(October 22, 2018) “I Wonder Who My Daddy Is” stands out as the sole track on Gregory Porter’s Nat King Cole and Me, that was not performed by Cole himself. The song was written by Gladys Shelley in 1972, seven years after Cole’s passing, and it has been performed by Cole’s younger brother Freddy.
NPR, in it’s of review Nat King Cole and Me noted the crucial role that Cole and his music have played Porter’s life. Porter’s father was only an intermittent presence in his life and as a young man seeking male guidance, he latched onto Cole’s music. Songs such as “Smile” and “Pick Yourself Up,” which Porter included on Nat King Cole and Me, found Cole dispensing fatherly advice through the lyrics.
(October 22, 2018) “I Wonder Who My Daddy Is” stands out as the sole track on Gregory Porter’s Nat King Cole and Me, that was not performed by Cole himself. The song was written by Gladys Shelley in 1972, seven years after Cole’s passing, and it has been performed by Cole’s younger brother Freddy.
NPR, in it’s of review Nat King Cole and Me noted the crucial role that Cole and his music have played Porter’s life. Porter’s father was only an intermittent presence in his life and as a young man seeking male guidance, he latched onto Cole’s music. Songs such as “Smile” and “Pick Yourself Up,” which Porter included on Nat King Cole and Me, found Cole dispensing fatherly advice through the lyrics.
Porter is a complex artistic figure and that can be seen in the fact fathers and fathers-in-law are present figures in original tunes such as “Free,” “Real Good Hands,” and “Don’t Lose Your Steam.” But on this First Listen, Porter is in his usual excellent voice with a live performance of “I Wonder Who My Daddy Is” backed by a full orchestra at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Check it out here.
Howard Dukes
Gregory Porter - "I Wonder Who My Daddy Is"
(Live at Royal Albert Hall)