How a Navy Veteran’s Love Songs Went Viral

Whether it’s at sea or in the high school band room, melodies are constantly running through Morton Block’s head. And on a Friday amidst the backdrop of a jazz band rehearsal, I sat down with the 86-years-young Navy veteran who is also a well-loved assistant director for the jazz band, an enamored husband, and… a viral celebrity. How the latter came to be was a complete shock for Block, yet his new-found fame was entirely deserved.

In 2022, Block’s grandson, Matt Block, whom he had taught how to play the trumpet, was searching through an old drawer one day when he stumbled upon some pieces of music that Block had written while he was serving in the Navy. It turned out that they were love songs Block wrote in the ‘50s for a girl he was enamored with. He could have just given her flowers, but “flowers die; a poem and words can last forever. And then I had this tune, so I married the two together,” said Block. That girl soon became his girlfriend, and then his wife. 65 years later, Susan Block still serves as the biggest inspiration for Morton Block everyday, both in his music and life.

When Matt discovered his grandfather’s lovesick songs, he knew that they had to be published to a wider audience. Being a record label owner (La Reserve Records), he decided to rerecord these songs and make an album, titled Strange Harbors. And what better place to gain publicity for the album than TikTok? Block had just discovered some original 16mm footage of his 1961 honeymoon, so he decided to use that as the backdrop for the video while his song “My Love” played. What was just an attempt to promote the album soon became a viral sensation, rapidly garnering 1.6 million views.

“I was floored. But who was more floored was my wife because it was about her,” said Block. “I've been playing these songs for years, but just never did anything with them. I wrote the music, but Matt is the guy that promoted it. And it's just that I'm very blessed to have the family I have,” he added. When asked about why he thought his songs went viral, Block attributed the success to the love story behind them. But it wasn’t just the story; listeners also took a liking to the actual music. And among those are members of the high school jazz band that have performed many of Block’s songs, including “In My Dreams,” which Block worked on with his grandson, Matt.

Block has served as assistant director for the high school jazz band for 16 years, and has had a tremendous impact on the student musicians he has taught. “Having Mr. Block with the jazz band is very inspiring since he’s an amazing teacher and musician,” said junior Rylee Schritter. “When I first started jazz band, I had zero confidence in my abilities as a jazz musician. With Mr. Block’s help and guidance, I’ve grown confident in my abilities and can apply them in ensembles outside of jazz band,” said junior Katie Davis. And being a part of jazz band has been immensely fulfilling for Block as well: “I'm very lucky to be here with the UHS jazz band. This is amazing for me. They’re the future,” said Block.

Block’s newest album, The Lonely Sea, has recently been submitted for the Grammy awards. But whether he wins or not, there is no debating the impact his music has had on both the high school jazz band and the wider public. But most importantly, Block’s music must have moved his wife the most. The Lonely Sea was recently released on vinyl and CD, and those interested can purchase the album on Amazon. If you’re looking to meet the legend himself, Block is always in the band room during jazz band rehearsal days, and he will be more than happy to chat with you about jazz, his love story, and more!