PJ Morton’s new book chronicles his early musical beginnings in New Orleans. Credit: Worthy Books

For 5-time Grammy-award winner PJ Morton, the road to music success was not easy in a ruthless music industry. Add his Christian upbringing, and you have the journey of a church musician, soul singer and now author. 

In his new book, “Saturday Night, Sunday Morning: Staying True to Myself from the Pews to the Stage,” the son of New Orleans’s well-known Bishop Paul Morton and Pastor Deborah Morton, chronicles his early musical beginnings in New Orleans at Greater St. Stephens Full Gospel Baptist Church to eventually pursuing music outside of his church roots.

This decision for Morton, a “PK”, or preacher’s kid, can be difficult to navigate spiritually and socially.  The long tension between the church and the secular world is not new. Artists like Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding, musicians who began in the church, were criticized and seen as using their God-given talent for worldly satisfaction. 

But Morton believes his music is ministry. Consider Ernie Johnson, host of TNT’s “Inside the NBA.” Johnson, who wrote the book’s foreword,  says that Morton’s song, “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” was a much-needed encouragement after his son, Michael, who was born with muscular dystrophy, died. 

“I’m clear about my purpose and always have been, says Morton. “I’ve always just wanted to make meaningful music.” 

Morton’s memoir is not a simple flashback of his life but a testament to his perseverance and to remaining true to his musical identity, and convictions without compromise.  

Each chapter of the book is the title of one of his songs. Readers can map Morton’s journey through his words and music as if holding the playlist of his life in their hands. 

Success didn’t happen quickly for Morton. He’s played in various church and startup bands, was signed to Lil Wayne’s label once, joined the pop band Maroon 5, and eventually launched his own record label—Morton Records, to ensure his music and image aligned with his values. “The church prepared me for everything I am today,” he said. Morton trusted God and took leaps of faith in his career.  His faith and hard work paid off in an abundance of multiple Grammy nominations and awards since becoming an independent artist.

PJ Morton’s new book chronicles his early musical beginnings in New Orleans. Credit: Courtesy Morton Records

In “Saturday Night, Sunday Morning,” he writes: “I’m a natural people pleaser, but every time in my life that I’ve set aside my vision of what makes me happy and fulfilled in order to do what I thought someone else wanted, it’s been the wrong decision.”

Now wiser, PJ Morton is in full command of his life and his musical decisions and says he is grateful for the lessons learned.

His most recent album, “Cape Town to Cairo,” recorded in thirty days in Africa, illustrates his ability to expand his sound and global reach. A documentary about his experience traveling the continent and working with African musicians is in progress. 

Morton is giving an author talk and book signing at Baldwin & Co. Bookstore on Saturday (Nov. 9) from 6 to 9 p.m.

On Friday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m., PJ Morton will return home to New Orleans to perform at the Orpheum Theater.

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Kelly Harris-DeBerry is a poet and freelance writer. "Freedom Knows My Name" is her debut book. Her website is www.kellyhd.com