Franklin is known as the home to many country music artists but did you know that a GRAMMY-nominated reggae artist also calls Franklin home?
On Tuesday, GRAMMY nominations were announced, and reggae band member Roy (Gramps), of Franklin, is on the list.
Roy (Gramps) Morgan of the band Morgan Heritage received a GRAMMY nomination for the Best Reggae Album for the second year in a row. The band brought home a GRAMMY last year for its “Strictly Roots” album.
The band is out on tour but we were able to speak with Gramps in between flights this week to talk about receiving another GRAMMY nomination and how he chose to make Franklin home.
In talking about what it’s like to receive another GRAMMY nomination for Best Reggae Album, Gramps said, “It’s so amazing, we are really looking forward to representing our city and what it stands for and to let everyone what we stand for- there’s no other place like Nashville in the world.”
How did Gramps choose Franklin as his home? “I was out on tour with India Arie and I was the opening act for them at the Ryman. Something just hit me about that place and it said you need to move to this city. I threw my hands up in the middle of my performance and said I’m moving to Nashville and the crowd went nuts inside the Ryman.”
Gramps has now lived in the area for six years, found love and is engaged to a scientist at Vanderbilt University. He remembers that when he first moved to Nashville, the city was slower and it was appealing to slow down after the fast pace life on the road. He also likes living in a place where he can grow his own food.
The only thing missing for Gramps in Nashville? Jamaican food! Gramps says the best place to have Jamaican food is his kitchen in Franklin. But since we can’t all come to his kitchen, he has a few things cooking. Gramps owns Gramps Morgan Farms where you can purchase his Jerk Sauce and Hot Scotch Bonnet Pepper. But he’s not stopping with sauce, he wants to bring an upscale restaurant to the area sharing his Jamaican culture and food while featuring live reggae music.
In addition to touring with Morgan Heritage, Gramps also has a radio show on Acme Radio Live each Sunday from 10 a – noon, for more information, visit Acme Radio.
Morgan Heritage is a sibling group who are descendants of iconic Reggae artist Denroy Morgan who is known for his hit single “I’ll Do Anything For You.” Follow Morgan Heritage on Facebook for the latest updates.
