In a packed concert filled with a melting pot of New Orleans blues, Black gospel music, rock-and-roll and R&B, five-time Grammy winner PJ Morton surprised Los Angeles and appeared with music legend Stevie Wonder at The Belasco on Sunday night.
Before Wonder came on, Morton chronicled through albums such as “Gumbo” and “Watch The Sun.” The Belasco rang with stomps, claps and cheers as audience members sang along with Morton.
Morton performed upbeat songs such as “Sticking to My Guns” and emotional ballads such as “Please Don’t Walk Away My Love.” Morton filled the venue with piano riffs and runs, causing cheers to erupt from the audience. Morton paid respects to late R&B legend D’Angelo and sent prayers to his family. Morton said that now more than ever, the world needs soul music with the current division in the world.
Before performing “Be Like Water” featuring Wonder, Morton discussed Wonder’s impact on his music and life. Unbeknownst to the audience, Morton was foreshadowing the arrival of Stevie Wonder.
“Stevie raised me without knowing me. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d work together,” said Morton. “It’s been a relationship that has grown and nurtured me.”
Morton’s band left the stage and Morton performed heartfelt piano ballads of “First Began,” “Let Go” and “Bring It On Home To Me.”
When his band returned, with gospel runs and claps, Morton transformed The Belasco into a southern Black church as audience members sang “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright!’’
With the entire venue on their feet, Morton finished the song and abruptly left the stage. Audience members anxiously awaited his return while chanting “PJ! PJ!” Morton returned to the stage with a surprise: Stevie Wonder at his side.
Wonder graced the piano with Morton by his side. Before performing, Wonder spoke to the audience about remaining connected to faith. He encouraged the audience to formulate better relationships and make positive impacts on others.
“For years people have talked about it being a spiritual warfare. Understand something, we’ve always been in the midst of that. So, it really is time for people to decide if they are in love with the Green God or the real God,” said Wonder. “I know some of you may not be Christian. I know it’s not about your religion, it’s about your relationship.”
Concert attendee Vylet Stone described seeing Wonder on stage as surreal. She was not familiar with Morton prior to the concert, but after hearing him sing, she dubbed Morton as the “modern-day Stevie Wonder.”
“I hadn’t listened to PJ Morton [before this concert]. Seeing him for the first time, I thought he really sounded like Stevie Wonder. And to see Stevie Wonder actually pop up on stage was surreal for me,” said Stone. “PJ Morton was such a selfless performer to give such positive energy and to make the audience feel like it’s their night was amazing. He’s definitely earned a new fan.”
Morton finished his set with Grammy-award winning single “How Deep is Your Love” featuring YEBBA. The Belasco was filled with audience members on their feet and singing along. At the end of the song, Morton received a standing ovation.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Morton’s debut album, “Emotions.” Twenty years and five Grammys later, one thing is for certain: Grammy Awards are not enough to showcase the profound talent of PJ Morton.