Art Porter

Art Porter (1961-1996) was an American jazz saxophonist known for his smooth jazz style that blended elements of R&B and contemporary jazz. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Porter began playing the saxophone at a young age and later moved to Chicago to pursue his music career.

He released several albums throughout the 1990s, with notable works including "Gentle Rain" (1992), "Undercover" (1994), and "Art & Soul" (1996). His music is characterized by melodic improvisation and a polished, accessible sound that contributed to the popularity of smooth jazz during that era.

Porter's impact extended beyond his recordings; he was also a talented composer and producer. He collaborated with several prominent artists, including George Benson and Kirk Whalum. Tragically, Porter’s life was cut short when he died in a boating accident in 1996 at the age of 35. Despite his brief career, he left a lasting legacy in the smooth jazz genre, influencing many musicians and helping to shape the sound of contemporary jazz in the 1990s.