The Power of Music: How Gilchrist’s Music Therapy Brings Joy to Tony Morrison

When Jillian Reed, a music therapist with Gilchrist, visits Tony Morrison, something special happens. His face lights up. His hands tap along to the rhythm. His wife, Linda, smiles and says softly, “I haven’t seen him smile and act like that in a long time. It was really wonderful.”

Tony, 87, has been receiving hospice care from Gilchrist for the past two months after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In that short time, music therapy has become one of the most meaningful parts of his care.

“Music has always been in our lives,” Linda says. “It’s who we are.”

A Life Full of Family, Hard Work, and Music

William “Tony” Morrison was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States as a young man. He met and married Linda in 1967, and together they have a blended family of four children. They also have four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Tony built a career he loved in New York City’s construction industry, operating cranes and heavy machinery on major infrastructure projects like solar and water tunnels. “He was the number one guy,” Linda says with pride. “He even mentored a young boy who used to peek through the fence at his job site. That boy ended up working in construction and retiring from it, too.”

After decades in New York, the Morrisons moved to Florida for 30 years before settling in Maryland just two years ago. While Tony eventually retired, Linda says his heart was always in his work. “He still talks about it. If someone offered him a job today, I think he’d take it,” she laughs.

But even more than work, Tony’s lifelong passion has been music.

Music as a Way of Life

Back in Jamaica, Tony was known for having the best stereo equipment around. “Everyone came to his porch on the weekends,” Linda remembers. “There was always music. Always friends. Always dancing.”

That tradition continued as their family grew. In Florida, their home became the go-to place for parties and music-filled gatherings. “We were always playing something,” Linda says. “It was just a part of who we were.”

Finding Joy in Music Therapy

When Tony was referred to Gilchrist, he was navigating not just Parkinson’s but also a history of cancer and the effects of a recent fall and hip surgery. Despite these challenges, he still lights up when music fills the room.

With Jillian by his side during music therapy, Tony participates however he can—sometimes singing along, sometimes improvising, and sometimes simply smiling and soaking in the moment.

“Music therapy brings back those feelings of being with friends, of being surrounded by something familiar,” Linda says. “It’s connection.”

Though his energy varies day to day, the music always finds a way in. “Even if he doesn’t feel like playing or singing, the music still reaches him,” she says. “It brings him back.”

A Personalized Approach to Care

At Gilchrist, care is about more than just managing symptoms. It’s about honoring each person’s life, passions, and what brings them comfort. For Tony, that comfort is music.

“I’m so grateful that he has this,” Linda says. “It makes such a difference—not just for him, but for me, too. To see him light up, to see that joy—it means everything.”

To learn more about Gilchrist’s music therapy program and how we support patients and families, visit https://gilchristcares.org/