gregory porter

Biography

Gregory Porter is an acclaimed American jazz vocalist and songwriter, born on November 4, 1971, in Sacramento, California, and raised in Bakersfield. Growing up, he was deeply influenced by his mother, Ruth Porter, an evangelist, and her collection of Nat King Cole records, which would later become a cornerstone of his musical style. Porter initially pursued a football scholarship at San Diego State University, but a shoulder injury ended his athletic career, prompting him to focus on music. He began singing in small jazz clubs in San Diego while still a student, gradually developing his craft and voice.

After moving to Brooklyn, New York, with his brother Lloyd, Porter worked as a chef at his brother’s café and performed at local venues, including Harlem’s St. Nick’s Pub. His breakthrough came with his debut album 'Water' (2010), which earned a Grammy nomination, followed by 'Be Good' (2012). His major commercial and critical success arrived with 'Liquid Spirit' (2013), his Blue Note debut, which won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album and sold over a million copies worldwide. Porter’s subsequent albums, including 'Take Me to the Alley' (2016, Grammy winner), 'Nat King Cole & Me' (2017), and 'All Rise' (2020), have cemented his reputation as one of the most soulful and influential jazz singers of his generation.

Porter’s music blends jazz, gospel, soul, and blues, characterized by his rich baritone and heartfelt lyricism. He is recognized for his ability to bridge traditional jazz with contemporary themes, drawing from personal experiences and social commentary. His legacy is marked by his distinctive voice, his signature cap, and his role in revitalizing vocal jazz for new audiences.

Fun Facts

• Porter is known for always wearing a distinctive flat cap with a fabric strap covering his chin and ears, a style choice he says is for health and comfort.
• Before his music career took off, Porter worked as a chef at his brother's Brooklyn café, Bread-Stuy.
• He starred in the Tony-winning musical revue 'It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues' and performed both on and off-Broadway.
• Porter’s song '1960 What?' became a signature tune and is noted for its political and social commentary.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ruth Porter - His mother, an evangelist, encouraged his singing from a young age and introduced him to Nat King Cole. (Early home performances, inspiration for 'Nat King Cole & Me') [1970s-1990s]
• Daniel Jackson - Saxophonist and early mentor during Porter's time in San Diego. (Guided Porter's jazz development) [1990s]
• Kamal Kenyatta - Jazz educator and mentor who worked closely with Porter, including on his debut recording. (Helped Porter record with Hubert Laws) [Late 1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Kamal Kenyatta - Producer and arranger on Porter's albums, including 'Water' and 'Be Good'. (Water, Be Good) [2010-2012]
• Chip Crawford - Pianist and long-time band member, featured on Porter's recordings and live performances. (All major albums and tours) [2010s-present]
• Hubert Laws - Porter's first recording appearance was on Laws' album. (Hubert Laws Remembers the Unforgettable Nat King Cole) [1998]

Artists Influenced

• Samara Joy - Cited Porter as an inspiration for blending jazz tradition with modern storytelling. (Linger Awhile) [2020s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Hey Laura (Liquid Spirit (Deluxe Version))
2. Liquid Spirit - Claptone Remix
3. L-O-V-E (Nat "King" Cole & Me (Deluxe))
4. Smile (Nat "King" Cole & Me (Deluxe))
5. Holding On (Caracal (Deluxe))
6. Consequence Of Love (Take Me To The Alley)
7. Liquid Spirit - Claptone Remix / Full Vocal Version
8. Stand By Me
9. We Have All The Time In The World - Cam Blackwood & Swindle Version
10. Holding On

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #blues, #contemporary-jazz, #easy-listening