Roy “GRAMPS” Morgan, a member of the internationally renowned reggae group, Morgan Heritage, was born in Brooklyn, New York, but grew up playing football in Springfield, Massachusetts with his parents and more than 20 of his siblings.
Gramps is one of the legendary Denroy Morgan’s 17 sons who at the tender age of nine became a member of the family band. Denroy however, prophesized that one day, each of them would trod on their own journey to achieve solo stardom. Gramps, a burly vocalist, and keyboard, player affirms “This has always been my father’s plan; we are all on an individual journey to express ourselves musically. We (referring to Morgan Heritage) don’t want to be predictable in the music; we want to keep it interesting and we want to keep it fun as well.”
Now after nearly three decades together, touring almost every continent on the planet and performing for millions of people worldwide, this tightly knit family member’s solo journey has begun.
A burgeoning solo artist, Gramps is on a mission to reinvent himself. In a time when reggae music is in a state of dejection and dancehall lyrics are redundant with nothing but a cache of clichés, Islands, and slogans, GRAMPS Morgan feels it is the right time to go solo.
Currently in studios completing his double CD, Gramps’ first single, WASH THE TEARS, debuted at 8 on Italy’s Top 20 Singles Chart. “I want to heal people through music” at the same time, “I just want to give people new music and let people know that everything is going to be alright. I want to reason with my fans and get personal with them ‘cause everyone has problems. My music is about healing, heart to heart.” says Gramps.
The single was composed, written, and produced by Gramps on his Dada Son Entertainment label, a subsidiary of the Morgan family’s Gedion Music Group. Likewise, the album will be released on Dada Son and the two discs are intended to reveal Gramps as a multi-dimensional person and artiste. “I’m working with people that have touched my life in music.”
Dedicated to conscious Roots Reggae and Lovers Rock, fans can look forward to solid combinations with the Gargamel, Buju Banton, and 4-time Grammy award winner, Ziggy Marley.
Meanwhile, the double disc also introduces Gramps in Adult Contemporary whereby he exhibits his diversity, offering fans a multitude of new sounds including collaborations with “soul bird” and multi-Grammy award winner, India Irie; country music star Kenny Rogers; and R&B singer, Musiq Soulchild.
Plans for Gramps and the Morgan family to complete their recording studio are also well underway and completion is expected later, in 2009. In the meantime, as CEO of Dada Son Entertainment, a full-fledged entertainment company, Gramps plans to brand the label through multimedia ventures including independent films and the Internet. In addition to his solo musical pursuits and production, Gramps also manages the company’s roster of artists.
With ‘Two Sides of My Heart’, the highly anticipated solo-debut slated for release later this year, Gramps Morgan is ready to fulfill his father’s prophecy and promises to bring a fresh sound.
