Gregory Porter, born on November 4, 1971, in Sacramento, California, is a Grammy Award-winning American singer, songwriter, and actor. He grew up in Bakersfield, California, as one of eight siblings. His mother was a minister and a strong influence on his musical upbringing. Porter graduated from Highland High School and received a football scholarship to attend San Diego State University. However, a shoulder injury ended his collegiate football career early, leading him to pursue music full-time.
After college, Porter moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 2004. While working as a chef at Lloyd’s, a neighborhood restaurant, he began performing locally, often singing at the restaurant and nearby venues. His talent soon gained recognition, and he started performing regularly at St. Nick’s Pub in Harlem. It was there that Porter formed the core group of musicians who would later become his touring band.
Porter's music blends elements of jazz, gospel, and soul, reflecting his rich vocal tone and sincere lyrical themes. Before signing with Blue Note Records, he released two critically acclaimed albums through Motéma Music: Water (2010), which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album, and Be Good (2012). These early projects established Porter as a significant voice in contemporary jazz and soul music.
Porter's breakthrough came with his third studio album, Liquid Spirit (2013), released under Blue Note Records. The album won the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album and became a commercial success, especially in Europe. Its fusion of uplifting spiritual themes and modern jazz arrangements broadened his international appeal.
Following Liquid Spirit, Porter continued to release impactful albums. These include Issues of Life: Features and Remixes (2014), Take Me to the Alley (2016), which also won a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album, Live in Berlin (2016), and Nat King Cole & Me (2017)—a personal tribute to his musical hero, Nat King Cole. In 2018, he released One Night Only – Live at Royal Albert Hall, further showcasing his powerful stage presence and vocal artistry.
In 2015, German musicologist Christian Broecking authored a biography titled Gregory Porter: Jazz, Gospel, and Soul, which explores Porter's enduring influence and unique blend of musical styles. Known for consistently wearing a distinctive hat due to a skin condition, Porter’s visual identity is as recognizable as his voice. His music continues to bridge genres and generations, reaffirming his place as one of the most compelling vocalists in contemporary music.
| Birth Date: | 4 Nov, 1971 |
| Age: | 48 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Sacramento |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American jazz vocalist, songwriter, and actor |
| Net Worth 2021: | 3 million |
