Originally posted Feb 11 2013
Some of you may know who Gregory Porter is and some of you may not but I assure you that Beyonce, Anita Baker, Melanie Fiona, and SWV probably have an idea about who he is being that he was nominated in the same Grammy category as these musical giants. With the major success of overseas and rising success in the United States, Gregory is just beginning to crack the surface and what a hell of way to crack it but making his way into the Grammys. Before the Grammys aired on Sunday we had the chance to speak with a Jazz musician, Gregory Porter, who was nominated for a Grammy for “Best Traditional R&B Performance” for his song “Real Good Hands.” Â Although Mr. Porter boldly makes the claim that he is a jazz musician, he was quite honored to be nominated in the same category as Beyonce, Anita Baker, Melanie Fiona, and SWV. We have now found out that Gregory didn’t win the Grammy but after interviewing him, I honestly believe he isn’t disappointed due to the fact that he was elated to even be mentioned amongst the other heavyweights in the category. Besides, losing to Beyonce’s “Love on Top” that was all over the radio, isn’t that bad at all.
TheIndustry.biz : Being that you are nominated amongst some huge artists in the game, do you feel like this Grammy nomination solidifies your hard work or is the symbol of the culmination of everything you put into your music?
Gregory Porter: I would say yes because it is a validation of my music and my style of music. I classify myself as a Jazz singer but I’m nominated in the R&B category. What I do is quite natural, it’s not something I calculated. I use styles and things musically that come from Blues, Gospel, R&B, Soul, Folk and all the many facets of American music. In the end, I feel like (For More Gregory Porter Click Next) I fit right end but I’m still amazed and honored to be nominated amongst such great talent.
TheIndustry.biz : In another one of your songs, “On My Way to Harlem” you say, “I was baptized by my daddy’s horn.” It seems as if you are saying you are immersed in the culture but explain the significance of that lyric.
Gregory Porter: It’s interesting, sometimes I don’t say everything I’m trying to say in a song and “On My Way to Harlem” is one of them. Harlem is making a whole bunch of changes, some good and some bad. A lot of mom and pop shops are closing. It’s great that Starbucks and the Gap are in Harlem but in some ways it pu
TheIndustry.biz : Gregory if you win the Grammy on Sunday for “Real Good Hands,” what will you say and/or do?
