Just over half a century ago, the instantly recognizable melody of “Angel Of The Morning Song” filled airwaves across the nation, catapulting Seattle-based singer Merrilee Rush into the spotlight. This captivating track, born from the pen of songwriter Chip Taylor in 1966 and unleashed upon the world in 1968, didn’t just climb the charts; it soared, embedding itself into the cultural consciousness and becoming a timeless classic covered by countless artists across genres.
Merrilee Rush, a powerhouse vocalist honed in the vibrant music scene of the Emerald City, brought her signature golden voice to “Angel of the Morning,” infusing it with a blend of vulnerability and strength that resonated deeply with listeners. The song’s impact extended beyond radio play, gracing the soundtracks of films and television shows, including the 1978 Harvey Keitel movie Fingers, further solidifying its place in popular culture. Recently reflecting on her illustrious career, Rush, who celebrated her 75th birthday, shared insights into her Northwest beginnings, the serendipitous journey to recording this iconic track, and the invaluable lessons learned throughout her remarkable musical journey.
Merrilee Rush promotional image. Alt text: Merrilee Rush, a prominent female vocalist known for the hit song “Angel of the Morning,” poses for a promotional photograph showcasing her signature blonde hair and confident stage presence.
From Seattle Stages to National Acclaim: Merrilee Rush’s Musical Genesis
Merrilee Rush’s path to becoming the voice behind “Angel of the Morning song” began far from the recording studios of Memphis, in the lively music scene of Seattle, Washington. Her initial forays into music were not as a vocalist, but as a pianist. While she enjoyed harmonies and choruses, Rush initially harbored doubts about her own singing prowess. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that she began to truly recognize and embrace her vocal talent. This self-awareness was further solidified in the early 1970s when she sought professional singing lessons, a pivotal moment that refined her technique and amplified her vocal confidence.
Reflecting on her early vocal development, Rush explains, “I started out as a piano player and I was not a great – well, you know, I loved singing harmony and choruses and stuff. But I didn’t really think I was very good until later on in the late 60s – it finally took hold.” These lessons provided her with crucial techniques, particularly focusing on resonance and vocal control, which proved essential in overcoming vocal strain developed during her demanding early performances.
The Seattle music community in Rush’s formative years was a hotbed of creativity and inspiration. She fondly recalls, “We had great bands and great venues. We had the teenage dances when they were in ballrooms and roller rinks and armories.” Among these bands, The Wailers stood out as an “iconic band of the Northwest,” deeply influencing Rush and her peers. The prevailing sound was rhythm and blues, and Seattle regularly hosted legendary R&B acts like Tina and Ike Turner, Bobby Bland, and James Brown, providing further inspiration for aspiring musicians like Rush. This rich musical environment laid the groundwork for her future success, embedding in her a deep appreciation for soulful performance and musical authenticity.
Serendipity in Memphis: The Accidental Recording of “Angel of the Morning”
The story of how Merrilee Rush came to record “Angel of the Morning song” is a tale of fortunate circumstances and being in the right place at the right time. Initially touring as an opening act for Paul Revere & the Raiders in the southern United States, Rush’s journey took an unexpected turn when the tour concluded in Memphis, Tennessee. Paul Revere & the Raiders were in Memphis to finalize their album Goin’ to Memphis, and Rush, accompanying them, found herself presented with an unforeseen opportunity.
As Rush recounts, “I was tagging along and I just happened to be asked to do an audition tape for the producer [of “Angel”] and he liked my voice.” This audition was the crucial first step. Prior to this pivotal moment, Jerry Williams, Paul Revere & the Raiders’ tour manager, had been instrumental in bringing Rush onto the tour, having been alerted to her talent by a former roadie. Williams’ belief in Rush led to her being seen by the right people, culminating in the audition that would change her career trajectory.
A month later, fate intervened again. Jerry Williams presented Rush with a demo of “Angel of the Morning.” The demo was a simple rendition by the song’s writer, Chip Taylor, accompanied only by his voice and guitar. Despite Taylor’s demo being, in Rush’s words, “terrible,” the raw power of the song and the poignancy of its lyrics shone through. Recognizing the song’s potential, Rush recorded “Angel of the Morning,” and within a month, it was released. However, its ascent to national prominence was gradual, taking approximately five and a half months before gaining widespread traction, sparked by a significant order from St. Louis and fueled by independent promotion efforts.
Recording the Iconic Track: Capturing Lightning in a Bottle
Stepping into the recording booth to lay down “Angel of the Morning song” was a distinct experience for Merrilee Rush, markedly different from the immediate energy of live performance. “Well, recording in the booth is nothing like performing on stage,” she explains, highlighting the adjustment required to thrive in the studio environment. The absence of direct audience feedback and the meticulous, layered process of song production demanded a different kind of focus and artistry.
