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]
Take Me To The Alley
Gregory Porter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And they line the sidewalks
With every sort of shiny thing
They will be surprised
When they hear him say
Take me to the alley
Take me to the afflicted ones
That somehow lost their way
Let them hear me say
I am your friend
Come to my table
Rest here in my garden
You will have a pardon
Take me to the alley
Take me to the afflicted ones
Take me to the lonely ones
That somehow lost their way
Let them hear me say
I am your friend
Come to my table
Rest here in my garden
You will have a pardon
They will be surprised
When they hear him say
Take me to the alley
Take me to the afflicted ones
Take me to the lonely ones
That somehow lost their way
Let them hear me say
I am your friend
Come to my table
Rest here in my garden
You will have a pardon
You will have a pardon
Oh, take me to the alley (Take me to the alley)
Take me to the afflicted ones (afflicted ones)
Take me, take me, take me, take me, take me
The song "Take Me Away" by Gregory and the Hawk describes the scene of people preparing for the arrival of the King. They are busy with decorating their houses and lining the sidewalks with shiny things. However, the King shocks them when he demands to be taken to the alley, the afflicted ones and the lonely ones who lost their way. The King identifies with the outcasts, and the author expresses the message that everyone deserves to be included, no matter what their circumstances may be.
The image of the alley, in this case, is symbolic of the place where the outcasts dwell. The King acknowledges that he wants to be with them as opposed to the comfortable and opulent lifestyle that most people wish for. The chorus, repeated multiple times, emphasizes the theme of inclusion and encourages the listeners to join in and acknowledge their fellow beings who are suffering.
The song highlights the importance of empathy and kindness towards others, especially those who are marginalized. It serves as a reminder to put in effort to include everyone, no matter their situation.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, they guild their houses in preparation for the King
They decorate their homes extravagantly in anticipation of the arrival of the King
And they line the sidewalks with every sort of shiny thing
They adorn the streets with all kinds of dazzling objects
They will be surprised when they hear him say
The people will be shocked and taken aback upon hearing his message
Take me to the alley
Bring me to the dark corners of the city
Take me to the afflicted ones
Lead me to the poor, sick, and suffering
Take me to the lonely ones that somehow lost their way
Show me the lost and lonely souls who have lost their path in life
Let them hear me say
Allow them to listen to my words
I am your friend
I am here to support and help you
Come to my table
Join me for food and companionship
Rest here in my garden
Find peace and relaxation in my serene environment
You will have a pardon
Your sins will be forgiven
You will have a pardon
Your faults and mistakes will be excused
Oh, take me to the alley (Take me to the alley)
Please bring me to the destitute areas of town
Take me to the afflicted ones (afflicted ones)
Guide me to those who are suffering
Take me, take me, take me, take me, take me
Bring me to those in need, repeatedly
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GREGORY PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
S.D. Clinton
I could listen to this a millions times. I come back here when I need some comfort and remind me of God's grace. Thank you Gregory Porter.
Derek Roundtree
Absolutely
jay failing
same the depth of soul and faith
Dorothy Johnson
I feel you! Love
Ms. Mia
Well said. Totally agree.
Lanafalana
Indeed!
PancadaPls
I'm not a religious person. But this is the voice of God if I ever heard it.
Charles Sherrer
I'm not Religious either but I am spiritual, this is how our Jesus Christ was and will be again. So glad to hear more of his story. He and His family are so Blessed, what an honor to have the opportunity to experience his Graceful talent. Peace and Blessings, Family Glorify the Most High Continually!
Covenant Counseling
Religious, Spiritual or not, it’s about a Relationship with Jesus Christ!!! So blessed to be a blessing to others, thank you Gregory Porter and all who seeks to serve others and not self!!!
songtruth
This song gives me such comfort. I picture Jesus as he sings it.