George Porter Jr.

New Orleans music royalty, George Porter Jr. played bass for The Meters, The Funky Meters, and was the most sought-after sessions bassist during and after the funk revolution of the 70s and 80s. Porter launched his own quartet, Runnin’ Pardners, in the late 80s. They released their latest album, Porter’s Pockets, in 2025. A king of Crescent City, Porter’s contribution to the evolution of funk music profoundly influenced rap, R&B, and rock ‘n’ roll. The Meters are considered the progenitors of funk along with Sly & The Family Stone and Parliament-Funkadelic. Considered “one of the greatest bass players who has ever lived” (Pitchfork) . You’ve heard Porter play bass in Patty LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade” as well as sampled in hip-hop hits from RUN-DMC, A Tribe Called Quest, and Queen Latifah.