The Book, The Music, The Legacy The Soul Man Singer Songwriter David Porter

Arroe Collins Like It's Live · Jun 14, 2026 · 20m

David Porter, a pivotal figure in soul music, was the first staff writer Stax Records, where he co-wrote iconic hits like "Soul Man," "Hold On I'm Comin'," "I Thank You," "When Something is Wrong with my Baby," and "Wrap it Up," many alongside Isaac Hayes. His songs, which have appeared on national charts over 200 times and amassed lifetime unit sales exceeding 450 million, are enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame and have influenced soul, R&B, and hip-hop, with over 450 samples in tracks like Mariah Carey's "Dreamlover," Will Smith's "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It," Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M.," and…