June 10, 1955

Musician Art Porter Sr. married Thelma Pauline Minton a year after graduating from Arkansas AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff). The couple had five children, all of whom were musically inclined. A special bill passed by the Arkansas legislature made it legal for minors to perform publicly as long as they were under adult supervision. This allowed the Porter children to perform with their father. Porter died on July 22, 1993, of lung cancer. He was eulogized at Bethel AME Church, where he was the organist for thirty-five years. He is buried at National Cemetery in Little Rock. A newspaper writer noted that Porter’s “natural gifts” were “polished by intelligence, flawless phrasing and good taste…with modesty.”

Share

SUPPORT THE EOA

Support the Encyclopedia of Arkansas with a one-time donation or a recurring monthly gift.

MAKE A DONATION TODAY

LATEST POSTS & ENTRIES

Get emails from the Encyclopedia of Arkansas to be notified about the latest blog posts, newest entries, and more.

SUBSCRIBE