Howard Morrison

Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use New Zealand English Template:See also Template:Infobox person Sir Howard Leslie Morrison Template:Post-nominals (18 August 1935 – 24 September 2009) was a New Zealand entertainer. From 1964 until his death in 2009, he was one of New Zealand's most beloved television and concert performers, and brought Māori culture to the mainstream of New Zealand society.<ref name="Te Ara biography">'Biography: Morrison, Howard Leslie'. (4 pages): Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand.</ref> Morrison was also known for his active support for Māori youth.

Early life

Of Māori (Te Arawa), Irish, and Scottish descent,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Morrison was born to Temuera Leslie Morrison, a Māori All Black who worked for the Māori Affairs Department, and Kahurangi Morrison (née Gertrude Harete Davidson) who was known for her work in culture and entertainment.<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_2898355">Template:Cite web</ref>

Morrison grew up in Rotorua and in Ruatahuna near Waikaremoana. He attended a "native school" in the Urewera before going to Te Aute College and Rotorua Boys' High School.<ref name="musicnet">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After leaving school he had a variety of manual jobs including survey chainman, electricity meter reader and storeman at the Whakatu freezing works.

Family

Morrison and his three surviving sisters, Judy Tapsell, Rene Mitchell and Linda Morrison, lost their oldest brother Laurie in 1974. Another brother, Charlie, died in infancy and youngest sister Atareta Maxwell died suddenly in January 2007 from a heart attack. Their mother Kahurangi died in 1995, as had their father Temuera when they were young.<ref>Template:Cite web Template:Registration required.</ref>

Career

File:Howard Morrison Quartet at the Crystal Palace Ballroom, Mt Eden Road, 1959 (cropped).jpg

Morrison performing with the Howard Morrison Quartet in 1959

Howard Morrison Quartet

In 1955, Morrison assembled vocal groups to entertain at Rotorua rugby club socials, and the following year, won the 1956 Rotorua Soundshell Talent Quest with the original Howard Morrison Quartet members and their extended whānau, leading him to decide to pursue music as a career.<ref>Tebbutt, Leah. (8 March 2019). 'Remembering Soundshell: A building of many purposes'. Rotorua Daily Post.</ref><ref name="Morrison Funeral">'Maori warriors lead Sir Howard Morrison's whānau'. Stuff (website).</ref> In the same year, Morrison was a member of the successful Aotearoa Concert Party that toured Australia. In this group was Gerry Merito who with Morrison formed the Ohinemutu Quartet which was later renamed "Howard Morrison Quartet". Other original members of the quartet were Morrison's brother Laurie and his cousin John, but they left and were replaced by Wi Wharekura and Noel Kingi<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> who were fixtures in the quartet at its heights.

In 1960, Merito penned a parody of the Lonnie Donegan hit song "My Old Man's A Dustman" as "My Old Man's an All Black" for the Quartet to mock an apartheid South African decree banning Māori players from the touring All Blacks.<ref>"Record, 'My Old Man's an All Black!' by the Howard Morrison Quartet". Registration Number: GH009828. Te Papa Museum of New Zealand.</ref><ref>"My Old Man's an All Black" Gerry Merito 1960. New Zealand Folk Song,</ref> The song was a hit, selling an estimated 60,000 copies.<ref>"My old man's an All Black". Ministry for Culture and Heritage.</ref> Merito's parody showcased a growing anti-apartheid sentiment in South Africa, and in New Zealand that had resulted in a 'No Maoris – No Tour' protest the preceding year. More than 150,000 New Zealanders signed a petition opposing the tour – making it one of the largest petitions in New Zealand history, while others marched in the streets to voice their opposition. Despite these protests, the tour went ahead, controversially backed by the Prime Minister, Sir Walter Nash. The racially selected All Blacks were subsequently defeated by the Springboks.<ref>'No Maoris - No Tour' poster, 1959'. Ministry for Culture and Heritage.</ref> In 1976, Māori players were finally permitted to join the South African tour, but only as 'honorary whites', eventually winning the Test Match 14/9 at Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein. "My Old Man's an All Black" was revived by Morrison in a 1990 television special co-starring Billy T James, accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.<ref>"My Old Man's an All Black - performed by Howard Morrison & Billy T James". Television (Excerpts) – 1990. NZ On Screen.</ref>

