Sailor’s Love Letters Inspire Second Hit Song After Viral TikTok Clip (Exclusive)
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An 86-year-old former sailor is experiencing newfound success in the music industry, thanks to the inspiration drawn from his love letters. Morton Block, known as Mort, and his grandson, Matthew, have recently made waves in the music world with their heartfelt compositions. Mort has been creating music since his teenage years, and his grandson, Matt Block, a 34-year-old co-founder of La Reserve Records, stumbled upon an old song written by his grandfather. They recorded the song titled “My Love” and shared it on TikTok, garnering a staggering 1.6 million views. Following this success, another song composed by Mort during his time in the U.S. Navy has become a hit as part of their second album, “The Lonely Sea”.
It’s evident that music runs deep in the family, as Matt and Mort have been collaborating and creating music together for several years. The duo’s first album, “Strange Harbors,” released in 2022, received over 20 million streams, setting the stage for their subsequent musical endeavours. With the release of their latest album, Mort and Matt delve into a more profound emotional journey, incorporating songs that Mort crafted in his youth. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the title track of their new album amassing over 4.5 million streams, resonating with listeners on a more serious note, unlike their previous upbeat hit.
The evolution of Mort’s music from private compositions shared with his wife, Susan, to publicly acclaimed tracks has been a remarkable journey. Unearthing a song penned by Mort during his naval service in the 1950s, which was initially meant as a letter to his beloved Susan, has struck a chord with audiences. As Mort adjusts to his newfound social media fame, his following on platforms like Instagram has skyrocketed, reaching nearly 60,000 followers. Mort’s dedication to music remains unwavering, with his daily routine including playing the trumpet, volunteering at a high school jazz band, and composing new music alongside his grandson.
The heartwarming love story between Mort and Susan adds a poignant layer to the music they’ve created together. The lyrics of “My Love,” penned by Mort while stationed on the USS Hazelwood and serenaded to Susan upon his return, encapsulate the enduring bond shared by the couple. Susan, deeply moved by the song over the years, describes it as a beautiful melody that echoes their enduring love. Their love story culminated in marriage in 1960, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with love and music.
Despite the passage of time, Mort’s passion for music remains a constant source of joy and purpose in his life. His dedication to crafting melodies that tell stories of love and heartbreak continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. As Mort and Matt look ahead to their future projects, including a third album, their musical journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to connect generations and evoke deep emotions. With Mort’s legacy as a talented composer and musician, his collaboration with his grandson stands as a testament to the timeless nature of heartfelt storytelling through music.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Matt recently tied the knot with his partner, Yena Kang, with Mort officiating the wedding. The intergenerational bond shared through their musical partnership has not only created chart-topping hits but also strengthened the familial ties between Mort, Matt, and their loved ones. As they continue to create music that resonates with audiences globally, the duo’s commitment to crafting melodies that reflect their shared experiences and emotions remains unwavering. The legacy of Mort’s love letters-turned-songs serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of music to touch hearts and transcend time.