Gregory Porter was born in Sacramento and was raised in Bakersfield, California, where his mother was a minister. A 1989 graduate of Highland High School, he received a "full-ride" (tuition, books, medical coverage, and living expenses) athletic scholarship as a football lineman to San Diego State University (SDSU Aztecs), but a shoulder injury during his junior year cut short his football career.[3] At the age of 21, Porter lost his mother to cancer, but only after she entreated him from her death bed: "Sing, baby, sing!"
Porter moved to the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn in 2004, along with his brother Lloyd. He worked as a chef at Lloyd's restaurant Bread-Stuy (now defunct), where he also performed. Porter performed at other neighborhood venues including Sista's Place and Solomon's Porch, and moved on to Harlem club St. Nick's Pub, where he maintained a weekly residency. Out of this residency evolved what would become Porter's touring band.[4]
Porter released two albums on the Motéma label together with Membran Entertainment Group, 2010's Water and 2012's Be Good, before signing with Blue Note Records (under Universal Music Group) on May 17, 2013. His third album, Liquid Spirit, was released on September 2, 2013, in Europe and on September 17, 2013, in the US.[5] The album was produced by Brian Bacchus.[6] The album won the 2014 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album.[7]
Liquid Spirit enjoyed commercial success rarely achieved by albums in the jazz genre, reaching the top 10 on the UK album charts. It was certified gold by the BPI, selling over 100,000 units in the UK.[8]
In August 2014 Porter released "The 'In' Crowd" as a single.[9] On May 9, 2015 Porter participated in VE Day 70: A Party to Remember, a televised commemorative concert from Horse Guards Parade in London, singing "As Time Goes By".[10]
His fourth album, Take Me to the Alley, was released on May 6, 2016.[11] In UK's The Guardian it was Alexis Petridis's album of the week.[12]
On June 26, 2016, Porter performed on the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival 2016. Writing for The Daily Telegraph, Neil McCormick said, "The portly middle-aged jazzer may be the oddest pop star on the planet but he is a refreshing testament to the notion that the most important organ for musical appreciation should always be our ears. And Porter has one of the most easy-on-the-ear voices in popular music, a creamy baritone that flows thick and smooth across a rich gateaux of juicy melody. It's a voice that makes you want to lick your lips and dive right in."[13]
In September 2016 Porter performed at Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park from Hyde Park, London. He would go on to perform in the annual BBC Children in Need show in November, a night dedicated to Sir Terry Wogan, who hosted it in previous years and was a fan of Porter.[14]
In January 2017 Porter performed the song "Holding On" on BBC One's The Graham Norton Show.[15] In September 2017 he performed as part of the Later... with Jools Holland: Later 25 concert at the Royal Albert Hall.[16]
In October 2017 he performed the song "Mona Lisa" on BBC One's The Graham Norton Show with Jeff Goldblum on piano.[17]
Day Dream
Gregory Porter Lyrics
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Candy-coated castles, life of play
Broomsticks are his magic cars
Climb aboard and you'll ride the stars
Can you remember? It seems like yesterday
Getting older
Growing taller
He'll find his way
Rocket ships that never leave his hand
But he's in space 'cause he's a rocket-ship man
Got to fight in some galaxy wars
Climb aboard and you'll ride the stars
Got to get home to kiss his mama goodnight
Getting older
Growing taller
Getting smarter
He'll find his way
If he folds his legs a certain way he can fly
Told his cousins to watch him as he tried
Broomsticks are his magic cars
Climb aboard and you'll ride the stars
Can't go too far 'cause silly grown-up life is straight ahead
Getting older
Growing taller
Getting smarter
He'll find his way
He'll find his way
He'll find his way
He'll find his way
The lyrics of "Day Dream" by Gregory Porter depict the life of someone who chooses to live in a dream world, finding solace and joy in his imagination. The first verse describes this person as content with dreaming his entire life away, building castles made of candy and indulging in a carefree existence. The line "Broomsticks are his magic cars, climb aboard and you'll ride the stars" suggests that he uses his imagination to escape reality and venture into a fantastical world.
The second verse portrays the singer growing older and wiser, but still holding on to his childhood dreams. The mention of rocket ships symbolizes his desire for adventure and exploration, even if it's only in his fantasies. The line "Got to get home to kiss his mama goodnight" indicates that he is still rooted in his familial love and responsibilities, despite his daydreaming tendencies.
The third verse highlights the singer's determination to defy the limitations of adulthood. By folding his legs in a certain way, he believes he can fly and impresses his cousins with his audacious attempt. The repetition of the line "Broomsticks are his magic cars, climb aboard and you'll ride the stars" reinforces his reliance on his imagination to escape the mundanity of grown-up life.
The repeated refrain in the lyrics, "Getting older, growing taller, getting smarter, he'll find his way," suggests that this dreamer is determined to navigate through life and discover his own path. Despite the temptation to stay in his daydreams, he acknowledges the need to face the realities of adulthood. The repetition of the phrase "He'll find his way" emphasizes his resilience and determination to make his dreams a reality, even if it means balancing them with the responsibilities of the real world. In essence, the song celebrates the power of imagination and the importance of staying true to oneself while growing up.
Line by Line Meaning
He's satisfied to dream his whole life away
He is content with living in his dreams and not actively pursuing reality.
Candy-coated castles, life of play
His imagination creates a fantastical world filled with joy and happiness.
Broomsticks are his magic cars
He transforms everyday objects into magical means of transportation.
Climb aboard and you'll ride the stars
Join him on his imaginative adventures and experience the wonders of the universe.
Can you remember? It seems like yesterday
Reflecting on past memories and how time flies.
Getting older
Growing up and maturing physically.
Growing taller
Experiencing physical growth and development.
Getting smarter
Becoming more intelligent and knowledgeable.
He'll find his way
He will discover his path in life and achieve success.
Rocket ships that never leave his hand
Imaginary rocket ships that he always carries with him.
But he's in space 'cause he's a rocket-ship man
His imagination takes him to outer space, where he becomes a fearless explorer.
Got to fight in some galaxy wars
Engaging in epic battles in distant galaxies using his imagination.
Got to get home to kiss his mama goodnight
Despite his adventures, he always remembers the love and comfort of his family.
If he folds his legs a certain way he can fly
Believing in his own magical abilities and attempting to defy gravity.
Told his cousins to watch him as he tried
Encouraging others to witness his attempts at flying, showcasing his imagination.
Can't go too far 'cause silly grown-up life is straight ahead
Realizing that the responsibilities and seriousness of adulthood limit his imagination and exploration.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Missing Link Music
Written by: GREGORY PORTER, CRAIG DAWSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind