George Porter Jr.

FUNKIFY YOUR LIFE

New Album "Crying For Hope" on Double Vinyl, CD or Digital Is Out Now!

I been thinking…

about my 76th run around the Sun, I learned a lot more about me that I did not know and had to make some changes if I want to keep going forward doing what I love doing I won’t dwell on that. I also had to come to terms with people that I lost to death and the loss of some people that are still among the living, those losses, much harder to comprehend, but learn that everything that goes away, goes away for a real good reason and those reasons may have no need for explanations, and I won’t dwell on that either.

So the coming year my plan’s are to record and produce more music with both Bands as well as a few collaborations with a few well known players that have said yes to that idea, so seems I have some writing to get done. Down side is, I may be spending more time in my studio than on the road but this is in no way an early retirement LOL.

There are people I would like to thank for being there for me this past year first starting with The Runnin’ Pardners and The Porter Trio: @Michael Lemmer, @Terrence Houston, @Chris Adkins and also @Joe Kalb. Along with these ladies that have helped me with my song lyrics @Susan Cawsell, @Mia Borders, @Denise Sullivan who also doubles as my girlfriend “Smilin’ .

Thanks to the rest of the best team, my manager Jon phillips @ Silverback Music/Red Light Management and Phil Egenthal @ The Mint Talent Group and the whole Mint support crew for booking the places you get to see us play. Thanks to Jonny Ray and David Stocker for social media and maintaining my website so you know where to find me.

I think it would be wrong if I don’t thank @Hank Staples and his team at The Maple Leaf Bar for having a place we can call home, @Rachael Arrington, @Doug Trager, the door people and the bartenders especially Maggie who works every Monday while we play.

This will be an exciting year in my family too as my Daughter Katrina and her man Dyon settle into their new home. I hope to have fun watching my great granddaughter Calliope continue to learn and grow. I am also very happy for my granddaughter Ciara and her her husband Charles as they prepare to expand their little family and welcome a new baby in the summer.

OK’ that’s it thanks again everyone of my/Our fan base for your support and We will see you in the New Year. GPJr


12/12/2023…

Today my phone did not ring as it has always for the last 30 plus years. That call would come from David Russell Batiste Jr. I was having a dream and I woke up to see if I had missed that call but it had not come and then I remembered, that call will no longer come anymore. Happy Heavenly Birthday Russell Batiste. I know you made it because of all the LOVE you gave to those around you, as well as the young musicians that you had under your wing. –GPJR

Photo Credit: Jim Brock


TSS Productions and @flowersonthestage present a conversation w/ George Porter Jr…




This is time sensitive people — ends tonight at midnight May 2, 2023

In honor of Ara, our daughter Katrina has started a foundation to promote awareness in the community and to provide support to patients and caregivers. I know there are many worthy causes, but if you can find it in your heart and wallet to make even a small donation — $10, $25 it would be greatly appreciated. Larger donations are certainly welcome too. Consider helping by sharing this campaign on your Facebook page to spread the word. I am so proud of my daughter for starting this project that will continue to spread Ara’s Love in such a special way. Thank you. -GPJR


Join us uptown as Tipitina’s presents With You in Mind: A Tribute to the Songbook of Allen Toussaint, on Wednesday, November 23rd at 8PM. Produced by Sonny Schneidau (The Professor Longhair 100th Birthday Tribute, The Tribute to Dr. John, Covered in Earl: A Tribute to Earl King). Musical Director George Porter, Jr. will lead an all-star cast of New Orleans’ finest musicians featuring performances by Irma Thomas, Ivan Neville, Deacon John, John Boutte, Jon Cleary, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Kermit Ruffins, James Andrews, Stanton Moore, Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Theresa Andersson, Oscar Rossignoli and more.

A portion of the proceeds for the night will benefit New Orleans Musicians' Clinic. Gen Admission tickets will go on sale Friday, 9/30 @10AM CT

To view the full calendar, and for more info, please visit Tipitinas.com


Eddie Tebbe

“My long time friend, poet, writer, lyricist, and music lover Eddie Tebbe has published a book of his collected writings. Check it out!” – GPJ

A fixture on the New Orleans music scene for years, native son Eddie Tebbe has attended multiple concerts a night, composed lyrics picked up and recorded by the likes of George Porter and Paul Sanchez, and made friends with anyone and everyone in the popular clubs. He has, as he says, felt the funk in his bones. 

