BOXTOROW w/ Donal Ware Conversations: PJ Morton

I only applied to Morehouse. My older sister went to Spelman and I got to go on campus and see her in college and all of the beautiful Black people, the smart, intelligent people. It was amazing and I was sold. Plus, it was Atlanta and [Atlanta] being a new hub of music, that’s where I wanted to be.

Musician and singer PJ Morton was born into music. His father is Bishop Paul S. Morton, pastor and singer who has recorded seven albums and many singles including the 2003 single “Let It Rain.” Having those musical influences, PJ Morton has carved out his own niche, having won three Grammy Awards. In addition to being a sought after producer and writer, having worked with artists such as Jermaine Dupri, LL Cool J, Jagged Edge, Monica, India Arie, and Fred Hammond, he is also the keyboardist for Maroon 5. PJ talked with Donal Ware about his career, the musical similarities between Gospel and R&B, growing up as Bishop Morton’s son, his teaching residency at Dillard University and about his time as a student at Morehouse College. Download or listen to the conversation.