Garland Cecil Morgan

He was born on May 11, 1944 in Peoria, Illinois to Andrew Jackson Morgan and Ella Marie (Graham) Morgan. They preceded him in death. Also, preceding him in death were his five brothers, Andrew Morgan Jr., John Graham, Jesse Morgan, Clifford Morgan Sr., Grant Morgan, and three sisters Flora Mae (Graham) Jackson, Fannie (Morgan) Crawford, and Josephine (Morgan) Smith.

He is survived by one sister Roberta Morgan and one brother Donelly Morgan, both of Peoria, Illinois, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins with a host of loved ones.

Garland, better known as Cecil, relocated from Peoria, Illinois at an early age to New York, New York to pursue a singer career, his first love. He became an accomplished musician and singer in New York City for over 30 years. He was best known and billed as “Baby Ray Charles,” to the jazz community since his style and sound resembled that of the great Ray Charles. He was known as a renowned jazz singer by The Jazz Foundation of America (New York) and even participated in a program that promoted music in the schools.

He often could be found in schools, clubs, and nursing homes singing all genres of music, with his emphasis on the Blues with a side of Jazz. He could be found being accompanied by the Black Night band. His first love was singing, but he also enjoyed billiards, cycling along, and a good meal.

He returned to Peoria, Illinois in 2019 to be closer to his true first love his family until his transition.

A visitation will be from 10 am to 11 am on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria, followed by a graveside service at 11:15 AM at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.

Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.Davison-Fulton.com.