PJ Morton is a triple threat in the world of music. Why? You might ask. Well, he’s not only a talented singer but also a songwriter and pianist. His journey started after he heard his idol, Stevie Wonder, for the first time. “So, Stevie was really a blueprint for me, for someone who played keys and wanted to write songs and sing,” Morton says.

“He just became my number one influence. So I think a lot of times that comes out.” You can hear the influence in several of his songs, and of course, he’s got his own identity. His success has come through his hard work and dedication. The Grammy-winning artist wants to encourage other people to believe in themselves and follow their dreams. That’s something we’ll be seeing when he performs in this season’s NBA All-Star Weekend.

What will Grammy winner PJ Morton be performing in the 2025 All-Star Weekend?

The NBA All-Star Weekend is much more than just basketball. This presents the chance for people to enjoy themselves by taking part in other activities, one of which is musical performances. On the second day of the All-Star Weekend, we’ll be hearing the U.S. national anthem in PJ Morton’s voice. Yes! The five-time Grammy-winner will be taking center stage before Morehouse College and Tuskegee University lock horns in the fourth annual NBA HBCU Classic.

Not just that! He’ll also join Oakland’s very own singer and songwriter, Goapele, to perform the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” This is a perfect fit, given that Morton is vocal about why Black music is important and preaches about how it has given birth to multiple genres over the years. “It is everything to me.” Morton said. “You know, when you talk about where I started, the church, gospel music, the effect it had on me. The effect that gospel music had on soul music, and how we got to R&B music.”

He’s been carrying the torch of black music with a stellar 20 Grammy nominations, performing at venues such as the Apollo Center and Kennedy Center and selling out several other venues. Well, his list of achievements doesn’t end here! The blessings are pouring in for the 43-year-old. Last year, he became the first black composer to write an original song for a Disney attraction. His song is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which people are hearing at both the Disney World and the Disney Land. The NBA All-Star weekend will be grander than ever with soulful musical performances, and you can’t get over any of the voices!

When did PJ Morton join ‘Maroon 5’?

Along with his success as an individual artist and his band, there’s one thing that still surprises many of his fans and followers. A lot of people don’t realize that PJ Morton is also a part of the globally known pop group Maroon 5. “I’ve been in the band [for] 14 years, but it’s a discovery every year that there’s a Black guy in Maroon 5. And then they discover the Black guy is PJ Morton.” He said in an interview.

The New Orleans native pianist was then just a child and now is the keyboardist for the pop group. Initially, Morton joined the rest of the crew as a touring member back in 2010. But do you know how it all happened? Adam Blackstone, Morton’s friend, who was the band’s musical director, asked him to audition for the role. And guess what? Morton was the first to audition and left an impression on the band. However, it was in 2012 when is finally onboarded the band after a member, Jesse Carmichael, went on a short break.

Since then, he’s been around and enjoyed his time alongside the group, performing in multiple venues around the globe. This is just one of the many stories of the 44-year-old. And as we approach the weekend, it will be another of the many. For now, everyone, including us, is eager to see PJ Morton take the stage this weekend in San Francisco.