Gregory Porter, the popular American singer, songwriter and musician, has opened up on why he wears his signature hat which has now become a part of his identity.
For the record, Gregory Porter is known for his incredible vocal abilities. He has captivated audiences worldwide with his soulful voice and distinctive jazz stylings. Having won the Grammy Award twice for Best Jazz Vocal Album, there is no doubt that Porter has solidified his place as one of the most influential contemporary jazz artists.
However, beyond his remarkable talent, one element of his persona consistently draws curiosity—the signature black deerstalker cap that has become his trademark. The singer is never seen without his signature hat. But there is a special reason why he keeps wearing it.
The Story Behind The Iconic Hat Of Gregory Porter
Gregory Porter has revealed that there is a special reason why he wears his signature hat and it is not just because of he wants to make a fashion statement. As a matter of fact, Porter’s signature headwear is far from being just a fashion statement.
In a 2012 interview with Jazz Weekly, the artist revealed that he began wearing the cap due to past skin surgery. “This has been my look for a little while and will continue to be for a while longer,” he shared.
Further explaining its origins in a 2016 interview with The Telegraph, Porter recalled receiving facial scars at the age of seven or eight, though he chose not to elaborate on the details.
Also, speaking to Metro in 2020, he confirmed that the hat initially served to cover his scars but gradually became a key part of his image. “It started off covering some scars from surgery, but it’s become my style,” he stated.
The hat also has practical origins. While performing in Denver, Porter wore it to stay warm. “I was wearing five layers of clothing, and I wore a hat. It warmed up, and I thought, ‘Actually, this is comfortable; this is a look.’ I started to sing in a jazz club in Denver, and people were like, ‘Oh yeah, that’s the guy with the hat.’ So it became a thing.”
A Heartbreaking Family Tragedy
Gregory Porter’s life has been marked by profound personal loss. In May 2020, he suffered the devastating loss of his brother, Lloyd Cornelius Porter, who passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Despite extensive medical treatment, Lloyd’s condition deteriorated. Before his brother was taken off the ventilator, Gregory sang to him one final time, with tears in his eyes.
Reflecting on this deeply emotional moment in an interview with The Irish Times, Porter recounted, “I sang to him. But in the middle of my song, I realized—he’s not there. I don’t know if he was clinically dead at that point, but I could feel it.” The loss was compounded by the impersonal nature of the pandemic’s early wave, with Porter noting, “They were burning the bodies or freezing them. He went in, intubated that day—and he just disappeared.”
This was not the first time Porter experienced profound grief. He lost his mother at the age of 21, a moment that went on to significantly shape his musical journey to what it has become today. “Two days before she passed, she told me, ‘Gregory, music is the best thing you do. Don’t forget about your music.'” Her parting words have since served as a guiding force in his career.
Life Beyond Music: Family and Personal Passions
For Gregory Porter, life is not just about making music. Away from the spotlight, Porter cherishes a quiet life with his family. He resides in Bakersfield, California, with his wife, Victoria, and their two sons. A talented artist in her own right, Victoria enjoys painting and shares her passion with their children.
Porter also embraces his wife’s cultural background. “My wife is Russian, so both my son and I take Russian lessons. It’s fun working on my wife’s native language—and I guess it’s half of my son’s language too since he spends summers in Russia.”
Gregory Porter And His Enduring Legacy
Gregory Porter, who was recently unveiled as the “Dressed Crab” and runner-up on the American reality singing competition TV series The Masked Singer, has created a soulful music catalogue that continues to resonate with fans across the globe.
Porter’s journey is one of resilience, artistry, and emotional depth. Whether through his unmistakable voice, his poignant personal experiences, or his iconic style, he continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
As he balances his career, family life, and cultural explorations, his music remains a testament to the power of authenticity and passion.
