Grammy Award-winning artist PJ Morton returned to his hometown of New Orleans to perform at the Jazz & Heritage Festival. Morton, who is the son of well-known city preachers, expressed his excitement about performing at the festival and connecting with his hometown crowd. He reflected on his journey from playing small clubs to now performing in front of thousands of fans around the world. Morton expressed his gratitude for the love and support he receives from his fans.
As a keyboardist for the band Maroon 5, Morton has also pursued a successful solo career. He has released several albums and singles that have earned him multiple Grammy Awards. Morton shared that he always includes special songs in his New Orleans performances, like “New Orleans Girl,” which he wrote specifically for Jazz Fest. He remarked on the joy he feels in sharing his music with his hometown audience.
During his Jazz Fest performance, Morton treated fans to a mix of old and new songs, including tracks from his latest project, “Cape Town to Cairo.” He recently released a new single, “Smoke & Mirrors,” which he described as a message about defying preconceptions and connecting with oneself. Morton elaborated on the creative process behind the project and how it pushed him to trust his instincts and work on a tight deadline.
In addition to his music, Morton has also written a memoir titled “Saturday Night, Sunday Morning,” which is set to be released in November. In the memoir, he shares details about his journey in the music industry, including his Grammy wins and independent career path. Morton hopes that his story will inspire others to stay true to themselves and pursue their dreams. The Jazz & Heritage Festival concluded with performances from other headliners like Queen Latifah, Neil Young Crazy Horse, and Greta Van Fleet.
Morton’s return to New Orleans for Jazz Fest provided an opportunity for him to reconnect with his roots and share his music with his hometown crowd. The singer-songwriter reflected on his growth as an artist and the evolution of his music career, from playing in small clubs to earning multiple Grammy Awards. Morton’s latest project, “Cape Town to Cairo,” showcases his diverse influences and seamless blend of genres. Through his music and upcoming memoir, Morton aims to inspire others to pursue their passions and stay true to themselves.
