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DATE OF BIRTH: Dec. 29, 1929 DATE OF DEATH: Oct. 15, 2016 PLACE OF BIRTH: Orange, NJ
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Bobby Porter's deep, rich tones are reminiscent of Billy Eckstine and Arthur Prysock. A native of East Orange, he began singing in school choirs as a boy. In the 1950s, he was a member of two local doo-wop groups, the Bel-Airs and the Flamingos, that performed at dances, proms and on street corners. The Bel-Airs recorded (with Billy Ford of Billy & Lillie fame) a tune entitled "I'll Never Forgive Myself," while Mary Lou Williams wrote a song for the Flamingos ("Walking") that was never released. From 1955 until 1962, Porter was the lead vocalist with the Brady Hodge Orchestra, a Newark-based band that included trumpeter Woody Shaw and drummer Charli Persip as members. The group not only had its own gigs but also backed touring musicians like The Dells, Big Maybelle and the Harptones. Over the years, Porter has played with Wild Bill Davis, Specks Williams, Jimmy McGriff, Eddie Gladden, Duke Anderson and Herbie Morgan. He was also a member of the Nat Phipps Orchestra, as well as Phipps' smaller group, that included Wayne Shorter as a member. Porter appears on both of Leo Johnson's CDs. NEWARK CLUBS: Sugar Hill, Teddy Powell's Lounge, Front Room, Key Club, Sparky J's, Club Harold, Wideaway Ballroom, Terrace Ballroom, Nite Cap Club, Continental Ballroom |
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