Billy Porter: Ghetto Superstar

Talk about the genesis of your one-man "Ghetto Superstar."

The idea of doing a one-person show came initially out of my frustration of the lack of work that was available to me. The reality became, "If i don't create it - I'm going to be out of work!"

What does "Ghetto Superstar" mean for you at this juncture in your career?

It means that I'm growing up and beginning a the next phase of my creative career.

What was it like going back home to perform your one-man show?

Being home was very healing. The show is very much about facing your demons, and blowing their heads off! So there's really nothing more appropriate than to go back to where "the demons" where birthed.

Have you always been out, open with your sexuality or is "Ghetto Superstar" your formal announcement to the world?

I've always been out and open about my sexuality. However anytime an artist marks the journey in a creative form the formality of the moment takes over.

Is it right that you grew up in the church? How did the religious community from whence you came receive your show?

I did grow up in the Pentecostal church. Unfortunately, most of the people from my church world did not come to see the show. But the unfortunate reality is that they never really supported me, even when I wasn't talking openly about my gayness. However, my mother's journey has blown my mind. She never ceases to amaze me. She has come full circle in terms of her ideas about gayness as it relates to Christianity. She doesn't completely understand it, but she has made the conscious decision to embrace it - and love me for "The Man That I Am."

Do you feel vindicated in some sense, going back to Pittsburgh, a Broadway and recording star?

Don't stars have major bank accounts!!!!!
Vindicated? Eh - maybe, I guess.
More importantly, I feel free. Free of those home grown chains that binding me.

You’ve been working on Broadway for years. How does performing edify you? What does the life stage offer you that say, films and studio recording, cannot, does not?

They all offer me something that fuels my spirit. And I'm at the place now where my writing and creating more in a behind the scenes fashion is taking much more of a focus in my life. I have a lot to say. And it's time I started saying it!

In 1997 you dropped your eponymous debut. What was it like to have an album out, and how did A&M treat you as an artist?

Unfortunately, a lot of my album experience was marred by me not understanding why my record company was pretty much ignoring my project. I fell between lots of cracks and ended up with a lot of unfulfilled promises. My expectation of the industry was far beyond what any rational human being should invest. I lost myself there and it took me many years to get ME back! Only now am I beginning to experience the joy of having had such a wonderful accomplishment.

Undoubtedly singing is the cornerstone of what defines “Billy Porter” in the public’s eye. But you also have a degree in screenwriting from UCLA, and you’ve directed for the stage. Are these flights of fancy, or genuine interests of pursuit?

As I sort of hinted at earlier. I've realized that my vision reaches beyond what I as a performer (only) can accomplish. My story is rarely being told, if ever, in the commercial marketplace. I'd like to change that.

Are you involved in any black LBGT organizations, causes?
Not yet. Got any ideas?

(*I sent the brother a loooong e-mail.)

Name five heroes/heroines and use one word to describe them.

Martin Luther King Jr. - Master/legend
James Baldwin - Innovator
Sylvester - Fearless
Orpah Winfrey - Goddess
George C. Wolfe - Father

Name five things you cannot do without.

My Computer
My Friends
My Artistry
My Education
My Love

Who are you spinning right now?

I assume you mean musically...

The J. Moss Project
Kierra "KiKi" Sheard
The newest Kurt Carr project

I'm a big gospel head. They’re the only artists that are still required to have singing skills BEFORE they get a deal!

Typically, what does a day in the life of Billy look like?
Nothing special. I wash my butt and put my panty hose on one leg at a time just like everybody else.

What projects are ahead for Mr. Porter?

I just finished do a play called "Birdie Blue" here in New York that starred S. Epatha Merkerson, from "Law & Order."

I'm releasing my new album "At The Corner Of Broadway & Soul" as we speak! Go to my site and buy it NOW!

Tuesday, July 26, 2005 @ 06:08 PM