PJ Morton has released the official music video for “First Began” — nominated for Best R&B Song at this Sunday’s GRAMMYs. The video is a touching reflection on early marital bliss starring the Golden Globe-winning actor, Sterling Brown (‘This Is Us’) and his wife Ryan Brown, Tamera Mowry and husband Adam Housley, NAACP Image Award-winning actor Omari Hardwick and wife Jae Hardwick, gospel star Erica Campbell (Mary Mary) and her husband Warryn, and Morton’s wife, Kortni.
“First Began” is up for Best R&B Song at Sunday’s GRAMMYs, where Morton also competes for Best R&B Album. This Friday, January 26th, he records an exclusive unplugged interpretation of his nominated LP, ‘Gumbo,’ alongside The Matt Jones Orchestra, Anthony Hamilton, Lecrae, BJ The Chicago Kid, Yebba, The Hamiltones, and Keyon Harrold. Morton and his collaborators will perform the whole record as it has never been heard for an intimate audience at a secret New York City studio. Okayplayer will host the official Facebook Live stream, beginning at 6pm EST here: https://www.facebook.com/okayplayer
Over the past month, the Maroon 5 keyboardist and Solange music director has performed with The Roots on The Tonight Show, commenced the NBA’s celebratory MLK Day matchup with his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” played Jimmy Kimmel Live with Maroon 5, and more. His most realized and masterful project yet, ‘Gumbo’ (released on his own Morton Records) came from fleeing the claustrophobic superficiality of Los Angeles to rejuvenate a solo career amidst the magic of his New Orleans hometown. Blending “old and new school with elements of black church music to remind us to remain calm amidst chaos and uncertainty” (The FADER), he tackles themes of evangelical hypocrisy (as the son of two pastors), personal redemption, and more.
Watch video below;