Music is Eddie’s way to cope with the triple whammy life has dealt him: born with cerebral palsy, developed epilepsy as the result of a fall at age 9, and gradually consumed from his thirties on by Huntington’s disease. Yet he remains friendly, funny and outrageous as he flashes his famous smile.

Now at age 50, Eddie is no longer able to write or to stay out late, instead offering the short stories, a play and his poetry he’s written through the years to his many loyal friends in this inspiring collection.

Local writer Colman DeKay puts it well: “Eddie writes with simplicity, urgency and honesty about the town that he loves. He’s the real deal – a New Orleanian who, despite personal setbacks, grabs the city in a gigantic life-affirming hug.“

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visit: https://www.eddietebbe.com


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The Take Me to the River Education Initiative present New Funk Music from an Original Funk Pioneer with George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners

Join us Thursday, April 1st
5 pm PST / 8 pm EST
hosted by Award Winning Filmmaker Martin Shore

The Take Me to the RIver YouTube channel goes back to New Orleans and Esplanade Studios this Thursday to bring you the 6th EXCLUSIVE LIVE performance from New Orleans legend George Porter Jr. and Runnin' Pardners.


BID FOR Your Chance To Win 1/1 George Porter Jr. 'Crying For Hope' Album Cover Art -NFT-

This is your chance to own the FIRST ever NFT from legendary bass player George Porter Jr. (The Meters) and acclaimed artist JT Lucchesi and Home Team Designs! In addition the lucky winning bidder will receive an autographed poster of the album cover and a once in a lifetime opportunity to have "Coffee With George". That's right you will get a private meet and greet with George!


New Orleans funk icon George Porter Jr. and his band the Runnin’ Pardners have released Crying For Hope on double vinyl, CD and digital download. Recorded remotely during quarantine, the 12-track album marks the funk-rock group’s first full-length studio release in a decade, and boasts a mix of unreleased Pardners tunes and new cuts inspired by the social justice movement. It is a snapshot of the modern state of funk — and a testament to its place in the greater social conversation — from one of the most prolific and influential bassists of a generation.

With the release of Crying For Hope, Porter also becomes New Orleans’ first musical artist to drop an album art NFT. Also known as “non-fungible tokens”, NFTs are unique digital collectibles that offer a new way for musicians and artists to creatively engage fans outside of traditional merch. Created in collaboration with Crying For Hope cover artist JT Lucchesi and Home Team Designs, the lucky bidder of Crying For Hope’s NFT will also receive signed memorabilia and an opportunity to have “Coffee With George”.


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D. Lakin Presents

INSPIRED BY GEORGE PORTER JR.
Limited Edition of 10 Units


EPISODE 38 - GEORGE PORTER JR.

In this episode, Porter and Kraz talk about the origin story of The Meters, Porter’s discovery of the bass guitar, playing with Bill Kreutzmann and The Dead, and many other fascinating tales of his extraordinary musical life.  

Porter’s passion for music is undeniable, and it’s on full display when Porter talks about the “double-edged blade” of The Meters’ music being sampled in rap and pop songs- his playful and light-hearted attitude towards missing out on critical and financial recognition from others using his music is an earnest confirmation of his love for his artform- he’s just happy that these grooves still fill the air.  

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0I6MhwBXw1wpj5ICJRpbh0


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George Porter Jr's Birthday Bash with his Runnin Pardners & Friends 12.26.20

TONIGHT!! Tune in and celebrate @GeorgePorterJr’s 73rd “Funkify Your Life Birthday Bash” with special guest @AndersOsbourne LIVE on @StageIt 7pm PT / 9pm Nola / 10pm ET!

Join the stream on StageIt and receive a FREE DOWNLOAD of George Porter Jr & Runnin Pardners new single “Crying for Hope,” by signing up for George Porter Jr’s StageIt page!

#georgeporterjr #runninpardners #funkifyyourlife #birthday bash #stageit #cryingforhope


New Merch Store

Visit the new George Porter Jr. Merch page to see the latest t-shirts, hoodies & caps that show your love and support for GPJ — Funky Your Life!


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George Porter Jr. & Runnin Pardners

Recorded Live 03-27-99

Courtesy of Matthew ‘Suge’ Kane and with permission from GPJ - we are sharing a vintage show from March 27, 1999 at Garton’s in Vail, CO.

Featuring: George Porter Jr (bass), Brint Anderson (gtr), Jeffrey Alexander (dr), Michael Lemmler (rhodes, synth), John Gros (B3, synth).

for download, please visit: https://mega.nz/folder/fagRkBZL#Z8mmf9D1y4s5DNzfltUm6A


Still Learning with George Porter Jr.

