“I have always tried to live my life with a whole lot of heart & plenty of soul.â€
Hailing from the uncomfortably humid boundaries of East Texas, by way of four widely spaced dots on the Texas map, Ben Morris & The Great American Boxcar Chorus is a driving force that is pushing full steam ahead. Based in College Station, the four members that make up this gifted group are about as different as they are similar, yet they share one common trait that endears them to many: their heart, which is not set on just playing music, but on changing lives along the way.
The Great American Boxcar Chorus is led by singer and primary songwriter Ben Morris. Reared in rural Marquez, Ben brings a respect and talent for the straight forward songwriting rooted in Folk and Americana music, but also possesses a weakness and an ear for the hum-along, tap your feet melodies found in all genres of music. The small Heart of Texas town of Thrall gives its contribution in the form of a drummer, the rhythmic backbone of the band, Bucky Bachmeyer. Joining Bucky in laying the musical foundation for the band is Bryan native Jon Dittfurth, who also pulls double duty as the harmony vocalist of the group. And of course, no band from Texas worth it's salt would be complete without a West Texas boy thrown in the mix; in this case lead guitarist Coby Tate, from the tiny oasis of Mertzon. All together, these musicians share a nearly unmatched dedication and passion for not only fusing sounds that feel good, but for telling stories that are real.
Ben began his musical journey in college as one half of the regionally successful duo 'Jeff and Ben,' and went on to record his first record, "The Other Side of Broken," shortly after the duo's split in 2006. Released in early 2007, the record has caught the attention of many, and showcases Ben's skill in crafting songs about life; the good, the bad, the bitter and the sweet.
After assembling the Great American Boxcar Chorus in May 2007, Ben and the band have traveled all over the state playing their brand of alt. country/Americana music in many types of settings; from big clubs and festivals to small bars and jamborees, they are willing to venture anywhere where there are pairs of ears eager to listen to original music.
For Ben Morris & The Great American Boxcar Chorus, the wheels are constantly in motion. They have the heart and they have the gift, and they bring it song after song, each one equaling the power and honesty of the one before it, like boxcars on a train.........All Aboard!
“To me, life is so much richer when you live from the inside out.â€
The chief export of Chuck Norris is pain. The chief export of Ben Morris and The Great American Boxcar Chorus is good music. They will bring it... (see calendar for show dates)
“If ya’ll don’t love this band…something is wrong with your genetics.†- Mark David Manders
"The Ballad of Billy Clyde" and "The Other Side of Broken" are for sale now!!! Other merch available at shows. See blogs for details!
Ben Morris and The Great American Boxcar Chorus are proud to support the writing of John Foxjohn. Check him out at myspace.com/johnfoxjohn .
