Gramps Morgan prepares for first performance in NYC since brother’s death
Gramps Morgan, one of the founding members of GRAMMY-winning reggae group Morgan Heritage is currently in Asia healing and clearing his mind as he prepares to perform at the Issa Trust Foundations’ For The Children Gala, slated for Cipriania’s at 42nd Street in Manhattan on May 11.
It will be Gramps’ first performance in New York since the death of his brother, Peetah Morgan, on Feb. 25, 2024.
“Anytime I’m in New York City, it’s always a joy to be there, especially to perform,” Gramps Morgan told Caribbean Life on Monday. “There’s no place like home. This is the city of my birth, particularly Brooklyn, New York. So, it’s always a joy to be in the city.”
Reflecting on the close relationship he had with his brother, Gramps said, “I’ve lost my best friend that I took to the first grade when we were children.
“The healing process has started, but it will take many years before a feeling like this subsides,” he added. “The only thing is that we will learn to live with the pain, but it will never go away.”
Members of the Reggae band Morgan Heritage. Photo by Kashiek Burrell, file
For over two decades, Gramps and siblings Una, Mojo, Lukes and Peetah, toured the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, North America and South America, performing some of the biggest roots-reggae anthems, including “She’s Still Loving Me,” “Don’t Haffi Dread,” “Down by the River” and “I’m Coming Home,” according to Jamaican entertainment publicist Anthony Turner.
“What really gives me strength is because I know what he would’ve wanted,” Gramps said. “He would’ve told me to get back to work and finish the mission.”
He said he looks forward to performing at the Issa Trust Foundations’ gala with Luciano and reggae Ambassadors Third World to raise funds for the operational expenses of the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center in St. Ann, Jamaica.
“Medical facilities are important for the citizens of our country, especially young children and expecting mothers,” Gramps said.
Turner said the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center will provide expertise in cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology, oncology and mental health support. Vision screening will be offered along with free glasses, if needed.
“Healthy children are the foundation of a thriving society. Investing in their health today ensures a brighter, more prosperous future,” said Diane Pollard, president and CEO of the Issa Trust Foundation.
“Our facility will specifically cater to children and young people, offering pediatric health care and adolescent services to the youth of the Ocho Rios general area with a holistic approach that considers not only the physical but the mental and social support for our young people,” she added.
