Paul Porter

Detroit, Michigan-based gospel artist Paul Porter was a member of the Stellar-nominated group the Christianaires, who were active from the late '80s through the first half of the 2000s. As a solo artist, Porter -- who has been singing since the age of three -- debuted on the Light label in 2008 with the album A New Day, which featured an appearance from fellow Michigander Rance Allen, as well as one from Harvey Watkins, Jr., and peaked at number 21 on Billboard's gospel chart. Porter later signed to Motown Gospel, where he released F.R.E.E. in 2014. Another robust set of gospel that combined traditional and contemporary sounds while leaning toward the former, it reached number 33 on the gospel chart. Porter has also collaborated with the likes of the Jackson Southernaires, the Williams Brothers, and the Canton Spirituals. ~ Andy Kellman