George Porter Jr. — NOLA Music

Never heard George Porter Jr. before?

George Porter Jr. is the heartbeat of New Orleans funk. Born in New Orleans on December 26, 1947, he was a founding member of The Meters, where his bass — interlocked with Zigaboo Modeliste’s drums — created one of the most important rhythm sections ever assembled. His feel, tone, and creativity set the standard for funk bass playing worldwide, and he remains a constant presence on the city’s stages, leading his own band, the Runnin’ Pardners.

🎵 The Blueprint

“Cissy Strut” (1969)

🎬 Masterpiece

“Rejuvenation” (1974)

👑 Still Running

“Runnin’ Pardners” (1992)

Porter’s bass lines with The Meters became some of the most sampled grooves in hip-hop history — the foundation under countless tracks. He built the house; everybody else just moved in.

Why We Love George Porter Jr.

It’s the space. Porter plays as much with silence as with notes — every line breathes, every rest means something. His bass doesn’t just keep time; it tells you where to stand, how to move, when to shout. Generations of bass players have studied him, and nobody’s quite caught him.

And he’s still here, still teaching, still holding down the low end at Jazz Fest and clubs across the city. Porter treats the New Orleans groove as a living inheritance — something you learn, honor, and pass on. A living treasure isn’t a metaphor with him. It’s a job description.

Biography

The Heartbeat of New Orleans Funk

George Porter Jr. was born in New Orleans in 1947 and developed his bass style in the city's rich musical environment. As a founding member of The Meters, he was part of one of the most important rhythm sections ever assembled — his bass lines, interlocked with Zigaboo Modeliste's drums, created the signature New Orleans funk groove.

Porter's bass playing is characterized by an extraordinary sense of space and timing — he is as notable for what he doesn't play as for what he does. His lines are melodic and inventive while always serving the groove, and his tone is warm and defined in a way that has influenced generations of bass players.

"The bass is the foundation. Everything is built on what you do. So you'd better lay it down right."

— George Porter Jr.

After The Meters, Porter continued to perform and record prolifically, leading his own band, The Runnin' Pardners, and appearing on countless sessions and collaborations. He is a constant presence at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and at clubs throughout the city.

Porter is also a dedicated educator who has taught bass at music workshops and clinics throughout his career, passing on the New Orleans groove tradition to new generations. He remains one of the living treasures of the city's musical heritage.