(upbeat music) (jazz music) - Good morning, my mini historians.

I love jazz music and the smooth sounds of the saxophone.

My friend Damen can really play and he sounds just like another saxophonist that I love to listen to named Art Porter Jr. Arthur Lee Porter Jr, also known as Art Porter Jr was born on August 2nd, 1961 in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Thelma and Arthur Porter Sr. His father, Arthur Porter Sr. was a renowned pianist, conductor, composer and music teacher.

Art began his career under the lead of his father.

At just 16, Art was awarded the title of most talented jazz artist in America by the Music Educators of America.

This honor included an opportunity to perform as a soloist with a US Marine band and jazz great Dizzy Gillespie in 1977.

Yet he wouldn't stop there.

He continued to win state and regional competitions before he even graduated from Parkview Performing Arts High School in 1979.

His talent was so great that Bill Clinton, who worked in the Arkansas local government then, created a bill so that young performers could play in adult venues if their parents were with them.

The law became the Art Porter Bill.

That's huge, right?

While in college, Art earned several certificates of excellence in jazz.

He graduated from Northeastern University in Chicago Illinois in 1986.

Art began recording music professionally with his debut album in 1992.

In fact, Art released a total of four albums throughout the nineties.

Unfortunately, Art Porter isn't here with us today.

He passed away in 1996.

After his passing, he was inducted into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame, Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, and Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame solidifying his legacy for years to come.

What an amazing historical figure we have here in our state.

Thank you students for learning a little bit more with me and don't forget about the jazz legend Art Porter Jr. Bye.

(jazz music)