Gregory Porter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gregory Porter
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Porter performing at the 2018 Kongsberg Jazzfestival
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| Born | November 4, 1971 Sacramento, California, U.S. |
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| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1998–present |
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Gregory Porter, born on November 4, 1971, is a talented American singer, songwriter, and musician. He is famous for his deep, smooth voice and his unique blend of jazz, soul, and gospel music. Porter has won the prestigious Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album twice. He won in 2014 for his album Liquid Spirit and again in 2017 for Take Me to the Alley. His music often shares messages of hope and understanding.
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Early Life and Education
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Gregory Porter was born in Sacramento, California. He grew up in Bakersfield, where his mother, Ruth, was a minister. Gregory has seven brothers and sisters. His mother greatly influenced his life. She encouraged him to sing in church from a young age.
His father, Rufus, was not often present in his life. Porter has spoken about how his father was mostly absent. He spent only a few days with him during his childhood.
After finishing Highland High School in 1989, Porter received a full scholarship for football. He played as a lineman for San Diego State University (SDSU Aztecs). However, a shoulder injury during his third year ended his football career.
Porter's mother passed away from cancer when he was 21 years old. Before she died, she told him to "Sing, baby, sing!" This encouraged him to follow his passion for music.
Music Career Highlights
In 2004, Porter moved to Brooklyn, New York, with his brother Lloyd. He worked as a chef at Lloyd's restaurant and also performed there. He began singing at other local places, eventually getting a regular spot at Harlem club St. Nick's Pub. This is where his touring band started to form.
Porter released his first two albums, Water (2010) and Be Good (2012), with Motéma Music. He then signed with Blue Note Records in 2013. His third album, Liquid Spirit, came out later that year. This album was a big success. It won the 2014 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Liquid Spirit also became very popular in the UK, reaching the top 10 on the album charts. It sold over 100,000 copies there.
In May 2015, Porter sang "As Time Goes By" at a special concert in London. This event celebrated the 70th anniversary of VE Day.
His fourth album, Take Me to the Alley, was released in May 2016. It also received great reviews. In June 2016, Porter performed at the famous Glastonbury Festival 2016. Critics praised his amazing voice, calling it "creamy" and "smooth."
Porter continued to perform at major events. In September 2016, he sang at Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park. He also performed for the annual BBC Children in Need show in November. This show honored Sir Terry Wogan, who was a big fan of Porter's music.
In January 2017, Porter sang "Holding On" on The Graham Norton Show. He also performed at the Later... with Jools Holland: Later 25 concert. In October 2017, he sang "Mona Lisa" with Jeff Goldblum on piano, again on The Graham Norton Show.
On August 28, 2020, Porter released his sixth studio album, All Rise. In November 2021, he released a collection of his greatest hits called Still Rising - The Collection. He also performed "Revival" on The Graham Norton Show that same day.
Porter appeared on Jools' Annual Hootenanny on New Year's Eve 2021. In May 2021, he started his own cooking show, 'The PorterHouse with Gregory Porter'.
In June 2022, Porter sang a special song for The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacons. He was joined by the London Community Gospel Choir. In September 2023, he released the song "Somebody" with TSHA and Ellie Goulding.
Porter performed at the "Christmas at The Royal Albert Hall" program in December 2023. In April 2025, he began a 12-night tour across the UK.
In 2025, Gregory Porter participated in the UK version of The Masked Singer. He performed as Dressed Crab and reached the final, finishing as the runner-up.
Musical Style
Gregory Porter describes his musical style as being influenced by gospel music. He feels a connection to artists like Donny Hathaway, Nat King Cole, and Bill Withers. He says he hears parts of himself in their music. These artists' voices have deeply influenced his soul.
Personal Life
Gregory Porter is married to Victoria, and they have two sons. They live in Bakersfield, California. His brother Lloyd passed away in May 2020.
Porter is easily recognized by the special hat he always wears for public appearances. It looks like a newsboy cap and covers his ears and chin. He has mentioned that he wears it for a personal reason. He also said that people now recognize him by it. The hat is a Kangol Summer Spitfire.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Water (2010)
- Be Good (2012)
- Liquid Spirit (2013)
- Take Me to the Alley (2016)
- Nat King Cole & Me (2017)
- All Rise (2020)
- Christmas Wish (2023)
Awards
Gregory Porter has won several important awards for his music. He is most known for his Grammy Awards.
Grammy Awards
Porter has been nominated for and won multiple Grammy Awards:
- In 2014, he won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album for Liquid Spirit.
- In 2017, he won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album again for Take Me to the Alley.
See also
In Spanish: Gregory Porter para niños
