About this Event
Book Talk | The Soul Man
Join us Wednesday, June 10th for a powerful, one-night-only conversation between legendary Stax songwriter David Porter and Paul Shaffer, the longtime musical director and bandleader for the Late Show with David Letterman.
Together, they'll dive deep into the stories, songs and legacy Porter chronicles in his debut memoir The Soul Man, a firsthand account of the music that helped define a generation. Don't miss this rare chance to experience two icons live at Housing Works!
About the Author
David Porter, a pivotal figure in soul music, was the first staff writer at Stax Records, where he co-wrote iconic hits like “Soul Man,” “Hold On I’m Comin’,” “I Thank You,” “When Something is Wrong with my Baby,” and “Wrap it Up,” many alongside Isaac Hayes.
His songs, which have appeared on national charts over 200 times and amassed lifetime unit sales exceeding 450 million, are enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame and have influenced soul, R&B, and hip-hop, with over 450 samples in tracks like Mariah Carey’s “Dreamlover,” Will Smith’s “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.,” and The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Who Shot Ya.”
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 with Hayes, Porter was featured in HBO’s 2023 Stax Records special and founded The Consortium MMT, cementing his legacy as a genre-defining songwriter.
Praise for The Soul Man: Life of Songwriter David Porter
"Essential reading for those who were touched by the magic and majesty that was Soul Music."
-- Bruce Springsteen
"There ain't no soul music without David Porter ... it's a great read about an important part of American music!"
-- Keith Richards
"His contributions to Stax, The Memphis Sound, and all of American Soul music are incomparable."
-- Al Bell, Stax Records, President & Owner
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, 126 Crosby Street, New York, United States
USD 0.00
