[Exclusive] Morgan James Talks Getting Prince’s Blessing, Her ‘Hunter’ Album, More – Live Performance

It took only one listen for us to fall in love with newcomer Morgan James. Her vocal prowess is reminiscent of Christina Aguilera, but her soulful tone and deliver is unique only to her.

James’ budding career started on Broadway, where she appeared in numerous plays, including Motown: The Musical, Godspell, and The Addams Family. It was also this forum that landed her the opportunity to meet music pioneer Berry Gordy Jr.

“He became my mentor, he introduced me to Doug Morris at Sony, and Doug introduced me to L.A. Reid,” James recalls. “They’ve just welcomed me with open arms.

“Mr. Gordy is such an incredible person to have on my side, he taught me so much, so that was my unbelievably seamless transition. I wanted a record deal, I wanted to make records, but I didn’t know how.”

Although it took some time for James to land her deal with Epic, the classically trained singer’s dream of one day becoming a star was always her focus.

“I got the bug and joined a choir when I was about 12, got a karaoke machine, memorized every lick Mariah Carey ever did, every lick Aretha [Franklin] ever did, and I just started gobbling up music,” she remembers. “I wanted to be on Broadway because that just seemed like such a classic New York thing to do.”

With all her musical experiences, nothing was more gratifying than actually recording an album. “Making my own album has been so rewarding because I’m the boss, it’s my vision, it’s my music that I’m writing. If it fails, I go down with it, if it succeeds, I get to ride that wave.”

Inspired by Aretha, Chaka Khan, Sade, Raphael Saadiq, and countless others, James, who launched her career with a live cover album, also received the blessings from another icon to launch her career.

“My single is ‘Call My Name’ and it’s an amazing song by Prince; it’s on Musicology. I’ve been singing it for a long time; I’m a big Prince fan. I had recorded the song, and it’s hard to get clearance for his songs because he’s very protective over his catalog as you should be. I played it for L.A. Reid and the urban department… who really just championed it and pushed to get it approved. L.A. made a personal phone call, they played it for Prince, and he said yes.”

Now that’s the definition of turning up!

“Call My Name” appears on James’ debut studio album, Hunter, which includes nine original songs and three covers.

“It really goes on a journey of my life and my personal relationships, and especially over the last five years, getting over a really bad breakup, so I kind of go on a really tumultuous journey. Writing the album was really therapeutic…it’s made with real ingredients.”

Watch Morgan James perform her single, "Call My Name."

Are you curious about the journey of a talented artist who not only received Prince’s blessing, but also created an exceptional album that showcases her incredible skills? Look no further! In this exclusive article, we dive into the world of Morgan James as she talks about her latest project, ‘Hunter,’ and shares intimate details about how she gained Prince’s approval.

Brace yourself for an insightful conversation that will provide you with a deeper understanding of the inspiration behind her music and the incredible experience of receiving validation from one of music’s legends.

When it comes to finding inspiration for her music, Morgan James doesn’t hold back. With her latest album, ‘Hunter,’ she takes us on a captivating journey through raw emotions and powerful melodies. Prepare to be moved as she opens up about the artistic process behind this remarkable piece of work.

But what makes this interview truly unique is when Morgan reveals how she managed to secure Prince’s blessing for ‘Hunter.’ It’s an inspiring tale that proves dreams can come true if you have talent, determination, and a little bit of luck on your side.

So get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Morgan James as she discusses her highly-acclaimed album ‘Hunter,’ delves into the depths of creativity in music-making, and shares the extraordinary story behind receiving Prince’s approval. This article is your backstage pass to gaining insight into the mind and soul of an exceptionally gifted artist who continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide.

Get ready to be inspired by Morgan James’ musical journey like never before!

The Inspiration Behind ‘Hunter’

Imagine yourself being transported to a mysterious world of passion and desire, as Morgan James takes you on a captivating journey through the inspiration behind her album ‘Hunter’.

In this album, Morgan channels her inner animalistic instincts and explores the thrill of the chase. She embraces her primal side and invites listeners to embrace their own desires. With each song, she delves deeper into the complexities of love, lust, and longing.

Morgan reveals that ‘Hunter’ was inspired by her personal experiences with love and relationships. She taps into the raw emotions that come with being pursued or pursuing someone else. The album is a reflection of her own journey in navigating these intense feelings. Through her powerful vocals and soulful melodies, she brings these emotions to life, allowing listeners to feel every ounce of passion that inspired each track.

As you listen to ‘Hunter’, you can’t help but be captivated by Morgan’s ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously. She effortlessly weaves together stories of heartbreak, seduction, and empowerment. Each song offers a glimpse into different facets of love – from the intoxicating rush of new romance to the bittersweet yearning for what once was. Morgan’s ability to connect with her audience on such a deep level is truly remarkable.

In conclusion, ‘Hunter’ is not just an album; it’s an immersive experience that transports you into a world filled with desire and longing. Through her music, Morgan James invites you to explore your own passions and embrace your deepest desires. So take a leap into this mysterious realm she’s created and let yourself be swept away by the enchanting melodies and evocative lyrics of ‘Hunter’.

Receiving Prince’s Approval

Receiving Prince’s approval was a dream come true, leaving you feeling overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. As an artist, Prince was an icon and a musical genius, so to have him give his blessing to your album ‘Hunter’ was truly an honor. It validated all the hard work and dedication you put into creating the music that meant so much to you.

Knowing that someone as influential and respected as Prince believed in your talent gave you a sense of confidence and reassurance. Prince’s approval also brought a sense of validation to the direction you took with ‘Hunter’. The album was deeply personal and explored themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and vulnerability. To have someone like Prince acknowledge the authenticity and depth in your music confirmed that you were on the right path creatively. It encouraged you to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds, knowing that your artistry was being recognized by one of the greatest musicians of all time.

Beyond just the validation, receiving Prince’s approval created a special connection between you as an artist and him as a mentor figure. His support became a constant source of inspiration throughout your career. Whenever doubt or uncertainty crept in, remembering his encouragement pushed you forward. You vowed to honor his legacy by staying true to yourself as an artist and continuing to create music that resonated with others.

Receiving Prince’s blessing not only impacted your album ‘Hunter’, but it also shaped your artistic journey moving forward.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Morgan James has truly made a mark with her album ‘Hunter’ and her journey in the music industry. The inspiration behind the album stems from personal experiences and challenges she’s faced, making it relatable to listeners.

It’s evident that Morgan’s talent and hard work have paid off as she’s received Prince’s blessing for the project, solidifying her status as a respected artist.

Through her live performance, Morgan James showcases not only her powerful vocals but also her ability to connect with the audience on a deeper level. Her passion and dedication shine through each song, leaving a lasting impact on those who witness her talent firsthand.

With ‘Hunter,’ Morgan James continues to prove herself as an artist who deserves recognition and praise.

Overall, this exclusive interview gives fans an inside look into the creative process behind ‘Hunter’ and highlights just how far Morgan James has come in her career.

Gary Gentles

Founder and Creator of Singersroom.com and IncredibleWork.com. Follow me on Instagram at @gary.gentles.