The Drop: Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a Tony- and GRAMMY-winning singer, composer, actor, playwright, and director from Pittsburgh, Pa. As a recording artist, Porter’s solo albums include his 1997 debut, Untitled (A&M Records), 2005’s At the Corner of Broadway + Soul – LIVE (Sh-K-Boom Records), and 2014’s Billy’s Back on Broadway (Concord Records). Porter originated the role of Lola in the Broadway hit Kinky Boots, which won him 2013 Tony, GRAMMY, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards. His other theatre credits include Miss Saigon, Grease, Dreamgirls, Ghetto Superstar (one-man show), and King Lear. His play, While I Yet Live, premiered in 2015 at Primary Stages. His film/TV credits include “Law & Order: SVU,” “So You Think You Can Dance” (as a guest judge), “The Humbling,” starring Al Pacino, and Baz Luhrmann’s “The Get Down.” Porter has performed at Carnegie Hall, and on the same bill as Rosie O’Donnell, Aretha Franklin, John McDaniel, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, The Buffalo Philharmonic, Peter Nero, and The Philly Pops. He has also performed solo for President Bill Clinton and at various benefits throughout the United States. Porter’s new studio album, Billy Porter Presents The Soul of Richard Rodgers, features new soulful takes on classic Richard Rodgers songs, as well as solos and duets from artists including Tony and GRAMMY winners Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple), Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton), and GRAMMY winners Pentatonix and India.Arie. The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome Billy Porter to the Clive Davis Theater for an intimate discussion on his distinguished career and latest album, followed by a special performance. The evening will be hosted by Scott Goldman, Executive Director of the GRAMMY Museum.