Gramps Morgan and friends deliver at Back to Brooklyn concert
Singer receives US City Council citation for being a global ambassador of reggae
Published:Tuesday | July 2, 2024 | 12:07 AMAnthony Turner/Gleaner Writer
The Crown Hill Theater in Brooklyn, which is owned by Jamaican entrepreneur and musician Peter Tulloch, was transformed into the house that the Morgan family built for at least one night when Gramps Morgan and his friends waltzed into the building and delivered a memorable performance that music fans will be talking about for a very long time.
Expectations were high given that this was Gramps’ return home to Brooklyn for his first performance since the untimely passing of his brother and Morgan Heritage band member Peetah Morgan in February. And what a soirée it was! The Wash the Tears Away singer hit the stage at the stroke of midnight, moments after cultural singer Dre Island, born Andre Johnson had gas-lit the crowd with Neva Fail, We Pray, and By My Side.
Gramps had an immediate impact with Jah Presence Near Me, which proved the perfect intro for fans who howled for more. And more they got as the award-winning singer segued into Positive Vibration, If You’re Looking For Me, and Runaway Bay.
A Gramps Morgan set would not be complete without She’s Still Loving Me and Down By The River, which brought a Morgan Heritage type of a vibe and energy to the stage. He showed musical agility with lyrics from Otis Redding’s 1966 classic ‘ these arms of mine, they are yearning. Yearning from wanting you’ and ode to his brother Peetah Morgan. The musical tribute continued with I’ll Do Anything For You dedicated to family patriarch Denroy Morgan, who passed away in 2022.
Gramps then introduced his 20-year-old son, Priel Morgan, who, like his father, excelled in American football. But as they say, the chip never falls far from the block, so it is no surprise that Priel is now pursuing music - R&B music to be exact - and what a voice he has. Jemere Morgan, Gramps older son, had his moment in the spotlight as well, with Keep Blazing and Don’t Haffi Dread, dedicated to Uncle Peetah.
Singer Ras Shiloh, whose vocal styling has been compared to Garnet Silk, delivered Unto Zion before segueing into Rise & Fall which brought back sweet memories of Peetah on lead vocals.
Gramps was presented with a beautifully decorated birthday cake and a US City Council Citation for his philanthropic work and for being a global ambassador of reggae, courtesy of Chi Ossé, council member for New York City’s 36th District. The citation was presented by Syn Clarke and DJ Roy of Carib Star radio.
“I probably will never hear you sing this again,” Gramps said as the band cranked up the intro to the Morgan Heritage 2001 hit Down by the River to restart the Gramps Morgan Experience.
The award-winning singer, who grew up in Brooklyn and Springfield, Massachusetts, began his musical journey in 1994 with Grammy-winning siblings Peter ‘Peetah’, Una , Lukes, and Mr Mojo, has matured as a solo singer doing successful tours with R&B superstars John Legend and India.Arie. He continues to expand his vocal diversity, recording music in a variety of genres.
Gramps’ performance peaked with a moving rendition of Psalm 23 and hit singles Wash Away The Tears and Everything Will Be Alright that struck a responsive chord with fans who were at his beck and call. The lavish offering of reggae anthems continued with Butterfly and was brought to an exuberant climax with the emotional Give A Little More, with images of Peetah being displayed on the monitor.
“I got so much more than I expected,” opined Jamaican born Registered Nurse Lisa Hawthorne.
“Anyone who missed the show missed a treat. The tribute to the legendary Denroy Morgan and the emotional, heartfelt tribute to his brother, the late great Peetah Morgan, were moving beyond measure. The brawta was the introduction of sons Jemere and Priel. As a true reggae lover, my heart is full,” she concluded.