We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jonathan “Mookie” Morant. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jonathan “Mookie” below.
Jonathan “Mookie”, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
From diapers on!
Jonathan “Mookie”, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Jonathan Mark “Mookie” Vivaldi Morant is a multi-talented artist, accomplished songwriter, and record producer. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, with an innate passion for music, Morant’s journey into the world of creativity began at an early age, setting the stage for his career in the music industry. Morant has sold over 30 million units as a songwriter and record producer, earning numerous Gold and Platinum certifications along the way. He’s had the honor of working with renowned artists such as Backstreet Boys, Ginuwine, Will Smith, Donell Jones, NSYNC, 98 Degrees, Justin Timberlake, and Queen Latifah. Additionally, he has made contributions to soundtrack albums for the blockbuster films Men in Black, The Princess Diaries, Legally Blonde, and Country Bears.
Of all the jobs Morant has held in life, it’s his role as “Dad” to his five children of which he remains most proud. He currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina, where he plays drums locally and spends as much time with his kids as he can. The Happy Has Been: A Memoir of Music in 6 Degrees is his debut book.
Have you ever had to pivot?
My entire journey, now looking back, HAS BEEN a story of “pivots”. While at each crossroad, I don’t realize it so much at the time, something would kick in—likely survival mode for me and my children—that would keep me moving. Even as my “storied” career in the record business came to an end, I didn’t dwell on the downward pressure. I relied on my origins of upbringing as a musician, and turned back to my first occupation: drumming.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
BELIEVE! It’s the encouragement, the kind words shared, the simple act of telling a creative “you’re doing it!” This the fuel we thrive on that spawns untold energy to keep us going and help get us to our dreams!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thehappyhasbeen.com/
- Instagram: @jonathanmookiemorant
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themagnumdrummer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmookiemorant
- Twitter: @themagnumdrumme
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thehappyhasbeen
- Other: Amazon: https://a.co/d/drQrZ0B Audible: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Has-Been-Memoir-Degrees/dp/B0CV235Q7M Apple Audiobooks: https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/the-happy-has-been-a-memoir-of-music-and-life/id1729408086
Image Credits
Dana K Davis Sofia Morant Jonathan Mookie Morant