Gramps Morgan to Launch First U.S. Solo Tour

Fresh off his headlining appearance on Mighty Crown’s Far East Reggae Cruise in Japan, reggae singer Gramps Morgan is set to embark on his first-ever solo headlining tour of the United States later this week.

The “No Water in My Whiskey Tour” kicks off on September 25 and will include 21 stops across the country. Cities on the schedule include Hartford, Connecticut; Brooklyn, New York; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Bethesda, Maryland; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Plano, Texas; and Tarrytown, New York.

Morgan, a founding member of the Grammy-winning group Morgan Heritage, said the tour represents a new chapter in his career.

“I’m looking to establish myself as a touring artist in this market,” Morgan told Observer Online over the weekend. “For many years, I’ve never focused on touring the United States as a solo artist or with Morgan Heritage. We’ve done a tour here and a tour there. Most recently, I was out with Buju Banton as an opening act, but only performing one song — and people were demanding to see my full show. So, I hope they show up, especially in major Caribbean cities. But I’m also really focused on building my name and the Jamaican brand among country music lovers and introducing them to reggae music.”

When asked which stop he was most excited about, Morgan admitted it was difficult to choose.

“I’m excited about them all, especially the new markets I’ve never been to before like Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and San Antonio, Texas,” he said. “But Brooklyn — the place of my birth — will probably be my favorite if I had to pick one in particular. I was born in this city, and it has one of the biggest Caribbean communities in the world.”

Morgan’s sons, Priel and Jermere, will serve as opening acts throughout the tour, while select cities will also feature performances from local talent.

Reflecting on his recent experience in Japan, Morgan praised the country’s enduring love for reggae.

“Outside of the Caribbean, the appreciation for reggae music is just as big in Japan and has been since the late ’80s. The respect, the manners, the family atmosphere — it’s truly amazing to be among them,” he said.

In addition to performing, Morgan will use the tour to give back. Through his involvement with the Free Guitars 4 Kids Foundation, he plans to donate 15 guitars during the tour.

“There’s no specific reason, it’s just something me and my team have always wanted to do,” he explained. “Nowadays, most kids are on social media or playing video games. I’d love to see a day when instruments are a necessity in schools. Music changes lives, and I’ve seen firsthand what learning an instrument can do. A guitar is easy to carry, and if I can inspire kids to pick one up, then I’ve done something meaningful.”

With new markets, a family legacy on stage, and a charitable mission, Morgan’s U.S. tour marks an important milestone — blending reggae tradition with his own evolving artistic journey.