On August 5th, 2024 during the regularly scheduled city council meeting, Llano Mayor Marion Bishop proclaimed the day to henceforth be celebrated as “Polly Morgan Day.” But who is Polly Morgan?
Mayor Bishop, in his proclamation, stated that Polly Morgan was “born in May 1938 as the first born child of Philip and Odelle Graham … she demonstrated an extraordinary musical talent from a very young age, starting piano lessons long before her feet could even reach the pedals of the piano, and developed a remarkable ability to play by ear. Her early dedication to music led her to playing the piano at church and she became known for her exceptional skill as an accompanist.”
When Polly was a teenager in 1954, working as a clerk at the Hotel Llano, her talents caught the ear of Johnny Horton, a well known country and rockabilly musician of the time. Horton and Paul Howard, bandleader of the Arkansas Cotton Pickers, hosted a talent contest in the Llano High School Auditorium in which Polly performed her rendition of “Down Yonder”.
Polly’s son, Randal Morgan, recalled the story.
“Johnny Horton came to Llano and was the Master of Ceremonies at the talent contest in Llano. My mother won the contest. The following morning Johnny walked into the Hotel Llano and gave her a $20 bill and told her to buy a new dress. After that show, Johnny asked my mom to travel with him and perform at the Louisiana Hayride. Sadly, my grandfather wouldn't let my mom travel with Johnny Horton because she was only 16. My grandfather later regretted his fatherly decision. The Louisiana Hayride was the ‘sister’ of the Grand Ole Opry, and Hank Williams sang and broadcast his radio show from there. Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and many other big name artists performed there. Indeed, the Louisiana Hayride producers were looking for new and cunning talent. There is no doubt that Polly Ann Morgan would have been very well received there, and almost certainly gone on to the Grand Ole Opry. Nevertheless, with all her talent, Polly Ann Morgan was always happy and joyful to use it all for the Lord's Kingdom.”
Although she never made it big with Johnny Horton, who tragically died in a traffic collision at the peak of his fame in 1960, Polly became well known locally for her talents that she graciously spread throughout the community. She expressed her faith through music as the pianist for the Llano First Christian Church and the Llano United Pentecostal Church. She played weddings, funerals, and would bless the elderly at the Llano Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
“She played for everyone’s everything and (is) a legend here,” said Polly’s daughter Lisa Morgan Wisdom.
In a June 8th discussion on the “Remember in Llano…” Facebook page, Llanites past and present recalled their fond memories of Polly’s playing as well as her inner and outer beauty. The online discussion is believed to have initiated the proclamation of “Polly Morgan Day.”
“Somehow Polly should be honored by the people of Llano for her extraordinary talents and being one of the greatest piano players of all time.” said commenter Timmy Young. “I was a very young kid when she played ‘Down Yonder’ and to this day I can still remember her playing that song and was blown away watching her.”
David Oestreich remembered growing up near the Morgan family, all musically inclined. “Birthday parties were a lot of fun...with Polly playing piano and everyone singing. Tina played well and Diane and Lisa sang very well. Randy sang and played guitar and bass,” he said.
“Not only was Polly an exceptional and talented pianist, she was one of the sweetest, kindest and most gentle ladies ever!” added Patty Schneider Pfister.
“Thanks to all for the kind remarks regarding my mother," commented Lisa Morgan Wisdom. “She’s 86 years old now and doing ok.”
For those wondering where they can hear the music of Polly Morgan, recordings are available through her son Randal Morgan.
“I professionally recorded my mother in 2011 playing ‘Down Yonder’, the song that she played at the talent contest. Nobody on earth can play that song at her level. It is simply the best. She is also the featured pianist on our Gospel CD called ‘Old Time Reviver.’ All of our CDs can be purchased very reasonably.”
Either or both CDs can be purchased by emailing [email protected] or by calling 325-423-3456.
There are talks of uploading her recordings to YouTube so that anyone, anywhere can celebrate August 5th by listening to her play.
