Billy Porter: My Favorite Things
By Keith Boykin, in theater
Monday, November 21 2005, 5:16PM
You may have seen him on Law and Order. Or perhaps you caught him singing on Broadway. You may have heard him in concert at Joe's Pub in New York. You may have listened to his new CD, At the Corner of Broadway & Soul. Or you may have seen him for the first time last Thursday on the Oprah Winfrey Show. His name is Billy Porter, and he's a self-described "Ghetto Superstar," or at least that's the colorful name of his show.
I've seen Billy perform a couple of times this year alone. I loved him at Joe's Pub. And I loved him when he performed at the annual dinner for the National Black Justice Coalition in September. He sings two of my favorite songs in the world. The first is King of the World and the other is World's Gon' Hav 2 Wait. So it was my pleasure to speak to Billy recently and explore a little slice of his world by finding out what he does online.
I ran into Billy last week at the fabulous book release party for his partner Ari Gold. Billy's come a long way from Pittsburgh, where he started singing at age 4 at the Friendship Baptist Church. He received formal training at Carnegie Mellon University and graduated with a B.F.A in drama. His first national exposure came back in 1992 when he was crowned the $100,000 male vocalist grand champion on Ed McMahon’s Star Search. Since then, he's done it all.
Next Monday, Billy will be performing in concert at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street, in New York. The concert is in celebration of his sophomore CD release, "At The Corner Of Broadway & Soul- Live from Joe’s Pub." Show times are 7 and 9:30 p.m. For more information about him, check out Billy at his website, billyporter.com. In the meantime, here are Billy's five favorite websites.
Billy Porter's Five Favorite Web Sites
1. arigold.com
He's my boyfriend and he's fierce. I sit in awe and watch everyday as he molds and shapes is creative life and career. His work ethic is an inspiration and a motivation to me in ways that he'll never really understand. Check out the website, you'll see what I mean.
2. broadway.com
I'm a broadway kid, so this is one of the places I stay up on my Broadway news.
3. broadwayworld.com
This site is a less corporate approach to The Great White Way. It feels more personal. It has heart.
4. dictionary.com
I receive a word for the day - EVERYDAY! A diva has to be well spoken!
5. nytimes.com
I read all the headlines to get my news for the day. A diva's work is never, ever done!
Comments conceal
Forever Barri
November 21 2005, 5:27PM
Keith, we are both fans of this very talented man. I was fortunate enough to get a copy of his first album entitled "Untitled" and I knew then that he was a force to be reckoned with. I wish that his music would go mainstream so hje could perform on awards shows and show the generic singers how it is suppose to be done.
jazzi
November 21 2005, 6:58PM
He hosted a PBS special concerning gay issues. That's how I first became aware of him. I visited his site, listened to his music. Great voice. To bad the mainstream media is so image driven & true talent lacking. This guy's star would shine brighter than it already is.
Bernie
November 21 2005, 8:21PM
I'll be in the audience on the 28th for his show at Joe's Pub. I highly recommend fellow readers do the same.
www.dream2.org
November 21 2005, 8:37PM
billy b-friend is hot. lol. it is so nice that you showcase these obvious successful black gay men and women. it's inspirational.
Regan DuCasse
November 22 2005, 11:35AM
Hear! Hear!
Love this man too.
What a class act!
castiron
November 22 2005, 1:37PM
I love Billy Porter. I love the title song he sung, Wings of An Angel, for Diane Keaton's movie a few years ago called First Wives' Club.
I am also inspired by the clip of Billy on the LOGO channel in which he speaks from a voice of confidence and pride about that fact that he is gay.
Stay strong and keep lookin' up, Billy
Bluedevil04
November 23 2005, 10:16AM
Billy Porter did "Wings of Angel" from First Wives Club? OMG!! I love that song!!!! I was wondering who did it. To the record store I go after work.
Mark Norris
November 23 2005, 9:12PM
I first saw Billy on a Logo television commercial. He had me caught. I love his spirit and he is very outspoken. To quote him, "I am gay, there is nothing wrong with it, and it is not gonna change. " " And I am gonna live a fabulous life." And Mr. Porter you are living that fabulous life.
Mark
Tjones
November 24 2005, 1:39AM
Since people will be looking for it, the song from The First Wives Club is actually called "Love is On The Way." The song appears on Billy's A&M release "Untitled" and on the "First Wives Club Soundtrack." Celine Dion went on to re-record a note for note cover of the song for an album a few years later.
With support of decision makers in the media, Billy WILL have breakthrough success. You guys help by purchasing his music - visit www.billyporter.com - and telling your friends. Don't do it because he's gay...do it because he's remarkable and DESERVES IT.
gamage
November 26 2005, 6:27PM
Remember he also had role in the flick Broken Hearts Club w/ the late Paul Winfield back in 2000. I'd love to see and hear more of him. I have both cd's and cannot wait until the next!