Arthur Lee “Art” Porter was a gifted pianist, equally at home in the worlds of classical and jazz music. In addition, he was known for his roles as choir conductor and music teacher, among other talents. Porter’s papers, along with those of many family members, are housed with the UALR Center for Arkansas History and Culture, Porter Family Papers, 1902-1996, UALR.MS.0188.
Porter was born on February 8, 1934, in Little Rock, the second of two children, to Eugene Porter, Sr., a stonemason, and Lillie Mae Porter, both of Louisiana.
Porter’s musical ability became evident at an early age. He played his first piano recital at age twelve. By age fourteen, he hosted a half-hour classical music radio program on KLRA-AM. Porter enhanced his musical talents by formally studying music. In May 1954, he earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical, and Normal College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), and in 1975 he earned a master’s degree in music from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.
On July 22, 1993, Porter died of lung cancer. He was greatly eulogized at the time of his death, especially by his church, Bethel AME, as he was the organist for thirty-five years. Today, Porter’s legacy continues through his archival collection, The Porter Family Papers, which explores the man’s life as musician, family man, and community supporter.