Gregory Porter

In Our Daily Breather, we ask writers and artists to recommend ways to find calm in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Gregory Porter has been honing his mother's knack for creative cooking.

Jazz singer Gregory Porter looks like a linebacker – which makes sense, because that’s exactly what he used to be. Although a shoulder injury put an end to that career path, things have worked out pretty well for Porter--his 2010 recording debut, “Water,” earned him a Grammy nomination the following year. His sophomore effort is called “Be Good,” and he talks with guest host Christian McBride about the record and performs some of it live in our studio.

Gregory Porter has made a big splash with his first outing. “Water” is nominated for a Grammy in the Best Vocal Jazz Album category, and it tied for the top spot in The Village Voice’s critics poll for best jazz debut of 2010. He joins us with his band to play live - and to tell us about  "1960 What?," a song that addresses injustice as it links to a history of protest music in soul and jazz.