A tribute to my father, Morris Jerome Morton
My pops was a remarkable jazz trumpeter.
His inspired 4 of my brothers to form a band that packed clubs all over New York with screaming fans They were livin' the life while they were still in high school! After a few years, they all moved on to other pursuits, but Pop's firm hand gave me the discipline to stick with music.
I'm not saying it was a smooth ride then - or now! Look past the fans and perks, and Music is one grueling business, so Pop drove me pretty hard!
I used to hate the way he made me sit up straight on that hard piano bench while I practiced every day after school , My legs were so short when he started working with me, my feet didn't even reach the pedals. They just dangled! And when anybody opened the front door, I could hear all my boys out playin' ball and havin' a great time!
Well, Pop, now I'm glad you were so tough. Today, thanks to you, I'm the guy out playin' - at concerts, on the radio and on iPhones all over the WORLD! So this song's for you...