Mike Porter
Singer | Songwriter | Producer
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Biography
Mike Porter has been performing to a wide range of audiences from Tennessee to the Midwest states of Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois. He grew up near the small village of Bible Grove, Illinois (population 300). Mike was raised on Traditional and Contemporary Country, and the music of the 50’s and 60’s were also a large influence on his early love for music. This early interest in music molded Mike’s character and love for the up tempo styles of County and Rockabilly.
Mike also began to sing and harmonize with his sister, Marsha Banning, and the two became dubbed the “Panther Creek Duo”. In addition to singing with his sister, writing his own music and performing at venues across the Midwest, Mike began to also excel in the art of Yodeling... a passion that he has held and crafted since childhood. Mike was named The 2005 International Grand Champion Yodeler making yodeling songs always a unique favorite at his shows. He has won various awards, and performed on the same stage as Joe Diffie, Confederate Railroad, Clay Walker, Phil Vasser, Ronnie Mcdowell, and Loretta Lynn to name a few.
Mike currently has a total of 10 albums, with the most recent being, "Nashville Ain't Gonna Come To Me". This self written album has already earned two International awards and was named the 2008 Illinois Country Music Association’s Album Recording of the Year. In March 2007, Mike was awarded NACMAI Songwriter of the Year for the title track "Nashville Ain't Gonna Come To Me", and 2007 NACMAI Songwriter of the Year (Holiday) for "It just Don't Feel Like Christmas", featured on the album. He also has albums featuring his Classic Country, 50’s and 60’s and Yodeling favorites.
Mike has also earned the title of Illinois Country Music Association's Songwriter of the Year, Entertainer of the Year and the 2008 Male Vocalist in an Opry. He is the creator and MC/performer for the Illinois monthly Saturday Matinee opry, “The Gym Bob’s Jamboree Show” (www.GymBobs.com).
Mike Porter is currently scheduled for many road shows and festivals in 2017 to include The Mississippi Valley Fair, in Davenport, Iowa, (performing three shows a day). More dates can be found on the "Upcoming Gigs" page.