Who is PJ Morton?

Piece by: HILDA KANINI

27 August 2024

• The veteran singer is bringing his soulful R&B sounds to Nairobi, Kenya on the 15th, September 2024.

But who is this enterprising talent?

Origins

Born on the 29th March 1981 in New Orleans, Louisiana United States, he is the son of Bishop Paul Morton and Dr. Debra Brown Morton.

He started his music career as a teenager and was greatly influenced by his father who was also a musician.

Morton graduated from St. Augustine High School and majored in marketing at Morehouse College graduating in 2003.

Early career and Maroon 5

Since 2012, Morton has been the keyboardist of the Pop Brand Maroon 5 where he originally joined the band as a touring member in 2010 and became an official member in 2012 after the keyboardist went on a prolonged hiatus.

He has also brought his soulful R&B Genre sound to the pop world with his sounds often incorporating elements such as Pop, Soul, Funk, Rock, Gospel, and Jazz Fusion.

Solo Career

He has released several labels: On May 14th,2013, Morton released his major label debut studio album with Young Money Records titled "New Orleans".

The album's lead single "Only One", which features Stevie Wonder, was nominated best R&B song at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014.

In 2016, PJ Morton launched his record label, Morton Records, with the vision of creating "The New Orleans Motown."

Throughout his career, PJ has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including John Legend, Maroon 5, Stevie Wonder, India Arie, and Lil Wayne.

His latest album features collaborations with African musicians such as Nigeria’s Fireboy DML, Fela Kuti, Asa, and South African trumpet player Ndabo Zulu, along with the Soweto Spiritual Singers.

Although Nairobi was not on his African itinerary, PJ’s new album includes the track "All The Dreamers," which samples "Mwaki," a song by Kenyan artist Sofiya Nzau.

Personal Life

PJ married his wife, Kortni Morton, on December 25, 2008. The couple grew up attending the same church and began dating as adults. They have three children: Jakai, 19, P3, 13, and Peyton, 11.