PJ Morton won't be the first preacher's kid to sing secular music, and he isn't likely to be the last!
Unlike those before him who were ostracized and condemned by traditional churchgoers and religious radicals for singing non-sacred sounds, Morton has decided to educate churchgoers rather than rebelling against them.
The 28-year-old singer, who is the son of renowned pastors Bishop Paul S. Morton (Changing a Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church in Atlanta) and Dr. Debra B. Morton (Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church in New Orleans), has written a new book called 'Why Can't I Sing About Love?' that dispels the myth that all Christian singers must record and perform gospel music.
"I hope that the book causes people to see how big God is and that His affects reach far beyond the church and church music," he explained. "Also, I want people to realize that if we believe that the Bible is truly God's word, we can't overlook certain parts, specifically the book of love songs in the Bible. He created those as well."
Morton, a Gr
ammy-winning songwriter and producer who has worked with artists such as Musiq Soulchild, India.Arie, Dewayne Woods and Ruben Studdard, said the scrutiny that music veterans before him faced helped birth his need to pen this tome.
"Artists like Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Ray Charles and Sam Cooke. It was because of their constant struggles to do what they felt in their hearts that people treated them with such hate, as if they were devils based on personal views, not the Bible," he shared.
Though the book was inspired by those artists, Morton said 'Why Can't I Sing About Love?' is not limited to just singers.
"The target audience is the fan, creator, writer, producer or lover of music who has felt confusion about what the traditional viewpoint of church has been on music outside of gospel," he said.
The New Orleans native, who now calls Atlanta home, knows that everyone won't embrace his message.
"First, I'd tell to the skeptics to read my book," he laughed. "So many scriptures. But really I'd say that I'm a Christian and I try to be like Christ. The sin is the unclean thing, not the people. We all sin every day. So we can't judge as if we're clean. Matthew 7:3-4, John 8:5-7: 'I
want to be known by my love like he was.' Matthew 9:10-12: 'He was among the sinners, and the Pharisees criticized him.' So this isn't new. Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.' Light has to shine in darkness."
In addition to his debut book and his most recent CD, 'Live From L.A.,' Morton is gearing up to launch a new record company to change how people view love music.
"I'm launching a Song of Solomon division at Light/Tehillah Records that will allow artists who are like me to have a place. I believe it will change the music industry from this point on. Gospel/Christian record labels will have to pay attention to Christians who don't only do gospel music. This will allow the kingdom to reach the mainstream more than ever in music," he concluded.
'Why Can't I Sing About Love?' will be available Aug. 11. For more information on the book or to order an advance copy, go to www.whycantisingaboutlove.com.
Black Music Notes Mar. 19
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3/19/09: Kanye West / The Dream
Seven years ago this month, music heavyweights R. Kelly and Jay-Z released their highly anticipated collaborative album 'The Best of Both Worlds.' Now it appears Kanye West and The Dream are vying to work on a similar project. "Everybody is trying to talk us into it," Dream told 'MTV News' of his and West's friends and business associates. "It was first thought of by me. I was in Miami at the time, and I gave Kanye a call and said, 'The best thing would be for me and you to do an album.'... Let's take the best of both worlds and put it on a CD and try to make something we can sell to the consumers. He says he's with it. We're gonna try to make it happen." For now, you can catch Kanye on Dream's potential third single 'Walking on the Moon,' which is featured on his newly released album 'Love vs. Money.'
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3/19/09: The Miracles
Legendary Motown group The Miracles is the latest musical act to receive a Hollywood star on the world-renowned Walk of Fame. The 'Ooo Baby, Baby' singers were presented with the 2,381st star on March 20 by Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Leron Gubler. Motown founder Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder were also on hand as guest speakers for the ceremony.
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3/19/09: Chester Gregory
After several years of blowing audiences away on the 'Great White Way,' Broadway Star and R&B soul recording artist Chester Gregory is preparing the release of his debut album 'In Search of High Love.' The March 31 release finds the multitalented singer introducing himself as a thoughtful and sensitive songwriter blessed with a voice that captivates and demands attention. "While I've thoroughly enjoyed performing on Broadway -- eight shows a week and telling other people's amazing stories -- now it's time for me to share my own," explained Gregory. Highlights of 'In Search of High Love' include the poetic 'Clouds to the Ground,' the crossover-bound 'Say it's Over' and Jackie Wilson's soaring 1967 chart-topper 'Higher and Higher.'