Live performance

After the Howard Morrison Quartet disbanded in 1965, Morrison pursued an increasingly successful solo career. Following his Royal Command Performance for Queen Elizabeth II in 1981, the hymn "How Great Thou Art" (Whakaaria Mai) became his de facto theme song for the latter part of his career, after a recording of it by Morrison became one of the country's biggest selling singles, spending five weeks at No 1 on the New Zealand charts.<ref name="NZ History">Howard Morrison - How Great Thou Art. History of New Zealand. nzhistory.govt.nz official site.</ref> From 1970 to 1983, Morrison hired as his musical director, Wayne Senior whose orchestral arrangement of "How Great Thou Art" featured in the 'Howard Morrison Special' concert he conducted at Founders Theatre in 1982.<ref>Wayne Senior. SouNZ Centre for New Zealand Music: sounz.org.nz official website.</ref><ref>'Howard Morrison Special - Hamilton'. NZ on Screen.</ref> In the same year, Morrison toured New Zealand with his 5-piece Rotorua Māori showband led by bassist Bundy Waitai,<ref>'Tama Renata WORKSHOP at the 24hr Telethon 1980s'. Performing with Bundy Waitai (Bass) and Dale Renata (Drums). YouTube.</ref><ref>'Te Reo o Ngā Manu Tioro - Bundy Waitai'. 2022 Radio interview: Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori.</ref> that included Pākehā keyboards player Derek Williams, jocularly dubbed 'Albino Māori' by Morrison.<ref>Skiffington, Toni. (1 February 1997). 'Derek came out to find success and become a role model'. Page 14 (full page). Rotorua Daily Post, New Zealand)</ref> From 1982 to 1985 Morrison was a board member of the Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand, and in 1990, he opened the Commonwealth Games in Auckland with the song ‘Tukua ahau’. In September of that year, Morrison rode throughout the country on horseback, raising $1.2 million (=c.$2,709,830 equivalent in 2025)<ref>Inflation Calculator.</ref> for the Life Education Trust.<ref name="Te Ara biography" />

Film and television roles

Throughout his career, Morrison appeared in numerous television and film roles.<ref>'Howard Morrison - screenography'. NZ On Screen.</ref> In 1965, he acted as a shearer in the Australian film Funny Things Happen Down Under (1965),<ref name="Te Ara biography" /><ref>Funny Things Happen Down Under. 1965. IMDb.</ref> and in 1966 he appeared with Eddie Low, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Herma and Eliza Keil in the John O'Shea film Don't Let It Get You, a comedy set in Rotorua that was New Zealand’s first feature-length musical, composed by Patrick Flynn.<ref name="Te Ara biography" /><ref>Don't Let It Get You. 1966. IMDb.</ref> In 1971, Morrison played the character 'Mercer' in Hawaii Five-O.<ref>S.4 E.14 'Odd Man In' Cast: 'Howard Morrison: Mercer'. (1971) IMDb.</ref> From 1977 to 1989 he was spokesman, often with Ray Woolf<ref>'Ray Woolf'. 8 June 2022. NZ on Screen</ref> for Bic products such as lighters and pens, appearing in many television commercials for the brand.<ref>"Bic Flik!" Ad (circa 1988)'. YouTube.</ref><ref>'New Zealand gets the flick from Bic'. Stuff (website)</ref> In 1996, along with singers Rima Te Wiata, Dame Malvina Major and Eddie Rayner, Morrison was a judge for the Showcase - 1996 Grand Final presented by broadcaster Ian Fraser.<ref>'Showcase - 1996 Grand Final'. Television (Full Length Episode) – 1996. NZ On Screen.</ref> In 2008, a year before his death, Morrison was honoured with a full length television tribute To Sir With Love hosted by actor Pio Terei, and featuring singer John Rowles.<ref>'To Sir With Love: A Tribute to Sir Howard Morrison'. NZ On Screen.</ref>

Tu Tangata

Morrison was a consultant on youth development for Te Puni Kōkiri (Department Of Maori Affairs) and used his profile to improve self esteem, promote achievement and encourage participation in higher levels of learning by young Māori, visiting many schools in the process. He developed wānanga (education programmes) on marae and used his entertainment skills to promote the Tu Tangata, or ‘Stand Tall’ programme. Morrison’s nationwide Tu Tangata tour in 1979 brought the Quartet together again, with Toni Williams replacing Wi Wharekura, and the Morrison family, including Howard's mother, Kahu, joining the tour.<ref name="NZ History" />

Honours and achievements

File:Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre 157.jpg

The Civic Theatre in Rotorua was renamed the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre

In 1970, Morrison received the Benny Award from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His profile in the Pacific Rim area was used by the New Zealand Trade Commission to help promote the region.<ref name="NZ History" /> As a result, in the 1976 New Year Honours, Morrison was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire, for services to entertainment,<ref>Template:London Gazette</ref> and he was made a Knight Bachelor in the 1990 Queen's Birthday Honours, also for services to entertainment.<ref>Template:London Gazette</ref>

