David Rae Morris
Photographer/Filmmaker

Proud and honored to announce the publication of my book, "Love, Daddy: Letters From My Father." It consists of 23 years worth of letters my father wrote to me accompanied my portraits of him and self-portraits I made along the way. Also included is a beautiful foreword by my old friend Kaylie Jones. Pick up your copy today at your local independent bookstore or directly from the University Press of Mississippi.

Here are some snippets from letters where he addresses some specific topics...

On Literature:

From 2/15/79 

It’s been bitter cold here, about the coldest weather I’ve ever known in my life. I’m deeply into Taps. I hope it will be the finest thing I’ve ever done—it’s about growing up, about one’s first encounter with death and love, and the beauty of the Lord’s earth, with a story line that encompasses a good deal of what I’ve learned about the complexity of being human. It’s closer to the controlled emotions of The Great Gatsby, say, than it is to The Bear or Look Homeward, Angel, or at least I think so, and at any rate I don’t think you’ll be ashamed of me for this.

On Dogs:

From 2/15/83

Ol’ Pete’s death has really hit me hard. As you know, the good old fellow and I were inseparable for many years, and I’m suffering from a deep, lingering grief. I think that some pain is harder as one gets older. I loved him so. Anyway, as you’ll learn if you haven’t already, close friends help, and so does one’s hardest—earned work—work, friends, and love.

On work:

From 11/9/84

It’s none of my business, but I get the impression you’re working too hard.At your age, I worked my heart out. When I was married to your mother, I once went to a doctor in Austin because I was so exhausted in putting out the Texas Observer at age 26. I think he told me to stop drinking so many Coca-Colas and coffee and to seek a psychiatrist, neither of which I did.

I’d say, take it a little easier. I won’t say have an occasional beer (since both of your parents are hard-drinkers) but to not drive yourself so much. Give a party at your house. Make spaghetti. Get a girl.

On Mississippi:

From 8/23/80 

You’ll probably be off enrolling at the University of Texas next spring semester rather than Ole Miss. Such a small and provincial town and university this is! It largely breaks my heart. The University of Texas is brisk and sophisticated and cosmopolitan with so much money behind it. UT is my alma mater. Ole Miss is poor, poor, with a pro football franchise, the Rebels—like Pittsburg the city and the Steelers. The greatness of Ole Miss lies in the distinction of the larger state—Mississippi, which is quite crazy. The University of Texas is probably your best bet. My daddy, your grandfather, long dead, chose UT for me many years ago over Ole Miss. I gave you his middle name, yours, “Rae.” Rae knew what he was talking about. Enroll at Texas rather than Ole Miss, your grandfather is suggesting, and probably your father too. Although your own father is not wholly sure.

It’s all in North Toward Home, a book written long ago in another galaxy.

I guess you can tell from this note that I’m down to my novel—my book, Taps. I really miss you.

On Sports:

From 9/7/82

Ole Miss beat Memphis State 27–10, now faces tough Southern Mississippi Saturday. I may put Larry L. King in at middle-linebacker for Johnny Rebs. In the second quarter, though, I suspect he’s slowed down since catching you in the Yazoo Cemetery in 1967.43 He’s slower but richer. . . . Want to go to Oklahoma-Texas game in Dallas October 9 with Sid Salter and Marcus’ mom and me?

On the weather:

From 9/5/88


Dear Susanne and Dave Rae,

It was good to hear your voices yesterday. I’m glad you took your time getting to Minneapolis. My house is unexpectedly uncluttered and quiet—almost bereft. I miss my cats. Without Jewel and Pheobus, #16 Faculty Row is a mausoleum, clean but silent.

The weather here is suddenly wonderful—about 65 degrees today with the promise of Southern autumn in the air. Everyone always asks after you two—you have many many friends in Oxford. Everyone invariably asks a) How are they? and b) Has it snowed up there yet?

Links to appearances and interviews:

Mississippi Arts Hour. Recorded 6/3/22

Thacker Mountain Radio. Recorded 6/4/22

Yazooans Live with Renita Thomas Franklin 6/12/22

Mississippi Free Press Live  6/23/22

In Conversation with Curtis Wilkie at Square Books, Oxford, Mississippi 6/30/22

The Reading Life with Susan Larson. Recorded 7/5/22

Steppin' Out. WYES-TV. Recorded 7/14/22