Gregory Porter

Gregory Porter

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52 age

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November 4, 1971 Birthday

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Sacramento, California, U.S. Birthplace

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About

Gregory Porter is a Grammy-winning singer and songwriter renowned for his warm baritone sound and uplifting music. He effortlessly transitions between classic jazz standards and contemporary soul tunes. However, Porter's road to success was not swift. He spent years working in restaurants and singing in small clubs before finally unveiling his Grammy-nominated debut album, "Water," in 2010 at the age of 39. Following this, he released "Be Good," and in 2013, his third album, "Liquid Spirit," hit it big, topping jazz charts across the US and overseas and also clinching the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Since then, he has released several more albums of original content, a collection of Nat King Cole covers, and has earned additional accolades and nominations.

Trivia

Gregory Porter was an original cast member of the Tony nominated Broadway Musical, "It Ain't Nothin' but the Blues." Gregory Porter wears a distinctive flat hat with straps; he originally wore it to cover up some facial scarring, but now it is part of his signature look. Gregory Porter loves to cook and had a small catering business when he was in his 20s.

Early Life

Gregory Porter, born in 1971, grew up in Bakersfield, CA, in a bustling household of seven children. His mother, a minister who encouraged him to sing in the church, also exposed him to the music of Nat King Cole, one of Porter's heroes. His father was largely absent, but was known to be a talented singer as well. Porter sang in high school but was also a gifted athlete and won a full football scholarship to San Diego State. A shoulder injury his junior year abruptly cut his football career short, but he continued to pursue singing, eventually moving to Brooklyn, New York.