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]
On My Way to Harlem
Gregory Porter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ellington you don't live 'round here
He moved away one day so they say
From Harlem
I can hear his echos still
Now now now you can't keep me away from where I was born
I was baptized by my daddy's horn
Now now now you can't keep my away from where I was born
I found out on my way to Harlem
Langston Hughes he don't live 'round here
He moved away one day from his way here in Harlem
I know that Marvin Gaye use to play right in here
Some body say you can't keep me away from where I was born
I was baptized by my daddy's horn
No you cant keep me away from where I was born
I was baptized to the sound of horns.
I found out on my way to Harlem
Ellington you don't live 'round here
He moved away one day so they say
Away from Harlem
I can hear his echos clear
OH now you can't keep me away from where i was born
I was baptized by my daddy's horn
Now now now now you can't keep me away from where I was born
I was baptized by the sound of horns
Oh I found out on my way to Harlem
Marvin Gaye used to play whats going on right over there
I so could use some of those blues from Langston Hughes
Hey there goes the A train
Hey there goes the A train
Through Harlem
Hey there goes the A train
Hey there goes the A train
Hey there goes the A train
The song "On My Way to Harlem" by Gregory Porter is a tribute to the history and cultural significance of Harlem, New York, specifically the African American jazz scene that thrived in the 1920s and 1930s. The song opens with Porter reflecting on the fact that legendary jazz composer Duke Ellington no longer lives in the neighborhood, but his presence can still be felt through the echoes of his music. Porter goes on to name-drop other important figures in Harlem's cultural history, including poet Langston Hughes and soul singer Marvin Gaye. He describes the neighborhood as the place where he was born and where he feels a deep sense of connection, having been "baptized" by the sound of the jazz horn, a powerful symbol of his cultural heritage.
Throughout the song, Porter uses the imagery of the A train, a subway line that runs through Harlem, to convey a sense of movement and momentum, as if he is being pulled inexorably towards the neighborhood that holds such special significance for him. He sings with a mix of reverence and nostalgia, as if he is looking back on his own personal history while also acknowledging the broader historical context of the neighborhood's cultural achievements. Ultimately, "On My Way to Harlem" is a celebration of the rich artistic legacy of Harlem, a place that continues to inspire creative minds and hold a special place in the hearts of many.
Line by Line Meaning
I found out on my way to Harlem
I realized something important while traveling to Harlem
Ellington you don't live 'round here
Duke Ellington no longer resides in Harlem
He moved away one day so they say
According to rumor, Duke Ellington left Harlem for good
From Harlem
The location from which Duke Ellington departed
I can hear his echos still
The impact of Duke Ellington's music can still be felt in Harlem
Now now now you can't keep me away from where I was born
Nothing can stop me from returning to my birthplace
I was baptized by my daddy's horn
My introduction to music was through my father's horn
I found out on my way to Harlem
Another realization while traveling to Harlem
Langston Hughes he don't live 'round here
Langston Hughes is another prominent figure who has departed from Harlem
He moved away one day from his way here in Harlem
Langston Hughes left his way of life in Harlem behind at some point
I know that Marvin Gaye use to play right in here
Marvin Gaye used to perform in this very area
Some body say you can't keep me away from where I was born
Others may try to prevent me from returning to my birthplace, but they cannot succeed
No you cant keep me away from where I was born
Reiteration of the idea that nothing can stop me from returning to my birthplace
I was baptized to the sound of horns
The horn section of the jazz band played an influential role in my musical upbringing
Marvin Gaye used to play whats going on right over there
Marvin Gaye's song 'What's Going On' was performed in the nearby area
I so could use some of those blues from Langston Hughes
I miss the influence of Langston Hughes' work on the community
Hey there goes the A train
The sound of the train passing by
Through Harlem
The train's location and trajectory
Hey there goes the A train
Repetition of the earlier line to emphasize the train's presence
Hey there goes the A train
Reiteration of the idea that the A train is passing through Harlem
Contributed by Adeline V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dalehunter123
Tall glass of milk, hot waffles from old school waffle iron, fresh bacon. Delicious, unforgettable breakfast my grandmother made. Porter stirs my memories and drops me off at my grandmother's.
@gwynenglishnielsen8596
I love Gregory Porter. He is a gift to contemporary jazz/R&B.
@keithharris4867
I woke up this morning this song in my head I played it and had a good emotional cry. It’s amazing 🌈😭❤️👏🏾✊🏾
@nwanahchidiebere2428
This is actually one of my favorite Gregory Porter's songs 😊.
@glendadavis4781
👋🏽🥂👋🏽🙃
@maureenholder7510
I only discovered this music two months ago and I cant stop listening
@arturosmith1235
I😊😊 it
@donaldfedosiuk1638
Me too!
@alonzoyounger4902
Feelin the same way!!
@barbrawhiters1359
I saw him perform in Detroit, MI 1/29/17. He was wonderful. His performance was strong and commanding. This man is a true artist, no gimmicks needed, true jazz.