Powerful, moving, inspired and elegant are only some of the words commonly used to describe international recording and vocal artist, Cheryl Porter. A polished performer who has graced the stage in over 15 countries and has 14 albums to her credit, this versatile artist has distinguished herself by making every musical style her own.
With a rich and powerful voice deeply rooted in the "Spirituals" tradition, her albums range from Gospel, Jazz, Folk, Inspirational and classical. With expressive and heartfelt interpretations, her captivating voice reaches into the soul of every listener. She is a storyteller, She takes you on an emotional ride… she bears her soul…and tells her secrets.
The singer's musical journey began in 1990 when she auditioned for the Northern Illinois University School of Music as a joke, but the joke turned serious when the university, so impressed by her talent, offered her a full vocal scholarship to study opera. Stunned, Cheryl Porter accepted the scholarship and began classical vocal training under the tutelage of renowned soprano, Dr. Edna Williams and Grammy nominated bass, Myron Myers.
Her musical interests expanded, however, after the great jazz educator and trumpeteer, Ron Modell discovered that Cheryl’s musical talents exceeded far more than just classical music. In 1998 Cheryl was recruited as lead vocalist for the prestigious Northern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble, one of the best university jazz bands in the country, known for collaborations with Quincy Jones, Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, Mel Torme, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington. For two years Cheryl found herself on tour throughout America with jazz legends Tito Puente, Marshall Royal, Paquito D'Rivera, Claudio Roditi, Dennis DiBlasio, Bob Mintzer of the Yellow Jackets, Hal Crook, The Brecker Brothers and others jazz greats.
Cheryl Porter now resides in Europe and continues to inspire audiences all over the world. She has shared the stage with stars such as Bono of “U2”, Andrea Bocelli, Mariah Carey, Dave Brubeck, Paolo Conte, Katia Ricciarelli, David Crosby, Take 6, Blues Brothers 2000 and was invited to perform at the wedding of the greatest tenor in the world, Luciano Pavarotti in 2003.
Cheryl’s recorded CDs include: “In the Spirit”, “Best Loved Spirituals", “Mina in Black”, “Cheryl Porter and The Gospel Train”, “Cheryl Porter Sings Best Loved Gershwin”, “Cheryl Porter Classic Blues”, “These Foolish Things”, “Cheryl Porter Christmas”, “Music in the Air”, “Simply Cheryl”, “Falling In Love”, “Jazz Christmas”, “I.G.M. Live in Chicago”, and “What’s Going On”, nominated for best live recording of the year by Live Music Magazine in 2002.