Yesterday, Lynn Morris demonstrated the indomitable nature of the human spirit when she returned to the stage after an eight year absence at the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, VA.
Just as she was enjoying her greatest success as s singer, recording artist and bandleader, Lynn suffered a devastating stroke in 2003 three days after undergoing knee replacement surgery. It left her with reduced facility on the right side of her body, and a verbal aphasia that limited her ability to communicate.
This Spring, after many years of intensive therapy and hard work, Lynn and her husband Marshall Wilborn felt like the time was right, and scheduled a reunion performance including a number of former members of the Lynn Morris Band. Tom Adams played guitar, Ron Stewart banjo and Jesse Brock mandolin. Marshall was on bass, and Lynn took turns on both guitar and banjo.
Ace photographer Dean Hoffmeyer was on the scene, and sent these lovely pictures of Lynn enjoying her triumphant return to the stage.
Dean also shared a few words about the performance, telling us that Lynn’s voice was not as strong and assured as it was before the stroke, but that it has the same sweetness it always did.
“You could have heard a pin drop, in spite of the huge crowd that had gathered to listen, during sound check. It seemed everyone was holding their breath, and Marshall, who never looks nervous, did. About the time she told Marshall to move his mic stand, she reminded everyone that this was the Lynn Morris Band.
They started with an instrumental, but she sang on the second song, and after the first line the audience roared their approval.”
What a wonderful moment that must have been for everyone concerned! Congratulations to Lynn and Marshall, two of the finest people you will ever meet.
UPDATE 9:15 a.m. – Marshall just sent along a note about Sunday’s show…
“We all had a great time, and it was quite a big step for Lynn. Thanks again to all of you who have been so supportive through her recovery. We are most grateful!”
