Houston’s Music Scene Loses Another Anchor

Morrow “LA” Potts, Photo via Facebook

So far, 2024 has not been kind to the Houston music scene.  We’ve lost some serious pioneers and champions of our city, and last night was no exception when we lost Morrow “LA” Potts from Warehouse Live. For many musicians, promoters, and performers, LA was the guy who got you in and who got you paid.  Like a lot of people who run shows at a venue, the bulk of the general public didn’t know LA, but for those of us who got to work with him, this is a huge loss for a scene that has always needed a hand to get a “foot in the door” of the entertainment world.

When news of his passing hit social media this morning, I reached out to two people that I know he had a tremendous hand in helping with Houston rapper Guilla and Justin Nava of thelastplaceyoulook.

“When you’d first meet LA, you’d think he was a little rough around the edges and difficult to deal with.  But when I needed him for anything, whether it was to bounce people from my shows or get me something for the stage, he was on it faster than anyone I’ve ever worked with,”remembers Guilla. “He definitely did his job better than most, and he taught me a lot about how things work in the music business.” 

Justin Nava of Houston’s thelastplaceyoulook, echoed a similar sentiment. “Years before Warehouse Live was even an idea I was introduced to LA and Jeff Messina in the early 2024’s. They heard through some people that I was ‘cool’ and that I was doing my video graduation project on Houston and Hip-Hop. LA personally gave me access to film every show they threw that winter. He was always looking to help others even when I was just some kid with a camera. Years later he treated my band thelastplaceyoulook like kings before we had any acclaim, and he always told me ‘It’s cause you appreciate it.’  I’m gonna miss him dearly.”

There are countless others who can tell you tales about how LA helped them when they needed it, alongside treating you better than you’re expecting to be treated.  Like Justin and Guilla, I too had nothing but respect for a guy who always was there when I needed him backstage, and who even helped every band I put at the door to his office.  He will definitely be missed by those who knew him, and our scene will feel a void from his passing.

by David Garrick