PJ Morton

PJ Morton is a singer, songwriter, producer and keyboardist from New Orleans, United States, born in 1981. He is a member of Maroon 5, where he works as keyboardist and backing vocalist, and his music is associated with soul, R&B, gospel, neo soul and indie soul, with influences that include pop, rock and funk.

Career

Morton begins his formal recording career in the early 2000s with the band Freestyle Nation. He then builds a reputation as a songwriter and producer, and wins a Grammy Award for his work on India.Arie’s “Interested” from the album Voyage to India. His credits also include collaborations with Jermaine Dupri, LL Cool J, Monica, Musiq Soulchild and Trinitee 5:7.

He also receives Dove and Stellar Awards for his work with gospel singer DeWayne Woods. Woods’ “Let Go, Let God” spends 70 weeks on the gospel chart. Morton later contributes the song “Sajna” to the soundtrack of Couples Retreat after being approached by A. R. Rahman.

Solo work

Morton releases several independent solo albums before signing with Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records. His major-label debut is New Orleans, a project that follows his 2012 EP Following My First Mind. That EP includes guest appearances from Adam Levine, Lil Wayne and Jazmine Sullivan.

New Orleans features a full backing band with horns and strings and includes the singles “Only One”, with Stevie Wonder on harmonica, and “Heavy”, a reworked track from his 2012 EP featuring Adam Levine. The album also includes appearances by Busta Rhymes. Morton describes his own music as “soulful pop” and it draws on gospel, R&B, funk, pop and rock.

Background and influences

Morton is the son of gospel singer Paul S. Morton. He names the Beatles, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway among his influences. He also says that New Orleans is central to his musical identity and development.

His profile grows further after Adam Blackstone invites him to audition for Maroon 5, and his music is supported by Young Money president Mack Maine along with Lil Wayne, Roland “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Birdman” Williams.