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PJ Morton is a dynamic musician and producer from New Orleans, celebrated for his role as the keyboardist for Maroon 5 and his acclaimed solo career in R&B and soul. Blending gospel influences with contemporary sounds, his work showcases a rich tapestry of genres and has garnered multiple Grammy Awards, marking him as a significant figure in modern music.
PJ Morton
PJ Morton, born Paul Sylvester Morton Jr. on March 29, 1981, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer from New Orleans. He's best known as the keyboardist for the pop band Maroon 5 since 2012, and for his successful solo career in R&B and soul music.
Career Highlights
Joined Maroon 5 as a touring member in 2010 and became an official member in 2012.
Released his debut solo EP, "Following My First Mind," in March 2012 through Young Money Entertainment.
Released his major-label debut album, "New Orleans," in 2013.
His 2017 album, "Gumbo," earned him two Grammy Award nominations.
Has won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2019, Best R&B Song in 2020, Best Gospel Album in 2021, and Album of the Year in 2022 (for contributions to Jon Batiste's "We Are").
Runs his own record label, Morton Records, which he established in 2016.
Musical Style and Influences
Morton's music is deeply rooted in soul, R&B, and gospel, with influences from various genres. He cites Stevie Wonder as a major influence, particularly in his keyboard playing and songwriting. His sound often incorporates elements of:
R&B and soul
Gospel
Pop
Jazz
Afro-Cuban rhythms
Notable Projects and Collaborations
Has collaborated with artists like Stevie Wonder, Lil Wayne, and Erykah Badu.
Released "Gumbo Unplugged" in 2018, an orchestral live album.
His 2019 album "PAUL" received critical acclaim and three Grammy nominations.
Recently completed a project called "Cape Town to Cairo," where he wrote and recorded an album while traveling across Africa in 30 days.
Wrote the first song by a Black composer for a Disney attraction, for Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
Personal Life and Background
Grew up as a preacher's kid in New Orleans, which influenced his musical roots in gospel.
Studied marketing at Morehouse College while developing his musical career.
Briefly lived in the Northeast Bronx while trying to break into the New York music scene.
Currently resides in New Orleans, where he's actively involved in the local music scene.
Recent Developments
In 2024, Morton embarked on a musical exploration of Africa, resulting in the album "Cape Town to Cairo."
He has a book titled "Saturday Night, Sunday Morning" set to be released in fall 2024, detailing his life experiences.
Morton continues to balance his solo career with his role in Maroon 5, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
PJ Morton's career demonstrates a unique blend of mainstream pop success with Maroon 5 and critical acclaim as a solo R&B artist. His work spans multiple genres and continues to evolve, making him a significant figure in contemporary American music.
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