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]
Wisdom
Gregory Porter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Further now... as we roam.
Future debts... fully paid.
Wisdom.
Mothers' milk. fathers' blood.
Stood on shoulders... through the flood.
What they gave... was my gain.
(repeat)
The lyrics to Gregory Porter's song "Wisdom" speak to the experiences of life that shape us into who we are. The first verse talks about the journey we all must take in life, as we travel further and further from our homes, and the responsibilities we have to take care of our future debts. This journey is essential to gaining wisdom, as we learn from our experiences and grow as individuals.
The second verse references the influence of our parents and ancestors in our lives. We are reminded that we have been carried on their shoulders through life's challenges and that what they have given us has been our gain. "Mother's milk, fathers' blood" speaks to the idea that we carry the genes and memories of our ancestors within us, and that their struggles and triumphs have shaped who we are today.
Overall, "Wisdom" is a powerful and moving song that encourages listeners to reflect on the experiences that have shaped them and to appreciate the lessons they have learned along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Traveling... far from home.
Venturing out into unfamiliar territories, away from our place of origin.
Further now... as we roam.
Continuing to explore and move forward as we journey through life.
Future debts... fully paid.
Being proactive by resolving any future obligations ahead of time.
Wisdom.
Having gained knowledge and experience through personal growth and self-reflection.
Mothers' milk. fathers' blood.
Inheriting traits and characteristics passed down to us by our ancestors.
Stood on shoulders... through the flood.
Building on the foundation and support of those who came before us, even in the most difficult of times.
What they gave... was my gain.
Acknowledging the gifts and sacrifices of our predecessors and how it has positively impacted our lives.
Wisdom.
Continuing to gain insight and grow through life's challenges.
Contributed by Juliana K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Germán Rosas-Ibargüen
There is always a tomorrow as there was a Marvin Gaye and Lou Rawls each had their own style Gregory Porter has his own and I am very happy to hear him sing because he brings a new chapter to our Jazz and yes indeed he has it. God Bless Music!!!!
americanbrother1
This song is AMAZING! This brotha has decided NOT to let the music industry dictate his creative genius. Thank you for being your own man Gregory Porter.
mark billings
Stunning, mesmerizing and can’t stop listening.
UnRestrictedPraize
This man's voice is mesmerizing! God has truly gifted him and I'm thankful that I can hear, delight and enjoy him, beautiful!
High Stakes Basketball
Mothers Milk, Fathers blood, Stood on on their shoulders through the flood, what they gave was my gain.... wisdom... My GOD... this is beautiful..
Quentin Hill
I've been looking for this type of sound for the longest!! Brings a type of feeling over me I can't quite describe. Wow
Angie Yancy
I'm buying everything he makes... this man can sing
C. Parker
Great sound!! Beautiful and powerful arrangement.
Love It, Love It.
Prudence Pruitt
I cannot wait to hear this live!! Yes, I need that Gregory Porter Experience in my life, IT'S THAT SERIOUS!
Jaybird Credle
BOLD UNCOMPROMISNG; rhapsody that stirs the soul through rich vibrato; cascading sax and baseline rhythms transposing the journey with the piano interlude to phases of ebb and flow like the beach waves rushing the shore from distance lands long ago.
Masterfully executed Mr. Gregory Porter...BRAVO!!