July 22, 1993

Little Rock (Pulaski County) native Art Porter Sr., a popular and remarkably talented musician who played jazz, classical, and spiritual music, died from lung cancer. Some of his more memorable performances include two gubernatorial inaugurations for Governor Bill Clinton. Joined by his son Art Porter Jr. on saxophone, he performed at President Clinton’s Inaugural Interfaith Prayer Service in January 1993 at one of the inaugural receptions in Washington DC. Porter was also responsible for entertaining many heads of state who visited Arkansas during the tenure of Governors Dale Bumpers, David Pryor, and Jim Guy Tucker. Porter is buried at National Cemetery in Little Rock.