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3/19/09: Earth, Wind & Fire
Iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Earth, Wind & Fire is set to hit the road this summer for a 30-city tour beginning June 5 in Orange Beach, AL. In addition to Maurice White and company gracing the stage will be pop-rock band Chicago, which will perform a full show before joining for a final set together, according to Billboard. The tour will conclude on Aug. 1 in Lake Tahoe, NV.
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3/19/09: Kim Burrell
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Kevin Winter, NCLR / Getty Images
Comments: (25)
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By: Chan on 7/29/2009 4:10PM
It's not a about a certain sound, beat, or arrangment of music - style or genre but about Identity! Who says being a Gospel artist puts limits on you?? That's crazy because God will elevate you! Only someone who doesn't truely know God would beleive that in order to gain success or reach the world that you have to be considered a secular artist. There are so many gospel artist that have sang from the White House to packing out areanas in London, Africa, and all over the world.
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By: bigwhitt2k on 8/01/2009 2:41AM
I agree with you James. I've been a musician for 20 years, and there are churches out there that want nothing but to exploit your gift to build the church vision. But whether a local church musician at a 200 member church or a international recording artist, when you do it for God the purpose is the same. We are using our gift to reveal the truth and love of Jesus Christ to the world. If a person goes "secular" or categorizes their music as such to "reach more people", to have a "gobal impact and appeal", I'd have to ask what Bible they read?
The Apostle Peter didn't do anything but preach the TRUTH of the gospel, and that alone converted 3,000 souls (Acts 2). He didn't say "Hey, I'm not a Christian Speaker, I'm an Secular Speaker." That's not say we can't be creative with our music...but I think we can be creative and be GOSPEL ARTISTS at the same time.
Also James, just b/c Elvis sang "gospel songs doesn't mean he was representing Christ. That's like a rap artist cussing on a CD and in the credits saying "First I want to thank God...". Listen to Isaiah: "Because these people (Judah) draw near to me with their words and honor me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote" (Isa. 29:13). God wants what we say to come from a repentant heart surrendered totally to Him.
Lastly, this whole business about the Songs of Solomon, Called "Song of Songs in the Hebrew Bible and Canticles in the Vulgate (Latin Bible). True...this wonderful book of hebrew poetry speaks of the wonderful love between Husband and Wife. I see nothing wrong with Christian love songs. But singing songs that promoted the BIBLICAL picture of love and intimacy between HUSBAND and WIFE can be done without categorizing oneself as a secular artist.
Christian artists also have to be careful how they do this...there are a lot of secular songs that talk about intimate love between MALE AND FEMALE, but not HUSBAND and WIFE. And remember, the goal of a christian love song is not to celebrate love between two people; it is to celebrate the institution of marriage created by God and the love and intimacy that institution fosters.
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By: tracey on 8/28/2009 10:15AM
I agree with you 99.9 your words are truly blessed and true, yet I do not agree with the rap thingy,King David said according to his excellency.
OUR GOD IS HOLY AND WE SHOULD NOT FEEL AS THOUGH WE NEED TO "SPICE JESUS UP" TO REACH THE YOUTH!
I KNOW TWO PEOPLE IN PARTICULAR MY NIECE AND NEPHEW OF IN THEIR EARLY TWENTIES REFERRED TO ONE ALLEGED GOSPEL SONG {GOSPEL MEANING TRUTH}
"THAT'S THE JAUN, THAT BEAT IS OFF THE HOOK!
I ASKED THEM WELL WHAT WERE THEY SAYING , I KNEW THE SONG, BUT THEY REPLIED I DON'T KNOW IT WAS JUST BANGING! BANGING? YES THEY WERE JUST TWO
PEOPLE BUT THEY WERE JUST TWO PEOPLE I HEARD I ONLY IMAGINE!
THE BIBLE IS STILL THE BIBLE NO NEW {I DON'T CARE WHAT'S OUT HERE TODAY, KING JAMES!} I KNOW MANY YOUNG PEOPLE, WHO LOVE ANDRAE CROUCH,WALTER HAWKINS ETC; OLD SONGS WE WANT TO PRAISE AND REJOICE IN THE LORD NOT BOB OUR HEADS TO A BEAT!!!
WE DID THAT IN THE WORLD~ REGARDLESS THE INTENSE MESSAGES OF CHRIST IN THEIR SONG, IT'S THE PRESENTATION~ GOD IS HOLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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By: ImJusSayinIsAll on 7/16/2009 10:59AM
I love it!!
ImJusSayinIsAll
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By: Marlene on 7/25/2009 3:48PM
I really like the article I will check out the book but I do agree with you. PJ is one of my fav artist out today he is very unique.
