Nolan Porter

Nolan Frederick Porter (May 10, 1949 – February 4, 2021)^[1] was an American R&B singer and songwriter^[2] who recorded two albums and six singles in the early 1970s. His best known song is "Keep On Keeping On", which became popular on the northern soul scene. In 1978 the band Joy Division used the guitar riff from Porter's song for their song "Interzone" on their debut album Unknown Pleasures.^{[3][note 1]}

Biography

Based in Los Angeles, Porter's first recorded song (as Nolan) was a version of Van Morrison's "Crazy Love" released on the Lizard label in 1971. Two other 45s were released on Lizard, including "Keep On Keeping On" before he switched to the larger imprint ABC for two final 45 releases. The first of these, "If I Could Only Be Sure" would become a popular song in UK northern soul dance halls. It was covered by Paul Weller and released on his Studio 150 album in 2004. Porter also recorded "Groovin' (Out On Life)" as Frederick II on Gabriel Mekler's Vulture label and earned a small R&B hit.^[4] Porter was also married to Frank Zappa's sister Candy.^[5]

Porter died at his home in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, on February 4, 2021, at age 71.^[1][6]

Album releases

Porter released two albums. The first, No Apologies, appeared in 1970 on Mekler's Lizard imprint and features songs by

In August 1972, Porter returned to the studio to record his second and last album, Nolan.[8] The album contained four new songs and re-recorded mixes^{[citation needed]} of older songs such as "Groovin (Out On Life)" and "If I Could Only Be Sure". The album and an accompanying single "Singer Man" resulted in few takers. Mekler's labels collapsed towards the end of 1973 and Porter's short recording career came to an end. Material he recorded later in the decade was not released.^[9]

Porter continued working in Los Angeles nightclubs as a musician and comedian. He also performed in clubs in his home country and overseas in Spain and United Kingdom.

Notes

References