David Porter
David Porter, born on November 21, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, is a prominent American record producer, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He grew up in a modest neighborhood, and his early life in Memphis greatly influenced his musical career. Porter is best known for being part of the legendary songwriting duo with Isaac Hayes, responsible for crafting many of soul music's most enduring songs, which contributed significantly to the genre's development during the 1960s and 1970s.
Porter began his music career at Stax Records, where he played a pivotal role as a songwriter and producer. His collaborations with Hayes resulted in numerous hits, and his work is often credited as part of the foundation that established Stax as one of the premier soul music labels. Not only has Porter contributed to the success of Stax, but he also took on a leadership role in the relaunch of the label.
In addition to songwriting, Porter is recognized for his entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic efforts, exemplifying his commitment to the music industry and his community. He has been an influential figure within the Recording Academy, where he serves on the Board of Trustees, ensuring that the interests of artists are represented.
Throughout his career, David Porter has received several accolades, including the Presidents Award in 2017, highlighting his contributions to music and his impact on the industry. His legacy is that of a versatile artist who has shaped the sound of soul music and fostered the growth of new talent within the industry.
Victim Of The Joke
Written-By – David Porter, Roni LeBeau, Ronnie Williams 2:26
A2 When You Have To Sneak (You Have To Sneak)
Written-By – David Porter, Ronnie Williams 3:29
A3 Help
Written-By – John Lennon, Paul McCartney 3:37
A4 I'm Afraid The Masquerade Is Over
Written-By – Allie Wrubel, Herb Magidson 9:43
B1 Storm In The Summertime
Written-By – David Porter, Ronnie Williams 5:45
B2 Pretty Inside
Written-By – David Porter, Ronnie Williams 3:33
B3 Human
Written-By – Luther Dixon 3:48
B4 Airplane Ticket, Bus Ride, Can I Borrow Your Car?
Written-By – David Porter, Ronnie Williams 3:46
Label: Enterprise – ENS-1019
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
David Porter's 1971 album, Victim of the Joke? An Opera, is highly regarded by critics and fans as an innovative and ambitious "orchestral soul" concept album that was ahead of its time. It is particularly praised for its complex arrangements, unique narrative structure, and standout track "(I'm Afraid) The Masquerade Is Over".
The album is notable for its use of spoken dialogue and sound effects between songs to tell the story of a love affair, effectively creating a "soul opera". This ambitious, theatrical approach was a groundbreaking move for a soul album at the time, leading to its description as a "unique rarity from the Stax vaults".
Critics highlight its complex, orchestral soul sound, which some compare to a modern Broadway musical or the work of Isaac Hayes and Barry White, but with a unique edge. While some find the orchestration occasionally overshadows the raw soul feel, the compositions themselves ("Storm In The Summertime," "Human") are considered great.
Porter's dramatic rendition of the standard "(I'm Afraid) The Masquerade Is Over" is universally considered a strong point and often cited as worth the price of the album alone. This track has achieved classic status and has been extensively sampled by numerous hip-hop and R&B artists, including The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, and Mary J. Blige.
The album's grooves have been widely sampled by artists like the Wu-Tang Clan and Madlib, which speaks to its enduring influence and the quality of its production.
The album holds a high average rating among users on sites like Discogs (4.42/5) and receives enthusiastic customer reviews, with many praising its "fantastic" quality and "soul/funk masterpiece" status.
Despite not featuring the "flamboyance" of contemporaries like Isaac Hayes, David Porter successfully crafted a highly creative and influential album that has stood the test of time. While the spoken interludes might not be for everyone, the quality of the pop-infused soul music and Porter's expressive vocals make Victim of the Joke? An Opera a cherished and unique piece of soul music history.