American jazz singer Gregory Porter is well-known for having a strong, soulful voice. In interviews and conversations about jazz, he frequently highlights the importance of the black male voice. Porter, who was born and reared in Los Angeles, uses his diverse cultural upbringing to produce music that appeals to both tradition and modernity.

Porter notes the existence of numerous gifted female vocalists when discussing the diversity of jazz, but he also highlights the distinctiveness of the male voices in this genre, especially those of the Black community. He contends that these voices have a unique quality that transcends their sound and has a strong connection to jazz's origins and past.

Think of jazz as an ancient oak tree that has strong ties to African American culture. The branches encompass a wide range of artists and styles, each of whom adds something special. The black male voice, which has its own unique strength and character, is the branch that Porter is emphasizing. This voice blends grief, hope, resiliency, and joy as it recounts tales from earlier generations.

Porter's remarks demonstrate his profound appreciation of jazz as a cultural legacy that should be respected and conserved, rather than merely as music. He hopes that by highlighting this point, listeners will recognize the historical significance as well as the beauty inherent in these voices.