Jazz Series: Gregory Porter

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Gregory Porter was raised in Bakersfield, California and cites the Bakersfield Southern Gospel sound as well as his mother's Nat King Cole record collection, as fundamental influences on his own sound. Porter began singing in jazz clubs in San Diego while attending San Diego State University on a football scholarship. Eventually, Porter moved to New York City to pursue music full-time. 

His career began to ascend with the release of his first two albums—Water (2010) and Be Good (2012)—both of which received GRAMMY nominations. In 2013, he released his breakout Blue Note debut Liquid Spirit which grew into a global phenomenon, selling more than a million albums and earning Porter his first GRAMMY award. NPR declared him "America's Next Great Jazz Singer." His 2016 follow-up Take Me To The Alley won Porter his second GRAMMY Award and firmly established him as his generation's most soulful jazz artist. 

With a voice described as "liquid gold," Gregory Porter has captivated audiences around the world with his soulful baritone and deeply emotional performances. His unique blend of jazz, soul, and gospel has earned him cricial acclaim and huge global success.