Peter Anthony Morgan, known widely as ‘Peetah,’ the lead vocalist and a key member of the globally recognized reggae band, Morgan Heritage, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at the age of 46.

His passing was confirmed by his family on February 26. According to the Bahamas Press, Morgan suffered a stroke leading to his untimely death.

Morgan’s influence in the world of reggae music was profound, with his work contributing significantly to the genre’s rich history.

Being the son of renowned Jamaican reggae artist Denroy Morgan, Peter’s path into music seemed almost preordained. In 1994, he joined hands with his siblings Una Morgan, Memmalatel “Mr. Mojo” Morgan, Roy “Gramps” Morgan, and Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan to form Morgan Heritage.

This ensemble, often referred to as “reggae royalty,” became an industry titan, skillfully merging traditional reggae rhythms with modern influences. This unique blend gave birth to a rich musical landscape that was distinctively their own.

In 2016, Morgan Heritage’s commitment to their craft was globally acknowledged when they were awarded the Grammy for Best Reggae Album for “Strictly Roots.” This accolade stood as a symbol of their talent and influence in the reggae music scene. They were nominated again for a Grammy in 2018 for “Avrakedabra”, further validating their stature in reggae music.

Not only was Peter Morgan a remarkable performer, but his contributions as a vocalist and songwriter were also key to the band’s success. He had a talent for incorporating narratives into music, and his expressive voice significantly shaped Morgan Heritage’s sound and message. Their music, marked by a fusion of reggae, R&B, hip-hop, and country, is a testament to their innovative genre blending.

The news of Morgan’s death has sent ripples through the music world and beyond. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed on X, referring to Morgan’s passing as a “colossal loss for Jamaica and reggae music,” a sentiment that resonates with fans and musicians worldwide.

One of Morgan’s siblings, Roy ‘Gramps’ Morgan, relocated to Tennessee with the goal of introducing reggae to Nashville. In an interview with The Associated Press in 2018, he stated, “In both reggae and country music, storytelling is a big part. Reggae often narrates the tales of people’s struggles.”

As the music industry mourns the loss of Peter “Peetah” Morgan, Morgan Heritage continues to stand as a pillar of reggae music, reflecting the resilience, creativity, and spirit that Morgan represented. His enduring impact on reggae music and culture is evident in the legacy carried forward by his family and the band he helped to build.

In the wake of his passing, the Morgan family has asked for privacy and expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans and well-wishers during this difficult time.