The Song Bird of the South: The Francine Reese Morrison Story.

 Expanded Story:

The Song Bird of the South: The Francine Reese Morrison Story

By Pastor Kyev Tatum

Mary Francine Reese Morrison, affectionately known as “The Song Bird of the South,” was a gospel music icon, pastor, and philanthropist whose extraordinary voice and unwavering faith left an indelible mark on Fort Worth, Texas, and the world. Born on August 16, 1935, in Paris, Texas, to Luvenia M. Fleming (later Bostic), Francine displayed remarkable musical talent from an early age. She began singing gospel songs at the age of four and practiced piano daily under the watchful eye of her mother and grandmother, who raised her alongside two brothers and one sister.

In 1950, Francine’s family relocated to Fort Worth, where her music ministry flourished. She directed choirs and played piano at the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, earning $15 every Sunday. She graduated from I. M. Terrell High School in 1953, briefly attended Bakersfield College in California, and soon became a trailblazer in gospel music and broadcasting.

In 1954, KNOK radio station in Fort Worth recognized Francine’s immense talent and gave her the opportunity to host The Gospel Train, making her the first Black woman in the Southwest to host a religious radio show. By 1957, she was broadcasting from her home. Her radio presence and powerful voice earned her the admiration of audiences far and wide.

Francine’s career soared in the 1960s as she shattered racial barriers. She became the first Black soloist to perform at a Texas Democratic convention in 1962 and made history again the following year when she sang Battle Hymn of the Republic at Governor John Connally’s inauguration, becoming the first Black artist to participate in a Texas governor’s swearing-in ceremony. She was also the first solo artist to perform at Houston’s newly constructed Astrodome in 1965 and helped dedicate the Fort Worth Convention Center in 1968.

Her music ministry extended beyond Texas. She performed gospel and patriotic songs for notable figures, including presidential nominees George McGovern and Ross Perot, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, Speaker of the House Jim Wright, and gubernatorial candidate Don Yarborough. Dubbed “God’s Ambassador of Song,” Francine toured nationally and internationally, avoiding venues that conflicted with her Christian values.

In 1968, she embarked on an international tour that included performances in England, Europe, Israel, and the Soviet Union, where she sang at Moscow’s Central Baptist Church. Her message of healing and unity earned her the Press Club of Fort Worth’s Newsmaker of the Year award in 1969—the first Black person to receive the honor.

Francine’s influence expanded through television and radio. In 1972, she hosted The Francine Morrison Show on KBFI-TV Channel 33, featuring gospel music, interviews, and prayer. She later hosted a Sunday afternoon radio program, His Time With Us. Over her career, she recorded four albums: In Times Like These (1965), Sweet Sweet Spirit (1972), Standing on the Promises (1974), and Rise and Be Healed (1974).

Francine’s spiritual leadership was equally groundbreaking. In 1966, she received an honorary doctorate of sacred music from Union Baptist Theological Seminary in Houston. She was ordained multiple times, including by Rev. W. V. Grant of Souls’ Harbor Church in Dallas. In 1975, she earned a doctorate of divinity from the International Deliverance Church in Dallas and founded the interdenominational, interracial Everywhere Church, which operated from her living room before moving to a storefront location. Francine served as its lead pastor for nine years before its disbandment in 1990.

Her commitment to community uplift was evident in her philanthropy. Francine frequently visited the Gatesville State School for Boys, where she sang with children and held annual concerts. She performed at Tarrant County United Fund events, served on the board of Panther City Communications Group, and was an active member of the Women’s Committee of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.

In 2001, Francine’s health began to decline, and she moved to Huguley Nursing Center. Despite her challenges, her legacy endured. Francine passed away on July 23, 2016, at the age of 80. She was laid to rest at Skyvue Memorial Gardens in Mansfield, Texas.

Throughout her life, Francine received numerous accolades. She was honored with the Ruth Roberts Award by the Black Women Lawyers Association of Tarrant County in 1991, named Fort Worth’s Outstanding Woman in Arts in 1991, and declared a Living Legend by the Fort Worth Gospel Music Association in 1992. The Junior Black Academy of Arts and Letters recognized her as a Dallas/Fort Worth Black Living Legend. On August 10, 1975, the city of Fort Worth declared “Francine Morrison Day” and celebrated her with a musical tribute at Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium. Beginning in 1995, the Renaissance Cultural Center in Fort Worth hosted the annual Dr. Francine Morrison Gospel Jubilee in her honor.

Francine Reese Morrison’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and the transformative power of gospel music. From her humble beginnings in Paris, Texas, to her international tours and groundbreaking achievements, Francine’s voice continues to inspire generations.