Reggae sensation Gramps Morgan is set to make history on October 9, 2024, as the first reggae artist to perform at the highly anticipated “Songs and Stories of Dean Dillon” event, held at the Propst Arena at VBC in Huntsville, Alabama. The event celebrates legendary Country Music Hall of Famer and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Dean Dillon, known for his incredible songwriting contributions to country music.
Gramps Morgan expressed his excitement about the upcoming performance, calling it a dream come true. “I am extremely excited to be performing at this event to honor such an incredible songwriter who has written one of my favorite country songs, ‘Tennessee Whiskey,’ by Chris Stapleton. I hope one day to write a song with him personally for myself, but this is a great bridge for Jamaica and for reggae music,” said Morgan.
As a member of the iconic Morgan Heritage reggae group, Gramps has long been a fan of country music and has dreamt of merging the two genres since childhood. “My dreams are finally coming true, blending genres since I was a kid,” he added.
The event, brought to life by Encore Music Group, boasts an all-star lineup featuring some of the biggest names in country music, including George Strait, Vince Gill, Ronnie Dunn, and Billy Currington, among others. With Gramps Morgan joining this illustrious roster, his performance is set to highlight the fusion of reggae and country, expanding the cultural and musical horizons of both genres.
Gramps also said he gets a sense of pride being his signature style of reggae to country music culture. “Performing at this event means so much to me. The mere fact that I get to bring my blend of country, reggae, and music beyond, on the same stage, is a win for my genre, for Jamaica, and for the entire Caribbean. Many lovers of country music, and people within the country music genre and industry, don’t know this, but I am on a mission. I will open these doors even wider than before.”
The “Songs and Stories of Dean Dillon” event will be filmed for national broadcast, ensuring that Morgan’s historic performance will be seen by audiences far and wide. For Gramps Morgan, this moment signifies not only a personal achievement but also a step forward for Jamaican music on the global stage.
Gramps latest single is a collaboration “Have A Little Light” with Louis York. The song was the 10th most streamed track in Jamaica on YouTube for the month of September.
