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]
In Heaven
Gregory Porter Lyrics
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Not on the earth, with its troubles and cares
In heaven, that's where you'll see me, my love
Not on the earth, with its toils and snares
So don't go running into the mountains, my love
Because you know that I won't be there
And don't go running into the hillsides, my love
In heaven, that's where you'll see me, my love
Not on the earth, with its troubles and cares
In heaven, that's where you'll see me, my love
Not on the earth, with its toils and snares
So don't go running into the mountains, my love
Because you know that I won't be there
And don't go running into the hillsides, my love
Just lift your head up and say a prayer
In heaven
In heaven
In heaven
The lyrics of the song "In Heaven" by Gregory Porter carry a profound message about the afterlife and finding solace amidst the troubles and challenges of life on Earth. The phrase "In heaven, that's where you'll see me, my love" suggests that the singer is speaking to a loved one and assuring them that they will be reunited in the afterlife. Heaven represents a place of peace and tranquility, free from the burdens and distractions of earthly existence.
The repeated lines "Not on the earth, with its troubles and cares," and "Not on the earth, with its toils and snares" emphasize the contrast between the struggles of earthly life and the relief found in heaven. The singer is encouraging their loved one not to get caught up in the worries and challenges of the world, as they won't find the singer there. The mountains and hillsides symbolize obstacles or places where one might seek solace, but the loved one is advised against seeking refuge in such locations.
Instead of seeking physical surroundings, the loved one is encouraged to "lift [their] head up and say a prayer." This suggests that a connection to a higher power, possibly through prayer or spiritual practices, can provide comfort and guidance. By turning to spirituality, the loved one can find a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that their departed loved one resides in heaven.
Overall, the lyrics convey a hopeful and spiritual message about finding solace beyond the difficulties of earthly life. They encourage the listener to focus on the spiritual realm and the potential for reunion with loved ones in the afterlife. Through this interpretation, "In Heaven" offers reassurance and a reminder to seek peace and solace within a higher realm.
Line by Line Meaning
In heaven, that's where you'll see me, my love
You will only find me in the realms of heaven, away from the troubles and concerns of this earthly life.
Not on the earth, with its troubles and cares
I will not be present on this world, dealing with its difficulties and responsibilities.
In heaven, that's where you'll see me, my love
Once again, I emphasize that I can only be found in the heavenly realm, separate from the toils and traps of this existence.
Not on the earth, with its toils and snares
I won't be found on this earthly plane, entangled in its laborious tasks and deceptive enticements.
So don't go running into the mountains, my love
Please refrain from seeking solace or searching for me in the distant mountains, my beloved.
Because you know that I won't be there
It is important to acknowledge that I won't be present in those remote peaks.
And don't go running into the hillsides, my love
Similarly, it is futile to venture into the hills, hoping to find me there, my dearest.
Just lift your head up and say a prayer
Instead, simply raise your gaze upward and utter a prayer, directing your thoughts and hopes towards the heavenly realm.
In heaven
Once again, I reiterate that I can be found exclusively in heaven.
In heaven
Once again, I stress that the heavenly realm is where I reside.
In heaven
Once again, heaven is the only place where I can be seen.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DARLENE ANDREWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind