John Morrison Dies; Talented Pianist, Nightclub Performer With Charm

John Morrison played a mean piano. He could make 88 keys sound like an orchestra. A contemporary of Quincy Jones and a musician for the film "I Was a Teenage Werewolf," he played top night spots in Los Angeles and Seattle.

But his talent to chat up listeners, or friends he'd known forever, was as big as his music.

"He had more charm than anyone I've ever known," said his former wife, Karoline Morrison of Seattle. "He was as good at talking to people as at piano playing. . . ."

Mr. Morrison, 65, died of a bacterial infection May 2.

Born in Seattle and reared in Yakima, Mr. Morrison studied pre-law at the University of Washington and piano at Cornish School.

With up-and-coming musician Quincy Jones, he joined the famous Bumps Blackwell's Junior Band, which explored bop and jazz styles.

Army service in the Korean War didn't slow his career: He entertained troops and had a radio show.

Back in Seattle, Mr. Morrison found piano bars at full-tilt boogie. He also played in Hollywood, at Sunset Strip clubs such as The Mocambo and Ciro's.

"That's when he furnished the music for `Werewolf,' starring Michael Landon," said Karoline Morrison.

"Landon, Kenny Miller and Russ Tamblyn would come up to the house when we lived in the Hollywood Hills. Connie Stevens was a friend, and Vince Edwards put a cigarette out on our carpet," she recalled.

Mr. Morrison was popular there. But he returned to Seattle to be a "really big fish in a small pond," said his former wife. He played top restaurants, including Canlis and, recently, Crepe de Paris and My Suzy's.

"His style was full, melodic, rhythmic," Karoline Morrison said. "His classical background showed, but it was just a big, big sound. He liked to play things people recognized. . . . He felt that was his strong suit."

Other survivors include his children, Kim, Lance, Brandon and Leslie Morrison, all of Seattle, and John David Morrison of Portland.

A private memorial will be held this afternoon at Mr. Morrison's home in the Blue Ridge area, north of Ballard; friends may call 782-2025 for details.

Remembrances may go to Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Ave., Seattle 98104.