jazzopen 2025: Gregory Porter

In the organizer's words:

Gregory Porter, an acclaimed singer and songwriter from Bakersfield, California, was influenced by Southern Gospel music and his mother's Nat King Cole albums. He began his music career in jazz clubs in San Diego and later moved to New York City to pursue music full time. His first albums Water (2010) and Be Good (2012) earned him his first Grammy nominations. Porter has established himself as one of the most recognizable contemporary jazz artists, with five albums reaching the Top 10. He has won two Grammys for Best Jazz Vocal Album and has been nominated seven times. His 2021 album Still Rising includes new songs and cover versions. Porter's music shows his growth as an artist and a person, despite his international successes and tours.