(September 11, 2024) The multi-talented Billy Porter recalled an incident from his youth that will resonate with anyone who grew up near one of America’s premier colleges. A Pittsburgh native, Porter grew up performing in several groups, honing the acting and singing skills that earned him Grammy, Tony and Emmy awards.
Porter planned to move to New York to pursue his dreams when fate and a caring high school teacher intervened. The teacher implored Porter to apply to Carnegie Mellon University, a college with a world renown drama program. Porter said he could drive to the university in 12 minutes from his house but had no exposure the school. Like many people from working class backgrounds, Porter lived geographically close to one of America’s great colleges while being culturally and economically disconnected from it.
Porter would have gone to New York unprepared without hearing and following his teacher’s advice. Instead, Porter earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Carnegie Mellon. Porter was ready when he did arrive in New York. He’s an award-winning actor on stage and television, as well as an award-winning singer who can belt out show tunes, gospel and R&B with equal skill.
And as Porter shows on “Not Today,” the new single from the EP Black Mona Lisa, Vol. 2: The Cookout Sessions, his skills as a vocalist who can handle 1970s era disco infused funk should not be slept on.
The song’s subject matter – a people rising to speak truth to power while throwing off yokes of oppression and apathy – is timely during an election year. While the bouncy, percolating bass line, the tight horns, percussion and lush strings endow “Not Today” with a 1970s funky disco feel, Porter uses every arrow in his vocal quiver, from gospel to musical theater and soul.
“Not Today” is a joyful anthem for people rising to challenge those who want to hold them back. Check it out here,
By Howard Dukes
