Cutting Edge CE Conferences and Events has announced that George Porter Jr. will be the recipient of its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring a musical career that has shaped the sound of New Orleans and defined the groove of funk music for over six decades.
The award will be presented on Friday, August 15 at 7:30 p.m.at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, located at 400 Esplanade Avenue.
A statement from the company discloses that "using the terms 'seminal' or 'groundbreaking' to describe an artist’s music can often seem excessive. However, when it comes to George Porter Jr., these terms feel entirely appropriate.”
“We were first introduced to George Porter as the bassist of the greatest Funk band of all time, The Meters," the company said. Known for their raw, syncopated grooves and precise musicianship, The Meters (Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli, Zigaboo Modeliste, and later Cyril Neville) quickly became one of the most influential funk bands in history.
Porter’s work has continued well beyond that era, both as a solo artist and a collaborator. He went on to form the Funky Meters, bringing in musicians like Brian Stoltz and Russell Batiste Jr., and has led the long-running group George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners, a local staple in New Orleans' live music scene.
“His performances at the Maple Leaf with his band, George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners, are legendary and are must-attend events for both locals and visitors,” a statement from the company explains. “It serves as a Mecca for those seeking to experience a true New Orleans original—a bassist known worldwide whose mastery of the ‘pocket’ has become the foundation of Funk music.’”
Beyond his own bands, Porter has lent his bass talents to an extensive roster of legendary artists. His credits include Patti LaBelle, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Buffett, David Byrne, and others. His early session work includes recordings with Earl King, Lee Dorsey, Johnny Adams, Irma Thomas, and the Lastie Brothers.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will be part of the Cutting Edge CE Conference, which returns for its 33rd year with a multi-day schedule of panels, performances, and programs for music professionals. One of the key highlights is the Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp, which will run August 13–16, just before the main conference.
According to the organization, “The Camp is a result of our collaborations and consultations with Michael Dixon from Soda Rock Music, the multi-platinum-selling songwriter Jim McCormick (2021 Country Music Song of the Year nominee), Stephen Easley, Esq., from Buddy Holly Foundation, and Lilli Lewis, songwriter and advisor.”
The Camp will also feature a Producers Cohort: a special program titled “Beat Makers: writing collectively and remotely,” produced in partnership with DAWn Audio.
Participation in the Songwriters Camp is by invitation only, though interested songwriters can inquire directly via email.
The full Cutting Edge Entertainment Law Seminar will be held August 14–16 at the InterContinental New Orleans Hotel. Sessions will cover a range of timely industry topics including A.I., music publishing, trademark law, film agreements, literary publishing, and business and transactional issues. The course is approved for 16.25 hours of MCLE credit by the Louisiana State Bar Association, including hours in ethics, professionalism, and law office practice.
For more on George Porter Jr.’s musical legacy, conference details, or registration information, visit cuttingedgenola.com.