Rush found herself in the company of exceptional session musicians in Memphis – a group she describes as “iconic.” These musicians, who had contributed to hits for The Box Tops (“The Letter”), Neil Diamond (“Sweet Caroline”), Elvis Presley, and Dusty Springfield (“Son of a Preacher Man”), brought a wealth of experience and intuitive musicality to the recording. Rush recalls their unique approach: “They didn’t read. They would listen to a demo and they would write down the chord numbers and then create the track that way. And they were really good.” This organic, collaborative process, combined with the studio’s creative atmosphere, proved to be the perfect alchemy for “Angel of the Morning.”
Adding to the studio’s creative energy was Mark James, a burgeoning songwriter at the time, who penned the B-side to “Angel of the Morning” and would later achieve fame for writing hits for numerous artists. The studio environment, brimming with talent and innovation, allowed Rush to fully immerse herself in the song, resulting in a recording that captured the raw emotion and nuanced message of “Angel of the Morning song.”
A Song of Empowerment: Decoding the Message of “Angel of the Morning”
“Angel of the Morning song” was more than just a catchy tune; it carried a powerful message, particularly for its time. Merrilee Rush recognized the song’s progressive nature immediately, noting, “The song is about female and sexual empowerment. Oh yeah! But it was such a beautiful way of expressing it. It was really a very progressive song for its time.” The lyrics delicately yet firmly addressed themes of female desire and agency, resonating deeply with a generation undergoing significant social and sexual revolution.
Rush elaborates on the song’s impact, “When I read the lyrics, I thought, ‘Well, if people really pay attention to this lyric, they’re going to want to hear this again.’ Because it was really progressive. I’m very proud.” The song’s forward-thinking perspective wasn’t universally embraced initially. Rush recounts instances of the song being banned from school musicals and radio stations, further underscoring its challenging and groundbreaking themes. This very controversy, however, likely contributed to the song’s allure and lasting impact, cementing its status as an anthem of female empowerment cloaked in a beautifully melodic package.
Beyond the Charts: The Career Trajectory After “Angel of the Morning”
The overwhelming success of “Angel of the Morning song” irrevocably changed Merrilee Rush’s career, propelling her from regional popularity to national recognition. “Well, it took me nationally,” Rush acknowledges, “I did a lot of TV in L.A. It took me to places that I would not have gone outside of the Northwest.” The song opened doors to television appearances and performances across the country, experiences that broadened her horizons and exposed her to the inner workings of the entertainment industry on a national scale.
Despite the allure of national fame, Rush maintained a strong connection to her roots. “But, all in all, what I really enjoyed was coming back to the Northwest and playing the dances,” she admits, highlighting her enduring appreciation for the local music scene that nurtured her beginnings. While she embraced the opportunities that “Angel of the Morning” afforded her, including the professionalism and precision of television production, Rush also encountered the less glamorous aspects of the music industry, particularly the challenges of navigating creative control in recording studios and dealing with instances of sexual harassment.
These experiences, while sometimes disheartening, contributed to Rush’s growth and resilience. She learned valuable lessons about the industry and about herself, ultimately finding greater fulfillment in the more autonomous realm of live performance. Her journey, punctuated by the highs of chart-topping success and the lows of industry obstacles, shaped her into a seasoned artist with a profound understanding of both the magic and the realities of the music world.
Reflecting on a Legacy: “Angel” and Beyond
Looking back on her career, Merrilee Rush reflects with a mix of fondness and candidness. The memories of larger audiences and the vibrant atmosphere of Hollywood in the late 60s stand out. “Bigger audiences! Bigger audiences around the country. And being in L.A. was a groovy time,” she reminisces, recalling iconic Hollywood spots like The Whiskey a Go Go and Hamburger Hamlet. However, she also acknowledges the less appealing aspects of the industry and the personal challenges she faced, including navigating sexual harassment and creative compromises in recording.
Despite these challenges, Rush maintains a positive perspective, emphasizing personal growth and resilience. She acknowledges the limitations she faced, noting, “I know that I could have done a lot more if it weren’t for that but everything happens because it’s supposed to.” This acceptance and forward-looking attitude are evident in her reflections on the music industry and her own journey.
Even regarding covers of “Angel of the Morning song,” Rush displays an open-minded and appreciative stance. She expresses admiration for Shaggy’s reggae-infused version, recognizing its radical reinterpretation of the song, and acknowledges the numerous country covers, demonstrating a generous appreciation for the diverse ways artists have connected with and reimagined her signature hit. While she jokingly admits to avoiding singing “Angel of the Morning” casually due to its vocal range, the song remains an indelible part of her legacy, a testament to her vocal talent and the enduring power of a truly timeless song.
