George Porter, Jr. is best known as the bassist of The Meters, along with Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli and Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste. The group was formed in the mid 60’s and came to be recognized as one of the progenitors of funk then called R&B. The Meters disbanded in 1977 though they played several reunion shows in the 2000’s. The pioneering New Orleans funk band received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 60th Annual Grammy Award in 2018. Porter and Art Neville also fronted the Funky Meters from 1989 to Arts death in 2019. 

Few bass players in the history of modern New Orleans music are as storied as George Porter Jr. During the course of a career spanning nearly six decades. Porter has not only made a deep impression with his work in the Meters, but he’s notched session work with artists as diverse as, Patti LaBelle, Robbie Robertson, Tori Amos, Taj Mahal, Ryan Montbleau Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule. With live performances with Jimmy Buffett, David Byrne, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Warren Haynes, Gov’t Mule, John Scofield, Steve Kimock, and Eric Krasno just to name a few. 

Early in his career, Porter worked with seminal New Orleans artists like Allen Toussaint, Dr John, Earl King, Lee Dorsey, Snooks Eaglin ,Johnny Adams, Irma Thomas, and The Lastie Brothers also just to name a few.

Besides being an in demand side man, Porter is also the band leader of his own bands starting back in 1980 with George Porter & Joyride . His two unique long term projects, the Runnin’ Pardners, and The George Porter Jr Trio,  currently play locally and on tour. These projects are well respected not only as quintessential New Orleans bands, they also receive accolades on the jam band and festival scene. 

Porter  has assembled some seasoned and talented musicians to join him on this musical journey. 

Michael Lemmler: Keyboards (Jubilation, TriFunctA, Susan Cowsill, George French, Kim Prevost, Mark Mullins, Lenny McDaniel, Astral Project) 

Terrence Houston: Drums ( The Houston Family, Funky Meters, Toubab Krewe, Slugger ) 

Chris Adkins: Guitar ( Roland Guerin, Raphael Saadiq, Maria Muldaur, Zachary Richard, Marc Broussard, John Papa Gros, Erica Falls, Dr. John, Irma Thomas) 

George Porter Jr. plans to keep a smile on his face.” I feel like I am working towards something that will be remembered.”

Porter has proven to be capable of the ultimate fusion of rock, funk and R&B, and has gained recognition as one of the industry’s elite bass players. He may be a legend but won’t rest on past accolades as he continues to be not only an in demand performing artist but an accomplished studio musician and producer