Edward Morris, Influential Nashville Music Journalist, Dies at 90
Edward Morris, the Nashville editor and columnist who shaped Billboard's country music coverage, wrote for CMT.com, and authored several books, has died at 90. His family did not disclose the cause of death.
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Sep 20, 2026 8:58am PT
Edward Morris, Nashville Editor and Columnist Who Steered Billboard’s Country Coverage, Dies at 90
By Chris Willman
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Chris Willman
Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic
ChrisWillman
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Edward Morris , a Nashville-based music journalist who edited Billboard ‘s country coverage, wrote a popular CMT .com column and penned numerous books, died Thursday at age 90. The family did not give a cause of death.
Morris was best remembered in the country community for a 14-year tenure with Billboard from 1981 to 1995, the last four of those as the publication’s country music editor. Prior to coming on staff, his contributions to Billboard as a freelancer dated back to 1972.
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_Originally reported by [Variety Music](https://variety.com/2026/music/news/edward-morris-dead-nashville-country-music-journalist-1236870142/)._
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