PJ Morton: The Preacher's Kid Who Joined Maroon 5

The Preacher's Kid Who Joined Maroon 5

PJ Morton's father is Bishop Paul S. Morton, founder of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship — one of the most prominent religious leaders in New Orleans. PJ grew up in the church, went to St. Augustine High School — the legendary all-boys Catholic school in the Seventh Ward — and could have followed his father into the pulpit. Instead, he followed the music.

Born in New Orleans in 1981, Morton grew up surrounded by two of the city's most powerful musical traditions: gospel and R&B. He went to Morehouse College for marketing, but music was always the plan. By 2010, he was touring with Maroon 5 as a keyboardist and vocalist. By 2012, he was a permanent member of one of the biggest pop bands on the planet.

But the solo career is where PJ Morton became PJ Morton. His 2013 album New Orleans was a statement of identity — this is where I'm from, this is who I am. "Only One," featuring Stevie Wonder, announced that Morton could operate at the highest level of R&B. His 2017 album Gumbo earned two Grammy nominations and established him as one of the best R&B artists of his generation.

The Grammys came in waves after that. Six total, including Best R&B Song for "Say So" in 2020 and Best Gospel Album for Gospel According to PJ in 2021. Morton moves between pop, R&B, and gospel with the ease of someone who grew up hearing all three in the same city, often in the same room.

In 2019, Morton announced plans to restore Buddy Bolden's historic New Orleans home as a museum and community space — a gesture that connects his story to the deepest roots of the city's music. The preacher's kid from St. Aug who joined the world's biggest pop band is also the guy trying to save the house where jazz was born. That's PJ Morton. That's New Orleans.