No one would blame David Porter if he focused exclusively on Memphis’ past. After all, Porter is one of the all-time great songwriters and producers and half of the duo, with the late Isaac Hayes, behind classics such as “Hold On, I’m Coming” and “Soul Man.” The first Black songwriter on the Stax staff, Porter penned songs that have moved more than 350 million units worldwide — and countless bodies on the dance floor. Last year, Porter released “Chapter 1: Back in the Day” — his first album under his own name in 50 years. With Made in Memphis Entertainment, which Porter founded in 2015, and the nonprofit Consortium MMT, Porter is pouring his efforts into revitalizing the local music business for future generations.

– Memphis Business Journal