Robert L. Morris holds degrees from DePaul University, Indiana University, and The University of Iowa. Morris has conducted at Carnegie Hall, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, and Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. He is an Arthur J. Schmitt Fellow, a member of Phi Delta Kappa, a life member of the ACDA, and has served on the board of Chorus America. He was a participant in the Classical Music Seminars in Eisenstadt and Vienna. He has served numerous times as music consultant under the aegis of the Ecumenical Council of Churches of Cuba in their seminars entitled Culture as an Agent of Social Change. Morris' name will be found in books about the music of Black Americans. He served as the research assistant of the first Black Music Committee at Indiana University and after master's work there was very energetic in making sure African American performance traditions survived while serving as Director of Choral Activities at Winston-Salem State University and Jackson State University.

Morris is founder and artistic director of the Leigh Morris Chorale, a Twin Cities based community chorale whose "informances" educate audiences about African American classical and written choral music traditions. He has published and manuscript settings that have been performed nationally and internationally. His music has been performed and recorded by the Minnesota Chorale, Boys Choir of Harlem, Moses Hogan Singers. Dale Warland Singers, VocalEssence, Nathaniel Dett Choir of Canada , schools colleges and universities in addition to the Leigh Morris Chorale.