pm
…because ” traditional ” country doesn’t sell. Never forget, kids, that the Nashville sound is the sound of cash pouring into the labels’ bank accounts. l
January 25, 2021 @ 1:04 pm
Funny how “I Met A Girl” was so much more successful than “Missing.” Sam Hunt wrote I Met A Girl. It’s not nearly as clever or original as the song “Missing.” They just won’t let anything half decent be successful. I agree, they don’t deserve him. Can’t wait to see what he does for his next album on a more independent label. WMM is top tier for modern country.
April 3, 2023 @ 5:55 am
Bunch of crap! Best damn country singer I’ve heard come out in the last 20 years. Of course they dropped him, they’re trying to kill country and turn it into pop/RnB garbage. Nashville has a hot stink to it lately. Hope he does like Tom McDonald and others in the music industry that have gone straight independent. Don’t need or want gatekeepers peddling their woke manure anymore! He’s too good not to be recording.