Legendary songwriter, musician, and producer behind iconic soul and R&B hits, crafting timeless classics with Sam & Dave and Aretha Franklin.
Renowned American record producer, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, David Porter, is best known for penning some of the most iconic soul and R&B classics, including Sam & Dave's "Soul Man" (1968) and "Hold On, I'm Comin'" (1966). With a catalog exceeding 400 million units sold, Porter's contributions to the music industry have earned him a rightful place among the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time, as recognized by Rolling Stone in 2015.
Born on November 21, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, David Porter was the ninth of twelve children to James and Corean Porter. Growing up in a musical family, Porter's early life was surrounded by the rich sounds of gospel and R&B. He began singing in church, school, and local competitions, often alongside his close friend and classmate Maurice White, who would later found Earth, Wind & Fire.
While still a high school student, Porter worked at a grocery store across from Satellite Records, where he would often visit to inquire about the possibility of recording soul music. These visits led to meetings with Chips Moman, which ultimately secured Porter a role as a songwriter at Satellite Records. He soon arranged for his friends and classmates to record for the label, including Booker T. Jones, William Bell, and Andrew Love.
As Satellite Records rebranded as Stax Records, Porter became an integral part of the label's transformation into a soul music powerhouse. With his songwriting skills and connections, Porter helped shape the sound of Stax, working closely with legendary artists like Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Sam & Dave.
David Porter is also the founder of the Memphis-based Consortium MMT, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the music industry in Memphis. Through this initiative, Porter has worked tirelessly to nurture local talent and provide opportunities for emerging artists.
David Porter's influence extends far beyond his own generation. His songs have been sampled in hits like Mariah Carey's "Dreamlover" (1993), Will Smith's "Gettin' Jiggy wit It" (1999), and The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Who Shot Ya". His collaborations have spanned genres, working with artists as diverse as Celine Dion, ZZ Top, Tom Jones, and Eminem.
With over 1,700 songwriter and composer credits to his name, David Porter's legacy is a testament to the power of soul and R&B music. His contributions have shaped the sound of generations, and his philanthropic efforts continue to inspire and support emerging artists. As a true legend in the music industry, David Porter's impact will be felt for years to come.
"Music is the universal language that brings people together, and I feel blessed to have been a part of it." - David Porter
Explore David Porter's remarkable journey through music with this visual timeline, highlighting key milestones and achievements:
| 1961 | Graduated from Booker T. Washington High School |
| 1966 | Co-wrote "Hold On, I'm Comin'" with Isaac Hayes |
| 1968 | Co-wrote "Soul Man" with Isaac Hayes |
| 2005 | Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame |
| 2015 | Rated among the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time by Rolling Stone |
82 Years Old
A legendary soul and R&B musician, known for his smooth, deep voice and iconic theme song for the movie "Shaft".
80 Years Old
A legendary musician who pioneered soul and R&B music with his iconic Hammond organ sound and hit songs like "Green Onions" and "Time Is Tight". He's a Grammy-winning artist and inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
83 Years Old
A legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer who helped shape the sound of soul and R&B music, penning iconic hits like "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" and "Green Onions".
90 Years Old
A renowned drummer, songwriter, and producer who played a crucial role in shaping the sound of Stax Records and worked with legendary artists like Al Green and Otis Redding. He's behind some of soul music's most iconic hits.
83 Years Old
Legendary trumpeter and founding member of the Memphis Horns, known for his iconic soulful sound and collaborations with legendary artists like Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin.
89 Years Old
Legendary soul singer-songwriter behind iconic hits like "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'", known for his powerful, soulful voice and classic duets with Dave Prater.
88 Years Old
Half of the legendary soul duo Sam & Dave, known for their energetic live performances and classic hits like "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'".