By William Archambeault

Check out the online article by Antigravity magazine - Feb 2020.

http://antigravitymagazine.com/feature/still-learning-with-george-porter-jr/


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72nd Birthday Celebration Poster

George Porter Jr: 72nd Birthday Celebration Poster In LIMITED EDITION GOLD FOIL VARIANT (Band and Artist Signed: J.T. Lucchesi) and Standard White Paper Editions (Artist Signed: J.T. Lucchesi) Get yours while supplies last.



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George Porter Jr. Trio with Steve Kimock - Live at Fur Peace Ranch - August 24, 2019

This concert is SOLD OUT and part of the 2019 concert series at Jorma Kaukoen's Fur Peace Ranch! http://www.furpeaceranch.com




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Cam Marston

When musicians speak one-on-one to George Porter, Jr., they often share that he's a role model of theirs, he's their inspiration for playing the bass or the drums, or even for choosing to play funky music in the first place. George is polite. He smiles and says "thank you very much." I catch up with him after a long night in his home studio preparing some recordings for a New Orleans Jazz Fest release.

https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/9301775/tdest_id/803962


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Andy Frasco’s World Saving Podcast (ep33) ft. George Porter Jr.

We have the funkiest man alive, George Porter Jr. from The Meters on the Season Two premiere this week. Plus! Annabel Lukins Stelling from Jam Cruise is my guest cohost. We recap the magic from the boat and all things funky… Episode 33 is now live everywhere.

iTunes: https://goo.gl/HjBAMw
Spotify: https://goo.gl/CZRurH
Stitcher: https://goo.gl/b3nLVA



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Bonus Tracks

A little lagniappe funk from the CD “You Can’t Beat The Funk” - visit the audio page and download (2) previously unreleased bonus tracks: “Borro” and “Soul Machine” right now!





The Meters win Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

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The Meters, fiery funkmeisters of New Orleans, were awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on Sunday (Jan. 28) during The Recording Academy ceremonies in Los Angeles. Read more from Doug MacCash's local NOLA.com article here


The meters honored on the official 2017 new Orleans Jazz & Heritage poster.

The Meters will be celebrating their 50th anniversary with a special appearance at the 2017 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival, performing on Sunday, May 7.

The official poster for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell features a portrait of The Meters by artist Francis X. Pavy, who also created the Neville Brothers portrait of the 1997 Jazz Fest poster.  –

For more information, visit: http://www.nojazzfest.com/

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Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
November 28, 2016

Lifetime Achievement recipient tells the story of the Meters, along with some great memories of those early days, growing up in New Orleans!

Hailing from New Orleans, LA, George Porter, Jr. is an in-demand bassist, session player and producer. He’s best known for his work in the popular funk band, the Meters, alongside Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli and Joe “Zigaboo” Modeliste.

In addition to his work with the Meters, Porter has also performed and/or recorded with a long list of internationally recognized artists, including Allen Toussaint, Paul McCartney, Patti LaBelle, Jimmy Buffett, David Byrne, Tori Amos, Robbie Robertson, Warren Haynes, John Scofield, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann and many others.

Today, George remains as busy as ever, performing regularly in several bands, including occasional reunions with the original Meters lineup, as well as the modern-day version of the band, now known as the Funky Meters.

FBPO’s Jon Liebman caught up with George at the 2016 gathering of Bass Player Live! in Hollywood, where Porter was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Bass Player magazine.

Watch the full interview online at: http://forbassplayersonly.com/george-porter-jr/


This Wonderful Interview with George Porter Jr. is All About Love, Music, and Smiles

Since we opened our doors, New Orlean’s finest, George Porter Jr., has been a regular among our artist repertoire. From sitting in with Soulive to many memorable evenings with the funky METERs, it’s always a treat when George is in our house. On Thursday, August 4th, he’ll play alongside his Runnin’ Pardners, Dumpstaphunk, Dr. John, Eric Krasno, and more for Aaron Neville‘s 75th Birthday Celebration! Before the funk festivities commence, we sat down with George Porter Jr. for an energy filled interview. Check out more of George Porter's Interview w/ The Brooklyn Bowl Blog at: http://www.brooklynbowl.com/blog/interviews/this-wonderful-interview-with-george-porter-jr-is-all-about-love-music-and-smiles/

Advance tickets for this show are still available at http://bkbwl.co/uz


Music Inside Out w/ Gwen Thompkins (WWNO Radio 89.9FM) features George Porter Jr.

