Photo: Morey Sullivan
Morey Sullivan, longtime master of ceremonies and music performer at Gainesville’s Hootin an Hollarin festival, has been chosen for the Kansas Music Hall of Fame, according to an Ozark County Times report. The announcement was made by the Kansas Music Hall of Fame Board of Directors. The induction ceremony is set for July 24.
Sullivan, who lives in Topeka, took over as Hootin an Hollarin emcee and musical performer in 1999 when his father, Ozark County native Don Sullivan, stepped down from those roles after almost 40 years. Morey Sullivan handled the job until he retired as emcee following the 2019 festival, wishing the best for the next emcee, his cousin, Sam Overturf. In 2020, Hootin an Hollarin was canceled due to concerns related to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the age of 13, Sullivan was welcomed into his father s band. I always like to say I was thrown into the deep end of the pool because I was just a beginner and these guys were professional players, Sullivan said.
Through the years, Sullivan s music and professional career has taken him around the world and allowed him to play among notable musicians and bands.
Sullivan, who lived in Topeka for 25 years and served as executive director of the Topeka Performing Arts Center from 1988-1996, will be honored in July for his musical contributions to the state when he is inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.