The legendary reggae artist Gramps Morgan has added another honor to his impressive resume. Nashville, Tennessee, has appointed the Grammy-winning musician and Morgan Heritage band member as a tourist marketing ambassador.
He told reporters from a local entertainment magazine, “This city is my home when I’m not in Jamaica.”
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“The mere fact that music means so much to them and I am able to represent my genre Reggae Dancehall music means a lot to me.”
In recent years, Morgan, who is well-known for his powerful lyrics and soulful voice, has pioneered the reggae genre by fusing it with country influences. His blend of soul, country, and reggae on his solo album Positive Vibration won praise from critics, demonstrating his flexibility and profound understanding of a wide range of musical styles.
He clarified that the appointment resulted from his lasting impression at a previous Nashville performance.
“I performed on a show two years ago with a big country band named Old Dominion for the city’s tourism association and that’s where it all started,” he stated.
It also fits in wonderfully with his other responsibilities and timetable, he noted. He added, “There is no specific role on what to do when they put on events, they call on people that live in the city to be a part of representing the city and what it stands for.”
Additionally, the “Butterfly” singer remarked, “There is no specific time on being an ambassador as long as I am part of this city and what’s going on, so I guess you can say for eternity because music will always be a part of my life in this city will always be a part of my life.”
He explained, “There’s no special benefits on being an ambassador and there is no special benefit for me or my bread although it is great opportunities to always perform on major events anywhere in the world. Nashville is no different so for example in 2022 I performed alongside one of the biggest country bands in the world named Old Dominion so there you go that’s a benefit, but it is not every day that your phone is going to ring for something like this.”
Given Morgan’s strong roots in both country and reggae music, this partnership is especially noteworthy. Many praised his popular song “People Like You,” which combines elements of country music, for bridging the gap between the two genres. This blending of cultures is a wonderful fit with Nashville’s goal of promoting and embracing musical variety.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Gramps grew up in Springfield, MA. He is the son of the late reggae artist Denroy Morgan. In 2012, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
Gramps declared his Jamaican citizenship in 2022, characterizing it as “one of the greatest days of my life.”
