Gregory Porter

Born in Sacramento in 1971 and raised in Bakersfield, California, Gregory Porter belongs to the American vocal jazz tradition, blending soul, gospel and R&B influences. After a youth shaped by singing in church and a stint in musical theatre — notably in the production 'It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues' — Porter settled in Brooklyn and made his mark on New York stages, particularly in Harlem clubs. His debut album 'Water' was released in 2010, followed by 'Be Good' in 2012, which established his style: a deep timbre, phrasing close to spoken word, and compositions focused on personal stories and social issues. Signing with Blue Note Records opened a new phase with 'Liquid Spirit' (2013), 'Take Me to the Alley' (2016) and the orchestral project 'Nat King Cole & Me' (2017), a tribute to one of his major influences. Porter has collaborated widely with jazz ensembles, orchestras and electronic producers, including house‑oriented tracks derived from his repertoire. Present both at jazz festivals and on more general stages, he continued his trajectory with 'All Rise' (2020) and various compilations, where original writing stands alongside reworked standards and ballads at the crossroads of contemporary jazz and soul.