Joseph Francis Michael Morris, born on September 13, 1955, in New Haven, Connecticut, is an influential American jazz guitarist, bassist, composer, and educator known for his contributions to the genres of jazz, avant-garde, free jazz, and free improvisation. Self-taught on the guitar after initially playing the trumpet, Morris's passion for jazz was ignited after attending a John McLaughlin concert and exploring the works of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Pharoah Sanders.

In 1975, Morris relocated to Boston, where he faced initial resistance due to his unique musical approach in a predominantly modal jazz scene. However, his collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Lowell Davidson spurred him to further develop his distinctive style. By 1977, Morris had formed his first trio, and in 1981, he established his own record label, Riti, to release his recordings. Over the years, he has led various groups, including Sweatshop, the sextet Racket Club, and quartets with musicians like Mat Maneri, Jamie Saft, and Rob Brown.

Morris made history in 1994 as the first guitarist to lead a session for Black Saint/Soul Note with the album "Symbolic Gesture." He has recorded extensively across multiple labels, including Knitting Factory, AUM Fidelity, and Hathut, and collaborated with artists such as Matthew Shipp, William Parker, Joe Maneri, and Ivo Perelman. As an educator, Morris has lectured and conducted workshops throughout the US and Europe and has been affiliated with institutions like Tufts University Extension College and the New England Conservatory.

His musical influences include Cecil Taylor, Jimmy Lyons, Eric Dolphy, Leroy Jenkins, Thelonious Monk, Jimi Hendrix, and West African string music. Known for his clean bebop tone and single-note-driven improvisations, Morris has crafted a unique approach to playing and composing, even incorporating the banjolele into his repertoire.