PJ Morton is a multiple Grammy Award winning singer, keyboardist, songwriter, and producer, best known for both his work as a solo artist and as a member of the mega-group Maroon 5. His catchy rhythms, soulful vocals, and star-studded recordings have earned him a top berth in the pantheon of contemporary pop and R&B.
Paul Sylvester Morton Jr. was born in New Orleans and came by his musical gifts honestly and early; his father, the celebrated Bishop Paul S. Morton, founded of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship and is an accomplished gospel singer. The younger Morton attended the illustrious St. Augustine High School and Morehouse College, graduating in 2003.
Two years later, Morton burst on the musical scene with his debut album, Emotions, which got enthusiastic reviews and was followed up with the single “Perfect Song” and a live album in 2008. As he was releasing his second studio album, the 2010 Walk Alone, Morton successfully auditioned for a touring spot in the crazy-popular group Maroon 5, in 2012 he became an official member, and has essentially been with the band ever since.
The Morton’s profile grew with the Maroon 5 work – especially after a pair of 2013 Grammy nominations - and his solo releases continued to burgeon in sales and airplay. His major-label debut album, the 2013 New Orleans, featured the single “Only One,” a duet with Stevie Wonder, which earned Morton his first individual Grammy nomination.
The 2017 album Gumbo brought two nominations for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Song, and two years later he finally took home the statue, winning the Grammy for Best R&B Single for his hit “How Dep is Your Love” featuring Yebba. The accolades and honors continue to stack up, with several more Grammy nominations and wins, including his work as a producer on India.Arie’s Interested and Jon Batiste’s mega-hit We Are. He has also written and produced songs for an impressive stable of artists, including LL Cool J, Jermaine Dupri, Jagged Edge, and Monica.
Morton’s 2021 release, Watch the Sun, featured Stevie Wonder, Nas, Jill Scott.
His most recent solo effort is Cape Town to Cairo (2024). Morton has appeared on HBO’s Treme, In 2009, he published a book entitled Why Can't I Sing About Love?.