Music Inside Out is a weekly radio program that celebrates the music and musicians of Louisiana and explores both their influences and their impact around the world. Host Gwen Thompkins is an enthusiastic believer in great music and you hear that, week after week.

Tune in to Music Inside Out on WWNO 89.9 FM in New Orleans Thursdays at 7:00p and Saturdays at Noon. And you can listen to the shows right here, online, anytime. For more information, visit: http://musicinsideout.wwno.org/george-porter-jr/


Second show added to 'The Last Waltz' 40th anniversary tribute at The Saenger TheatRE. 
Friday APril 29th & Saturday April 30th, 2016.

Blackbird Presents is proud to announce “Last Waltz New Orleans: A Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of The Last Waltz.” Set to take place Saturday, April 30th at New Orleans’ historic Saenger Theatre, the all-star event pays tribute to The Band’s…

Blackbird Presents is proud to announce “Last Waltz New Orleans: A Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of The Last Waltz.” Set to take place Saturday, April 30th at New Orleans’ historic Saenger Theatre, the all-star event pays tribute to The Band’s milestone final concert through unprecedented performances from an extraordinary line up of artists including lead members of The Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule, The Radiators, The Meters, Bonerama, and many more. “Last Waltz New Orleans: A Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of The Last Waltz” will also serve as a singular memorial to the late Allen Toussaint, showcasing the powerful horn charts the great New Orleans musician created for 1976’s original Last Waltz concert. For more information, please visit www.blackbirdpresents.com


RIFf RAFF W/ SHANE THERIOT - Episode 3 featuring George Porter Jr. (The Meters)

My guest is Mr. George Porter Jr. George - best known for being the bassist for the “architects of funk” - The Meters, the funkiest band to ever come out of New Orleans and, for that matter, anywhere. His bass lines get under your skin and won’t let go. Along with Zigaboo Modeliste on drums, Art Neville on keys and Leo Nocentelli on guitar, The Meters invented a type of funk that has been widely copied (and sampled) for many years now. 

In the interview I ask George about his influences, what he looks for in a drummer, trivial questions on various Meters folklore, why Paul McCartney said George was his favorite bass player, Allen Toussaint sessions, the proper way to play “Cissy Strut”, unison guitar/bass lines,etc…OH…and we play a lot of stuff together. Hope you enjoy. 

Recorded at the Parlor Studio, New Orleans, LA - Feb 2016. 

For more info, visit: http://shanetheriot.com/shane-s-podcast-the-riff-raff/blog/episode-3-with-george-porter-jr-the-meters


One of the most influential bass players of our time, George Porter Jr. of the Meters teaches a few of his favorite lines and discusses life and music with David Ellenbogen. Full interview (this only the second half) at the podcast NYC Radio Live. http://www.nycradiolive.org/georgeporterjr/


THE NEW EP RELEASE BY GEORGE PORTER JR. AND RUNNIN' PARDNERS IS Now Available!

A new (4) four song EP featuring tracks co-written by Anders Osborne, Johnny Vidacovich, Tony Hall and Denise Sullivan. Featuring: George Porter Jr (bs), Brint Anderson (gtr), Michael Lemmler (keys), Terrence Houston (drs), Khris Royal (reeds), Tony Hall (gtr). 

George Porter Jr. has been a pillar of funk for over 45 years, both in New Orleans and in a universal sense. His work with The Meters stands as the cornerstone of funk music,and he has been running hard with his project George Porter Jr. & The Runnin Pardners since 1990. George is pleased to announce the release of their new EP It's Time To Funk, just in time for Jazz Fest. It's Time To Funk is available in digital format at Leeway's Home Grown Music Network , and in New Orleans during Jazz Fest at the Louisiana Music Factory. 

Over the past year and a half, George Porter Jr. has been collaborating with some amazing musician friends, and these four songs are only a taste of the 28 tracks he has written since his last release Can't Beat the Funk in 2011. It's Time To Funk pays tribute to his sentimental side, and it has some solid grooves to get you off your seat and onto your feet as well. 


L4LM EXCLUSIVE: KICK OFF JAZZFEST WITH FUNKY GEORGE PORTER JR. VIDEO INTERVIEW

George talks about the evolution of the term "Funk," how he approaches sit ins and just how eager he is to play "Cissy Strut" for the 14 zillionth time!

Also, we're including a schedule of his many, many shows around the Crescent City throughout the Festival. Enjoy!  

Video by Rex Thomson. Photography by Jeffrey Dupuis.



All Photography courtesy of Jeffrey Dupuis, unless otherwise credited.  Web Maintenance: D Stocker.