Gramps Morgan is set to make a major impact with his second album, Reggae Music Lives, demonstrating the prowess of this burly vocalist. A Soul Train Award nominee, Gramps launched an impressive solo career in 2009 with his debut 2 Sides of My Heart Vol. 1. The album spawned multiple hit singles and accolades including ‘Best Crossover Song’ for Therapy – a collaboration with India Arie; ‘Best Song’ for his self-produced composition, Wash the Tears; and clinched ‘Best New Entertainer’ as well as two awards for ‘Album of the Year’ in Jamaica and Canada.
The release of the album proceeded with performances on a string of high profile tours with John Legend (Evolver), India Arie (Soulbird) and Buju Banton (Rasta’s Got Soul). With the latter, Gramps also netted Grammy status with credits as a co-producer, writer and lead vocalist on the song “Try Life” on Banton’s 2010 ‘ ‘Reggae Album of the Year’ Before The Dawn. When one considers that Gramps has already sold millions of records as a regal member of the internationally renowned Reggae band, Morgan Heritage, it is only natural that his solo endeavours would also be grand.
After the release of the album, Gramps set out to re-introduce himself as a soloist to Heritage fans, while introducing himself to new markets worldwide. An avid sportsman, Gramps performed for the NBA’s Miami Heat players & executives at the 2011 Family Fun Day and delighted MLB fans at the New York Mets’ opening game; the 2010 USA Sevens IRB Rugby Tournament; and the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals game. In addition to various major, local, and international festivals, Gramps co-headlined the Reggae Revolution tour with Ky-Mani Marley before touring Europe with his brother, Peetah Morgan, and the eastern United States with Tarrus Riley.
Fast forward to 2012 and Gramps is unleashing his second, independent studio album on his own Dada Son Entertainment label. The album’s first single The Almighty topped the charts in South Florida and New York while Life Too Short, released on March 28th, advanced in the fight for justice in the case of Trayvon Martin. Consequently, team Dada Son decided to donate part of the sale proceeds to the family of the slain Florida teenager. Now after two years in the making, Reggae Music Lives arrives with inspiration, healing and Gramps’ determination to make positive changes in the world.
Reggae Music Lives is an evolution of Gramps’ professional and musical growth expressed through his singing, narratives, arrangements and compositions. His melodies and hooks are seasoned with mature, worldly lyrics that are delivered flawlessly. All of his experiences have culminated in the creation of a universal sound that he says stems from exposure. “I’ve grown so much as a producer, song writer and vocalist. Overall, my experience from touring and working with India Arie; watching John Legend perform every night; touring with different artists; working with the different producers (on this album) and getting a chance to work with my brother Peetah one-on-one writing songs; it’s brought me to a whole other level. My experience really came into play in making this. I think this album is really the best of the brand called Gramps Morgan; as a product, you finally get the sound of Gramps Morgan. The first album was just discovering, getting it and learning myself. Gramps Morgan has been born on this album. ”
This album is only the second in a line of records to come which includes a techno/dance infused album and the successor to Vol. 1: 2 Sides of My Heart Vol. 2 – a country and R& B inspired album.
While music defines Gramps Morgan it’s also a paradox when one considers he’s also an athlete, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Radiating his passion for bringing relief to the needy in various parts of the world, Gramps established the charity Gramps Music Orchestrating Miracles (G.M.O.M.). In Africa, G.M.O.M. works in conjunction with various medical organizations to provide mosquito nets, Malaria medication, HIV test kits and water purification tablets in addition to many other resources desperately needed in remote areas. Benefit concerts are often aimed at collecting funds to assist in this vast process. In the Caribbean, Gramps makes school visits, speaks to youth on the importance of education, and finishing school so they are able to lead positive and productive lives. G.M.O.M. has been operating since early 2010 and continues to make strides in helping to alleviate human suffering due to poverty, diseases and natural catastrophes.
Gramps’ charity extends far beyond his own organization as he is often called upon to lend his voice; in 2011 he was recruited for the historic Reggae 4 Japan benefit concert to support the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Effort of the American Red Cross alongside Grammy Award winner, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and other top reggae acts. Further, Gramps also supports the efforts of Dr. Rene Zazou Williamson, President and Event Co-ordinator of Shashamane Sunrise; an organization that was conceived at a Bob Marley celebration in Ethiopia when a child asked for a pencil. What has flourished since is an organization dedicated to providing educational resources, learning environments and mentorship to students to enable them to achieve their academic goals. In support of their efforts, Gramps has been to London to raise funds for Ethiopia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Haiti, and Uganda.
Rooted in music, Gramps is the eldest son of legendary singer, Denroy Morgan who made history with his 1981 hit, Anything For You. Born in Brooklyn, New York with an uncanny resemblance to his ‘grandpa’, Roy Morgan received the moniker “Gramps” from his aunt. “Gramps” stuck and eventually became his stage name. Gramps joined the family band at the tender age of nine with four of the 29 siblings he grew up with in Springfield, MA. Years later Morgan Heritage would emerge as one of a handful of Reggae bands to successfully make a global impact in the post Bob Marley and the Wailers era.
Whether Gramps is in studio, on stage, hosting The Gramps Morgan Show Mon-Fri on Link Up Media 93.5FM or weekly on Da Flava Radio; succouring to a cause; developing his CY Evolution clothing and food lines; working with his son and protege, Jemere Morgan; or on the football field playing defensive tackle for the North Georgia Gladiators one thing is for sure, Gramps Morgan is passionate about everything he does and is spreading his wings. Well on his way to becoming a household name, Gramps Morgan’s spirit is soaring as he continues to fulfill his dreams and those of his father who predicted that the individual members of the band, would shine individually as they pursued solo journeys.
Reggae Music Lives and Gramps Morgan is going to take it to the next level.