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By: angies on 7/17/2009 3:47PM
I love PJ Morton's music and bought his last album. Very talented artist.
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By: Cheri on 7/19/2009 9:08AM
Thank you P.J Morton for the book! (I also like his Dad and Mom's music btw). I don't believe the Lord cares what kinds of music we listen to. Music speaks to the spirit. Songs I was raised with carry memories of my life and experiences. No way I'm going to not listen to them because some in the church think I shouldn't. It's also interesting that the music "black-out" enforced is often just on African-American music. Why is R & B trouble and the music fueling sexy salsa or radio pop sung by non-blacks not? Certainly music is powerful. But, as we grow in our salvation, each of us should be able to ascertain for ourselves if we are weakened by lyrics a song into falling into negative behaviors. Truth is, moving away from those behaviors requires a spiritual change not a musical one. That should begin with salvation. Finally, if we want to have influence as Christians on the world around us we better keep us to some extent with what's going on in "the world."
As for me, I love music, that sweet soul music...
www.cheriparisedwards.blogspot.com
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By: Lynn on 7/19/2009 6:59PM
Being mixed race raised by Whites, I can tell you that the issue of secular vs. gospel/Christian music IS a major issue in Non Black churches as well. The main excuse I've heard is that it fuels temptation, etc. and that NOT singing about Jesus is sinful. Personally, I do NOT agree with this and as a crossover Gospel/Secular artist myself, I could care less what the churches think as long as my material is CLEAN and not encouraging sinful or violent behavior. There's alot of songs out there that are simply stories ... like reading a book. The form of that sort of music is called a "ballad" and they tell stories. Alot of the old acoustic blues are storytelling songs as well. How about tunes like "Backwater Blues" which tells the story of a woman who had to leave her flooded home and neighborhood with no where to go, or "Midnight Special" which is the plea of an imprisoned convict that the light of the "Midnight Special" shine on him so he'll be the next man freed. Or maybe "Birmingham Sunday" which is a secular song with an almost religious content ... about four school children killed in a church bombing during the Civil Rights movement by racists. There are ALOT of perfectly decent secular songs out there. The Bible says love GOD ... but it also tells us to love our NEIGHBOR. And our neighbor isn't necessarally a Christian! So we should be able to reach him or her with our hearts and our music in a different way ... Just my thoughts on the subject.
Lynn in New Orleans
http://www.shoutlife.com/lynnmagnuson
http://www.myspace.com/lynnmagnuson
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By: sparky smith on 7/19/2009 1:47PM
He is making an honest living. I have not heard his music, but it is better than that rap mess any day. Be cautiously aware of the black church, they all are not what they are cracked up to be; with its' pimp pastors, requiring tithes and offerings even when you are on furlow from work, preaching prosperity gospel, taking advantage of weak people who are sometimes scared of the pastor and his little groups and clicks. I hope in the future a senator subpoenas/investigates one of those pimp pastors alla Rev. C Note Dollar and have them explain the extravagance of a Lear Jet, the Bentley, the helicopter (Hillard in DC) while people in their church getting by day to day barily surviving giving that church all their money, a shame....iamout smithmusic_2000@yahoo.com
Oh in conclusion . All religious nuttcases do not respond to this, only open-minded intelligent folk,please.. thanks
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By: bigwhitt2k on 8/01/2009 3:09AM
Sparky, I agree with you. There are waaaaaaaaaay to many so-called people out their using the pulpit as a cash-cow rather than a catalyst for the message of Christ ( and I am not referring to anyone in particular, just a general statement). This, however, doesn't represent the WHOLE BLACK CHURCH. The problem is not the Black Church, but people in the black church doing things for the wrong reason.
Also, the goal of Christian/Gospel music is not to be "better than rap music" but to preach the message of Christ. Singing "positive songs" that kinda hint to Christ is no better than a vulgar rap song..In fact its worse. Paul teaches us that Satan comes as an "Angel of Light". He can hide underneath a "positive message" or a "watered down gospel". The danger? - we confuse being "good" with being "Godly". Cornelius, the first Gentile convert was a "good" man, but he still needed Christ (Acts 10). The problem in the world is not that there aren't enough good people, but that there aren't enough Godly people!
The question is not if PJ's music is GOOD. Is it proclaiming the name of Christ?...Sure, its ok to have inspirational/positive songs. His song Molehills and Mountains is AWESOME...but a CHRISTIAN must make the connection at some point between that inspiration and Christ. If not, we are simply telling people to pursue their goals, but not to pursue Christ! Again, its not about telling people to be GOOD but about telling people that they need Jesus!
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