Merrilee Gunst began her career in 1960 at age 16 when she became the lead singer for the rock band The Amazing Aztecs led by saxophone plyer Neil Rush who would become her husband and she took his name.

By 1965 Neil and Merrilee formed the Turnabouts and were having moderate success, when they became the opening act for Paul Revere and the Raiders.

At Nashville, Raiders lead singer Mark Lindsay introduced Merrilee to record producer Chips Moman who thought that Merrilee’s voice would be perfect for a song written and arranged by song writer Chip Taylor.

The song “Angel of the Morning” became an instant hit for Merrilee and propelled Merilee and the band into the spotlight.

By 1980 her popularity was fading and she retired from active recording.

At age 74 she lives on a farm built by her grandfather and is just enjoying her life.

Juice Newton recorded a cover of the song during the mid seventies and it went worldwide giving new life to the song.

Enjoy