Excitement and nostalgia reverberated through Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield in New York as Morgan Heritage graced the stage for their highly-anticipated SummerStage show last Saturday. Thousands of devoted fans flocked to the venue, celebrating not only the band’s homecoming but also the 45th anniversary of VP Records. The evening also served as a poignant tribute to Peetah Morgan, the band’s cherished brother and longtime lead singer, who passed away in February.
The event produced by the City Parks Foundation in partnership with Capital One, and presented by VP Records and CTBC Music Group, marked a significant return to New York City for the trailblazing, Grammy-winning reggae group. Morgan Heritage’s performance began with a touching rendition of ‘Strictly Roots,’ accompanied by heartwarming images of Peetah displayed on a large screen. The audience erupted in cheers, setting the tone for a heartfelt and energetic evening.
The siblings and core band members—Gramps, Lukes, Mojo, and Una—along with Gramps’ son, Jemere Morgan, delivered a series of their most beloved hits, including ‘Down by the River,’ ‘Brooklyn and Jamaica,’ and ‘Mount Zion Medley.’ The band’s dynamic performance bridged the gap between past and future by honoring their late patriarch, Denroy Morgan, while introducing the next generation of reggae talent, Priel, Raiah, and Esh Morgan, to carry forward the family’s regal musical legacy.
Adding to the evening’s vibrancy, the show featured a stellar lineup of acts curated by host Pat McKay. The audience warmed up with pulsating sets from Reggaelation Sound, Massive B (Bobby Konders & Jabba), legendary selector Lion Face, and DJ Norie of Power 105.1, setting the stage for Morgan Heritage’s electrifying performance.
One of the evening’s highlights was a surprise guest appearance by Sharon Marley, who joined the band for a deeply emotional rendition of ‘No Woman, No Cry,’ with the lyrics poignantly altered to “No mama, no cry.” The audience was further invigorated with surprise performances by Ras Shiloh and Tarrus Riley, both matched the crowd’s high spirits and amplified the concert’s energy.
“To feel the love and support from our family, friends, and most importantly, our fans, the Loyal Royals, was truly amazing. We’re grateful to our family, Chris & Randy Chin, and the entire team at VP Records, the city of New York, and Central Park SummerStage for making it possible to celebrate our brother Peetah Morgan’s life and the legacy we’ve built together. Big Brooklyn every time!” said Morgan Heritage.
They added, “Our children also felt the immense support they received, which was invaluable. As the next generation, they are ready to carry on the legacy. The future is bright, and we’ll continue doing what we love until the year 3000 and beyond. We’ll see you in a city near you very soon, and never forget that we love you all. ROCKAZ!”
Randy Chin, president of VP Records, emphasized the significance of the event. “Bringing Morgan Heritage back to New York for this event was essential, not just for the band but for everyone involved,” he said. “The connection between the band and their fans, especially as they honoured Peetah and introduced the next generation, was something special. It’s incredible to see the community celebrate life, music, and legacy on this scale, and we’re proud to have played a role in making this moment possible. We’re also excited to see how their story unfolds from here.”
For decades, Morgan Heritage has been a cornerstone of Reggae music since their formation in 1994. They’ve headlined festivals worldwide and released over a dozen studio albums, winning the Grammy Award for Reggae Album of the Year in 2016 for Strictly Roots and earning another nomination in 2018 for Avrakedabra. Peetah Morgan’s soulful voice and profound lyrics were pivotal in the band’s success and lasting influence in the genre.
As the evening concluded, fans departed with the resonance of Morgan Heritage’s infectious energy and timeless music echoing in their hearts, inspired by the enduring legacy of a band that continues to evolve and inspire.
