Brad Porton is a 25 year-old singer/songwriter from the great state of Oklahoma.From the time Brad could sing his ABC’s he was astonishingly singing harmony with the radio. There was no doubt that there was a place for him in the music industry.
He began taking piano lessons at the age of 12 and after one week of tretourous lessons he decided to figure it out on his own. That was a wise decision. Brad's many advisors and mentors have classified him as a 20-year trained pianist with only a week of lessons.At age 14, Brad began performing regularly in Branson, MO. After a few years of cameo appearances in Branson, it was time for Brad to enjoy his young years and the joys of high school in Broken Bow, OK.His sophomore year of high school, Brad was graciously awarded the male lead "Danny" in the music "GREASE". Broken Bow's Fine Arts Dept. was one of the finest in the state during the late nineties under the direction of the now retired Mrs. Annette Auld and Oklahoma Teacher of The Year and current Fine Arts Director of the Paris, TX public schools, Mr. Steven Smallwood.After high school, Brad had set his sights on the music theatre industry and was accepted into the University Of Oklahoma Music Theatre Dept with a full-ride scholarship. He auditioned for the the fall 2000 shows and was remarkably assigned the male lead in the musical "Little Shop Of Horrors" as "Orin the Dentist" who on Broadway was required to play 5 other characters in the show with numerous costume changes.Following the music theatre years, Brad decided to venture into vocal perfomance adjudication. He was lucky to have been assigned to the late Dr. Marsha Henderson at OU. For two years he painstakingly shaped his talent and learned more than ever how precious is the human voice. (After Dr. Hendersons extremely abrupt and unpredicted death, Brad decided to direct his attention to general studies and finish school. During this time he was quite content on being away from the spotlight and desired nothing more than that.)With one more year to go at OU, Brad heard of a music venue in Oklahoma City called Grant's Rodeo Opry in Stockyards City. With a regained passion to perform, Brad auditioned and was immediately accepted into the opry cast. He performed the same night of the day he auditioned. Since that day in 2005, Brad has performed monthly at the now named Oklahoma Rodeo Opry. You can still catch him there monthly, check for tickets at www.rodeoopry.comBrad has been the opening act for many mainstream artists such as Wade Hayes, Little Texas, Cowboy Crush, Marty Stuart, Jason D. Williams, Mark Chesnutt, Zoom City, Jace Everett, No Justice, Ricky Van Shelton, and many other successful recording artists. Brad is currently in and out of Nashville, Tenn. singing and writing songs and playing shows nationwide.Brad's inspiration comes from the strong support of his family and friends. Especially the first-hand view of how music changes peoples lives and the many smiles it produces. Right now Brad divides himself between Tennessee and Oklahoma and Texas, TV appearances, recording studios, hotels and green rooms. Oh! and not to forget his love for watersports and wakeboarding. (and lots of fishing.. lots).He says “...as long as people continue to smile and be moved through my music, I'm here.â€Brad's Recognition and Awards1997 - American Kid's Male Vocalist of the Year
1998 - American Kid's Male Gospel Vocalist of the Year
2000 - VFW Voice Of Democracy Public Address through Political Speech, 1st
2000 - Superintendent's Award For Arts Excellence - Vocal Performance
2000 - Superintendent's Award For Arts Excellence - Performance in Acting
2003 - KWTV's 'Gimme the Mic' live telecast Pre-Finals winner
2005 - Coalgate Country Showdown 2nd Place Finals
2006 - All 77 original songs licensed through ASCAP
2007 - Cast as "Will" in the Oklahoma Centennial Musical "OKLAHOMA!"
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