In March 2006, Morrison was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Waikato, joining such alumni as Janet Frame, Dame Malvina Major, Hare Puke, Tui Adams, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Neil and Tim Finn, Michael King, Margaret Mahy and Rotorua historian Don Stafford in receiving the award.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

At the 2007 Creative New Zealand Te Waka Toi awards Morrison received the Te Tohu Tiketike a Te Waka Toi Award for Maori Artists.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>

On 14 October 2009, Morrison was selected by Te Aute College to be a part of its 1st XV leaders group at a function at Te Papa in Wellington. The honour is given to former pupils over the age of 55 who have made a significant contribution to Māori society. Morrison attended Te Aute College from 1949 to 1952.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Other awards

• 1966 Entertainer of the Year<ref name=":0" />
• 1982 Variety Artists Club of New Zealand, Golden Microphone<ref name=":0" />
• 1983 Feltex Awards (New Zealand) Best Television Entertainer<ref name=":0" />
• 1986 Nominated for Best Performer in an Entertainment Programme: for Now is the Hour - HMV Entertainer of the Year<ref name=":0" />
• 1994 New Zealand Film and Television Award for the Best Entertainment Programme for Howard Morrison: Now Is The Hour<ref name=":0" />

Death

Morrison died in his sleep from a heart attack and was found by one of his grandchildren on taking him his morning cup of tea. He died in Ohinemutu and lay in state in Tamatekapua, the premier meeting house of Te Arawa at Te Papaiouru Marae in Rotorua.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was survived by his wife Rangiwhata Ann Manahi (born 1937,<ref name=STUFF1>Template:Cite web</ref> married 1957) known as Lady Kuia, two sons and a daughter Donna Mariana Grant, Richard Te Tau Morrison and Howard Morrison Jr.<ref name=NZH>Template:Cite news</ref> He was also uncle to movie actor Temuera Morrison and kapa haka performer Taini Morrison.

Attendees at his tangihanga (funeral) included Rotorua mayor Kevin Winter, Chinese ambassador Zhang Limin, Sir Michael Fay, MPs Tariana Turia, Georgina te Heuheu, Hekia Parata, Steve Chadwick and Rotorua MP Todd McClay, then former MP Winston Peters,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Te Puni Kokiri chief executive Leith Comer<ref name=STUFF1/> and Māori king Tūheitia Paki.<ref name="Morrison Funeral" />

Morrison was buried at Kauae Cemetery in Ngongotahā, Rotorua. His grave lies alongside those of his parents and other close whānau.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Discography

The Howard Morrison Quartet

Singles

Released on Zodiac Records

• "Po Kare Kare Ana" (1959)
• "Hawaiian Cowboy Song" (1960)

Released on La Gloria Records

• "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" (1961)
• "George, the Wilder N.Z. Boy" (1964)

Released on unknown label

• "Whakaaria Mai (How Great Thou Art)" (1981)<ref>List of number-one singles from the 1980s (New Zealand)</ref>Template:Circular reference

Albums and EPs

Released on Zodiac Records

• 4 – The Fabulous Howard Morrison Quartet EP (1960)
• "The Battle of the Waikato" (1960)

Released on La Gloria Records

• Four Popular Maori Songs Volume One (1960)
• Pot-Pourri (1960)
• On Stage – Off Stage (1960)
• These Were Their Finest (1960)
• Maori Songs (1962)
• Alive! Need We Say More? (1962)
• Hits of the Road (1962)
• Mind If We Sing? (1962)
• Laugh Along EP (1964)
• Take Ten (1967)
• Born Free (1968)
• Power Game (1969)
• Return of a Legend: Joe Brown (1975)
• Morrison Magic (1979)

Solo

Studio albums

Year	Title	NZ peak <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
1982	Spectacular	6
1990	Live in Concert	13
1992	Music of the Night	42
1994	Christmas Collection	13
1995	This Is My Life	22
2002	Ol' Brown Eyes: Golden Songs of Sir Howard & The Fabulous Howard Morrison Quartet	11
2011	The Definitive Collection	5
2015	How Great Thou Art: The Very Best Of	4

Other albums

• Howard Morrison (1982)
• Songs of New Zealand (1985)
• Give Your Love – On Stage Off Stage (1998)<ref name="musicnet"/>
• This Is My Life (2009)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Video

• Once in a Lifetime: He kotuku rerenga tahi (DVD, 2009)<ref>Template:Cite video</ref><ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

External links

• Biography at Music.net.nz
• Biography on NZHistory.net.nz
• A number of full-length documentaries featuring Howard Morrison are available online from NZ On Screen including This Is Your Life – Sir Howard Morrison (1989)
• Pickmere, Arnold. (24 September 2009). Sir Howard Morrison's obituary. New Zealand Herald.
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