The Morgan Heritage family this week mourns the passing of its patriarch, the Honourable Bishop Ras Denroy Morgan. The musical prodigy, who paved the way for Reggae on the international stage died on March 3rd.
The May Pen Clarendon, native was considered a trailblazing musician. He migrated to the US in 1965. Several years later, he had his spiritual calling to Rastafari and his home on Cornelia St in Brooklyn, NY became a hub for members of the Twelve Tribes of Israel Rastafarian organization.
As the years went by Denroy caught the musical bug and released his first Billboard hit “I’ll Do Anything For You” in 1981. He subsequently become the first Jamaican recording artist to be signed to a major record label – RCA in 1984. He later made his acting debut on The Cosby Show.
Ordained as Bishop, Denroy Morgan started the Abrahamic Covenant Family Ministry. Under this ministry, he created the petition for the United Nation to make November 2nd, the Coronation Day of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I, an international holiday.
His respect in the Rastafarian community would lead to Denroy Morgan later championing a campaign to unify the Rastafarian communities all over the world, called the All-Mansion campaign- another example of his spirit of humanitarianism and freedom. He was a stern advocate for the legalization of cannabis, and it was one of his greatest joys when it became decriminalized in Jamaica and even legal in some places around the world.
In 1992 Ras Denroy Morgan brought his children Morgan Heritage and L.M.S. to perform at Reggae Sunsplash and they later signed to MCA Records. His vision was always clear, knowing the gift his children would be to the world. They did not disappoint, going on to win two Grammys.
Following the receipt of his children’s 2016 Grammy win, Denroy Morgan received the key to the city of his second home, Brooklyn, by current Mayor of New York, Eric Adams who was the Borough President at the time.
Morgan is survived by his loving wife Hyacinth Morgan, 30 children, 104 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. “Although he is no longer with us in this realm, his soul will continue to guide and inspire us. He will live on in us, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren. His legacy will live on forever,” said a statement issued by the Morgan Heritage family. ”We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to every single one of you for the outpouring of love from around the world. We thank you for your continued prayers, and just know that all the love you’ve shown him over the years, he loved you back and we thank you.”