Morgan Heritage
takes to the road from Canada To USVI::...more>>>
Since the 1980s, the world has anxiously awaited
a Reggae band to continue the path that was set by
the legendary Bob Marley and the Wailers. Morgan's
Heritage is a vocal band that is continuing that path
to revolutionize Reggae music worldwide.
The band, which was formed in the early 1980s, consists
of five of the 29 children of former Black Eagles'
lead vocalist, Denroy Morgan. The band is comprised
of percussionist, "Mr. Mojo" Morgan, vocalist/keyboardist,
Una Morgan, keyboardist/vocalist, Roy "Gramps"
Morgan, vocalist, Peter Morgan, and rhythm guitarist,
"Lukes" Morgan.
The five siblings were all born in Bushwick, Brooklyn
and raised in Springfield Massachusetts, where they
attended school. They would leave on weekends to record
music in their father's studio back in Brooklyn.
They chose to do Reggae music, since it was always
a part of their culture from their childhood, and
was set by their father, Denroy Morgan and their mother,
who ensured that they embraced Jamaican roots and
culture. "Reggae got heart and spirit. Mi find
home when doing Reggae," Gramps said. "We
would have to leave the Yankee tings at di door."
Prayer and education were two main factors that were
essential in their upbringing. "I enjoyed seeing
my father pray in the mornings," Gramps added.
They all showed utmost respect for both their parents
who had the vision for them to become musicians.
While growing up, they shared an interest in other
careers. Lukes wanted to become an accountant; Peter,
an astronomer. Una completed three years at law school
to become a lawyer, Mr. Mojo wanted to become a professional
soccer player, and Gramps almost played football in
the NFL.
Their love for, and dedication to Reggae music bought
them a line-up at Reggae Sunsplash in 1992. This show
was their biggest breakthrough, and introduced them
to the world. Their performance was so overwhelming
that, right after their performance, MCA Records offered
them a recording contract backstage. In 1994, they
released their first album for MCA Records, called
"Miracles". However, their debut album was
a disappointment, both with sales and with the band
members, as the album did not declare their authentic
Reggae culture.
A year later, they moved to Jamaica to capture the
true essence of Reggae music. The majority of their
days were spent in the studio recording tracks. Days
were spent at King Jammys and evenings at Bobby Digital.
In Jamaica, they found their true roots to strengthen
their messages.
Their commitment to the music has led them to release
various albums: 'Protect Us Jah' (1997), 'One Calling'
(1998), and 'Don't Haffi Dread' (1999). In 2001, they
released 'More Teaching', 'Time in One' in 2003, and
their latest, 'Full Circle', in 2005.
A track, titled 'Don't Haffi Dread', on one of their
albums, was a controversial song in Jamaica. Gramps
explained the meaning of the song, "People nowadays
don't understand the true meanings of Rastafarians.
Di man dem whe do it, a thief, an' a murder people
an' might ave a dread pon dem head a nuh Rasta dem.
Dreadlocks not only identify a Rastafarians, but livity
and belief in de divinity comprise a true Rasta Man.
Currently, their dreams are now becoming a reality,
as their messages have been spread worldwide. For
this summer, they are working diligently on their
younger brothers' and sister's album (L.M.C), as well
as their clothing line 'GIDEON'.