5 x Grammy winner PJ Morton delivers master class to Richland One students

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Singer and songwriter PJ Morton has not only won five Grammys, he’s been nominated for 20 — collaborating with artists like Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, JoJo, and Lil Wayne, also serving as Maroon 5’s keyboardist for the last 12 years.

“I don’t let closed doors stop me, still to this day, I just take that as a sign to redirect my energy, ” says Morton.

And now, he’s joining the likes of Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Vanessa Williams — becoming this year’s Master Class artist for The Auntie Karen Foundation and Richland School District One’s annual event.

“Anytime I can give some knowledge, and even if it’s just one thing that connects, where it’s just one sentence somebody said, set me on a whole new path. So I’m just grateful that I’m able to be in this position to talk to these amazing and talented kids, and even if I just help one or two in here today, it sets them on their path and they become as great as they should be,” says Morton.

He shared his personal journey with students, performed some of his songs, and watched as the kids performed their own tribute to his music.

Morton also gave the kids plenty of advice, reminding them to stay true to themselves and follow their dreams.

“There’s some things I want you to take away and that’s being uniquely yourself, a lot of the times we want to change and be someone else, and things that make you weird, the thing that makes you different, find that thing. You’re not meant to change yourself, it’s to be exactly that,” says Morton.

Karen Alexander-Banks founded of The Auntie Karen Foundation in 2001.

“I feel like we’re doing exactly what we’re supposed to be doing, and I always tell people this is my purpose and so I always tell my team whoever is meant to be on stage will be on stage, and PJ is the perfect person for this season to be on stage,” she says.

Morton will take the stage again on Friday night, performing at the Koger Center in the foundation’s “Legends of 2025” concert.

“It’s gonna be a show! It’s a lot of energy, a lot of call and response, and I just can’t wait to connect here in Columbia, and it’s gonna be a great time man,” says Morton, who is now the first Black composer to write the theme song for a Disney attraction, with his original song and music playing during “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.”