We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jonathan Mookie Morant a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jonathan Mookie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Aside from my 5 “human projects” (the kids), I’ve had several meaningful projects with multiple monumental moments. More recently, after having authored & published 2 #1 new releases, I completed my first in a series of children’s books. “I Belong” (*my 3rd #1 new release) is a story about acceptance and togetherness, as well as anti-bullying. And the big personal part for me, is that I did it in partnership with my first-born son, Christian Morant as illustrator!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

“Mookie” is an author, songwriter, producer; and advocate for the autism community inspired by own walk with my young son, Rōman who is autistic & nonverbal.
During my 15 years in the record business, I’ve sold over 30 million units, w/artists like Backstreet Boys & Will Smith. With contributions to #1 films Men in Black, The Princess Diaries, Legally Blonde, & Country Bears. My #1 role, though, is “Dad” to my 5 kids.
I want folk who I engage with, both professionally & in every walk of life, to come away inspired by the stories, but even more, to come away with a hopeful perspective on living life in all its ups and downs, with a grateful and happy heart.

In my memoir, “The Happy Has Been,” I aim to reclaim the moniker “has been” addressing this in a decidedly new & refreshing way, one not yet explored. That one can still feel & experience profound joy, no matter that the initial path may be over. I want to challeng audiences to “just keep going.” Your next chapter is waiting to be written.
That human connection is the thread that tethers us all together, be it six degrees or six hundred; it’s through our connection with others that the entire world—family, business, and community—evolve.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Wow. Well, the truth is, my entire first book is “the answer” to the question of the role resilience has played, and continues to play, in my life.
One example, which I share in “The Happy Has Been,” begins after my years dedicated to my dream of success in the music business, then only to find myself right back where I started, in Charleston, SC, and as a drummer playing locally. Through this full circle of life experience, I’ve now made a 20+ year career out of it, but more importantly, I’ve been able to lead a fulfilling life as “Dad”, present in all my kids’ growing up years & experiences. This is the soul of my journey.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, it used to be “the achievement”. But now, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative, is the ability to share and impact lives with positivity and encouragement. And now, through social media and the outstretched arm of the internet, this takes me all across the country, the globe even!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thehappyhasbeen.com
• Instagram: @jonathanmookiemorant
• Facebook: Jonathan Mookie Morant
• Linkedin: @jonathanmookiemorant
• Youtube: Jonathan Mookie Morant
• Other: Find my books on Amazon & Audible:“The Happy Has Been: A Memoir of Music and Life in 6 Degrees”

  “Letters to My Son, Rōman: Love on the Spectrum”

  “I Belong!: From The Adventures of Rōman’s World”

Image Credits

Jonathan “Mookie” Morant, Dana K Davis, and Christian Morant
Paolo Ciccone