GEORGE PORTER JR.

Biography

George Porter Jr. (born December 26, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana) is an iconic American bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, best known as a founding member of The Meters. Raised in a musically rich environment—his father was a Duke Ellington fan and his mother sang in the church choir—Porter grew up in New Orleans alongside future Meters drummer Joseph 'Zigaboo' Modeliste. Inspired by local musicians such as Benjamin 'Poppi' Francis, who gave him his first bass lessons, Porter began performing as a teenager and soon became a fixture in the vibrant New Orleans music scene.[1]

In the mid-1960s, Porter co-founded The Meters with Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli, and Modeliste. The group quickly became recognized as one of the progenitors of funk, blending syncopated polyrhythms and deep grooves rooted in New Orleans' African musical heritage. The Meters' signature sound, exemplified by tracks like 'Cissy Strut,' not only defined the New Orleans funk genre but also influenced generations of musicians worldwide. As the house band for Allen Toussaint’s label, The Meters backed artists such as Dr. John, Paul McCartney, Lee Dorsey, and Patti LaBelle, and toured with the Rolling Stones. After the original band's breakup in 1977, Porter continued his prolific career with projects like the Funky Meters, Runnin’ Pardners, and numerous collaborations across genres.[1][3][5]

Porter's legacy extends far beyond his own recordings; his bass lines have been sampled by hip-hop legends and his influence is cited by artists ranging from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to the Beastie Boys. A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Porter remains a cornerstone of the New Orleans music community, celebrated for his deep rhythmic sensibility and enduring contributions to American music.[3][5]

Fun Facts

• The Meters opened for the Rolling Stones on their 1975–76 European tour, and during a show in Paris, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger came on stage to defend them from a booing crowd, telling the audience to listen to the music.[1]
• Porter’s bass lines from The Meters have been sampled by numerous hip-hop legends, including Run DMC, N.W.A., and A Tribe Called Quest.[3]
• He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 as a member of The Meters.[3][5]
• Porter has performed with a remarkably diverse array of artists, from Paul McCartney and Tori Amos to Dead & Company and the Soul Rebels Brass Band.[1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Benjamin 'Poppi' Francis - Early bass teacher and inspiration; gave Porter his first lessons on the instrument. (N/A) [Early 1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Art Neville - Co-founder of The Meters and Funky Meters; frequent collaborator for decades. (The Meters, Funky Meters) [1965–2018]
• Leo Nocentelli - Guitarist and founding member of The Meters. (The Meters) [1965–present (occasional reunions)]
• Joseph 'Zigaboo' Modeliste - Drummer and founding member of The Meters; childhood friend. (The Meters) [1965–present (occasional reunions)]
• Allen Toussaint - Producer and songwriter; The Meters served as his house band. (Various Toussaint-produced records) [Late 1960s–1970s]
• Dr. John - Session and live collaborator; The Meters backed Dr. John on several recordings. (Dr. John albums) [1970s]
• Paul McCartney - Session collaborator; The Meters backed McCartney on New Orleans sessions. (Venus and Mars (Wings)) [1975]
• Runnin' Pardners - Porter's own band, active for decades. (Multiple albums and live performances) [1990s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Red Hot Chili Peppers - Cite The Meters and Porter's bass style as a major influence on their funk-rock sound. (Various RHCP albums) [1980s–present]
• Beastie Boys - Sampled The Meters' grooves and cited their influence on hip-hop production. (Paul's Boutique) [1989]
• A Tribe Called Quest - Sampled The Meters' tracks in their hip-hop productions. (People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm) [1990]
• Queen Latifah - Sampled The Meters' grooves in her music. (All Hail the Queen) [1989]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. Give It What You Can (Give It What You Can)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia