Gregory Porter’s public appearances on shows like Good Morning Britain have often left viewers perplexed as to why he is constantly seen wearing a flat cap with a balaclava-style strap that runs under his chin. We’ll learn more about why Gregory Porter wears a balaclava in this post.
Gregory Porter, a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, has amassed a sizable fan base throughout the world because of his beautiful jazz songs and recognizable baritone voice.
The Grammy Award for only Best Jazz Vocal Album has gone to the 50-year-old twice, first in 2014 for Liquid Spirit and then in 2017 for Take Me To The Alley.
Why Does Gregory Porter Wear A Balaclava?
Gregory began wearing the hat, a Kangol Summer Spitfire with a modified strap, to conceal the scars he received after skin surgery.
In 2012, he acknowledged to Jazz Weekly, “I’ve had some surgery on my skin, so this has been my look for a little time and will continue to be for a while longer.”
Although he never discusses the scars in detail, telling the BBC that he wants to be known for his heart and sound rather than his hat, he added: ‘People recognize me by it today.’ ‘It is what it is,’ says Gregory.
Gregory Porter Hat Reason, Why Does He Cover His Face?
Gregory has since opened up to Metro.co.uk about his now-famous headgear, revealing in a 2020 interview: ‘It began out as a way to disguise some scars after surgery, but it’s turned into my style.’ It was freezing in Denver when I was there. I wore five layers of clothing as well as a cap. ‘As it warmed up, I realized, ‘Actually, this is comfy, and this is a look.’ ‘Oh yeah, that’s the guy with the hat,’ someone said when I started singing in a jazz club in Denver. As a result, it became a thing.’
He also told Metro.co.uk in 2020 that he’s become so associated with the hat that people recognize him even when he’s not on stage or on vacation.
Gregory Porter Biography Details
Gregory Porter was born in Sacramento, California, and grew up in Bakersfield, where his mother Ruth worked as a minister.
Porter is the youngest of seven siblings. His mother, who pushed him to sing in church at a young age, had a significant impact on his life. Rufus, his father, was mostly absent from his life.
Porter has gotten positive praise since his debut on the Motéma label in 2010.
At the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, his debut album, Water, was nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album.