Morton struck the perfect note of authenticity and balance in his work when he moved back to New Orleans from California. The result has been years of music that has moved his fans beyond belief.

“Moving back home allowed me to refocus on what was important and what made me want to do music in the first place, so I really locked into that and I was able to see the industry with different eyes because I was one foot in, one foot out,” he said. “I know that’s when my success started. That’s where Gumbo happened and the first of these Grammys happened. I think it’s totally tied to me being home and being able to focus in a different way.”

Having grown up around several influential spiritual leaders and gospel musicians, including his father, Bishop Paul Morton, fans can certainly hear his upbringing in his work. The storied artist is excited to carry on the legacy.

“There was always a line I was never willing to cross — I was never gonna talk a certain way on record — I’m not gonna talk about certain things in a certain way,” he said. “There was always a standard and I think that was my upbringing and making sure I could make my family proud. I want them to be able to show their friends my records without being embarrassed.”

Of course, there could be challenges with balancing spiritual and industry growth, but honesty, Morton said, is the key to balance.

“The important thing is the living part — it’s not the music part, so it’s like the art just imitates life, so I just felt like if I always just kept it real with myself and I was honest in the music then it would come out the way I really am,” Morton said. “I never wanted to be living a certain way and then on record I become a different person. It was always that balance for me — just be honest. And that’s why I can write a song like ‘Let Go, Let God’ and then write ‘Go Thru Your Phone’ — it’s all just honest.”

PJ-Morton

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week