Meet Rob Diggy Morrison

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rob Diggy Morrison a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rob Diggy, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I feel that self esteem comes from confidence being self aware knowing that you can bolster your own confidence. Kinda how you see and perceive yourself in terms of strength. Always tell yourself you are great, be your own coach daily even if you are struggling with weaknesses build yourself up even through the turbulent times. Your achievements also play a role in your self- esteem, from professional to personal. Feeling proud about yourself and accolades boost moral.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Inspired by my uncles who played music, I picked up the guitar when I was around ten years old. However, my first experience didn’t go as planned. In middle school, I aspired to join the band, but my request was rejected by the teacher. Despite the initial setback, I felt disheartened yet hopeful, knowing that there had to be a way to pursue my musical passion.

 I found myself yearning for a change from the moment I set foot in Marshall high school. The desire to transfer lingered within me, fueled by the sense that the environment didn’t align with my preferences.
However, the school counselor managed to persuade me to stay and encouraged me to become part of the beginners’ band.
My proficiency soon garnered recognition, leading to my promotion to the concert band as a freshman, I thought that was a great accomplishment. High school whisked by, and I was fortunate to secure a scholarship to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. (UAPB)There, I actively participated in the marching, concert, and jazz bands, showcasing the full extent of my musical abilities.

While at the UAPB, I honed my skills with many musicians from around the country, learning from all of them and being competitive to become the best musician I could be. After graduating, I returned to Chicago, where I had the privilege of meeting many professional musicians, including the likes of Tom Tom Washington (Arranger for Earth Wind and Fire) and working with Clifton Davis (Actor).

My journey then took an unexpected turn as I joined the Mighty Dells on tour, working as a sound and lighting designer, being on the road was a whole different experience, but I learned a lot.

Subsequently, I connected with music producers and Dj’s across the city of Chicago and delved into the world of remix production.  I perfected my skills as a keyboard player, leading to a notable accomplishment: receiving a Grammy Award for outstanding keyboard arrangements on the remix of Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love.”

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Determination and Resilience: My unwavering determination to pursue my passion for music, even after facing setbacks like being rejected from the school band, played a crucial role in my journey. My ability to bounce back and persist through challenges has been a defining trait. Advice for those starting their journey: Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, and never let rejection deter you from your goals. Persistence is often the key to success.

 

Adaptability and Versatility: My willingness to explore various aspects of the music industry, from playing the guitar to becoming a keyboard player and a successful remix producer, showcases my adaptability and versatility. These qualities allowed me to diversify my skill set and stay relevant in a dynamic industry. Advice for those starting their journey: Be open to learning new skills, genres, and approaches to music. Versatility can set you apart and open up more opportunities.

Networking and Collaboration: My ability to connect with professional musicians, collaborate with global talents, and work with esteemed names in the industry demonstrates my adeptness in networking and building valuable relationships. Collaboration has been a cornerstone of my journey, leading to remarkable achievements. Advice for those starting their journey: Build a strong network within the industry, nurture relationships, and be open to collaboration. Connections and partnerships can open doors and elevate your career.

In summary, my determination, adaptability, and networking skills have been three of my best qualities that have propelled my musical journey. For those at the beginning of their path, remember that success in any field often depends on a combination of hard work, adaptability, and building meaningful connections. Keep honing these qualities and skills, and stay committed to your passion, as it can lead to extraordinary achievements in your chosen field.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to encourage me to go to college and become my own person, and believing in myself they kept us grounded my brothers and I and always taught us Prayer Persistence and Patience is and was the best remedy.

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Image Credits
Quincy J. Trent and Lydell Montague

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