George Porter Jr., born on December 26, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a celebrated American musician and songwriter, renowned for his pioneering contributions to the funk genre. As a bassist and vocalist, Porter co-founded The Meters in 1965 alongside Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli, and Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste. The Meters are credited as one of the progenitors of funk, creating a distinctive sound characterized by syncopated polyrhythms and grooves deeply rooted in New Orleans' rich African musical heritage. Their 1969 hit "Cissy Strut" became a significant commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the R&B chart and No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Meters served as the house band for Allen Toussaint's recording label, backing numerous artists including Dr. John, Paul McCartney, and Patti LaBelle. They also toured with the Rolling Stones and influenced a wide range of musicians from Led Zeppelin to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band's music has been extensively sampled by hip-hop artists such as A Tribe Called Quest and N.W.A.

After The Meters disbanded in 1977, Porter continued to thrive as a session musician, collaborating with artists like David Byrne, Tori Amos, and members of the Grateful Dead. He formed his own band, the Runnin' Pardners, in 1990, which has released several albums and continues to perform. The original Meters lineup reunited for special performances, including a notable appearance at Jazzfest in 2006.

Porter remains an influential figure in music, celebrated for his contributions to funk and his enduring legacy in New Orleans' vibrant music scene.