Billy Rhodes Porter
MEET BILLY RHODES PORTER
Bill was born June 15th, 1931 in Missouri. He graduated from East Nashville High in 1949. Bill married his high school sweetheart Connie. They divorced after 27 years.
Bill served in the U.S. Army Reserves. When he returned home he worked for WLAC-TV as an audio engineer and Cameraman. In 1959 Bill became chief engineer for R.C.A. Records-Nashville. There, he spent the days working with Chet Atkins, Boots Randolph & Floyd Cramer, recording R.C.A. Country Music Stars. A recording engineer of legendary status, Bill Porter’s name is synonymous with the term “sound” expert. Recognized throughout the music and entertainment industries for his clean, ambient recordings, which are hallmarks of the Nashville Sound. Bill has worked with and engineered songs for so many of the top artists that the list reads like a Who’s Who in Music.
In 1975, Bill Porter established the first four-year recording degree program in the USA at the University of Miami/Miami, FL. Bill’s program is the model employed by all schools to teach recording techniques.
In 1966 to 1973, Bill ran his own studio in Las Vegas, NV. He began audio & sound engineer for Elvis Presley and other Vegas acts until moving to the University of Miami. Also teaching at the University of Colorado & Webster University in Missouri. He supervised audio for the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, and in 1992 received the Mix magazine TECH Award for his lifetime of technical excellence and achievements.
Bill passed away peacefully in Ogden, UT July 7, 2010 with his wife Carole by his side. He is survived by a brother & sister, one son & one daughter. He was preceded in death by one son Jerry.
A gathering for family and friends will be held Saturday July 10, 2010 from 10:00-11: 00 am. at Leavitt’s Mortuary 836 36th Street, Ogden, UT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the University of Miami’s Music Department in Bill Porter’s name.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com
Carole,I know you and Bill loved each other very much. You did your best, and it isn't easy for the caregiver. Bill and Elvis are reunited again makin great sounds once again. My very best to you. Thanks for being there for Bill and my Thanks for the oportunity to be a friend and neighbor. I hope others will step up and be there for you too.
myrna l rose (Riverdale,utah, ut)
To Nancy and Gene, You may remember when Kris Jensen and I went to church with your family for about a year, way back in 1965. I've thought of you all many times and wondered where and how you are. I last saw your mom in Las Vegas in 1974. She was next to me in line at a cafeteria. Small world! I'd love to hear from you. Please know that I'm thinking of you all and sending my heartfelt condolences....and love.
Diane Jordan (Madison, TN, )
When I listen to Elvis " Are You Lonesome Tonight, GoodLuck Charm and many more I will always think of that golden ear behind Elvis Presley's golden voice..
Vic Freeman (Nixa, , Mo)
My, a lot of information is missing here. Bill had three wonderful children, Gerald, Nancy and Jean. They deserved to be mentioned, by name, as well as Bill's surviving brother and sister. Bill's fourth wife, Mary, preceded him in death. There was no death notice in the Nashville newspaper, to let Bill's many friends know of his passing. Many people here thought the world of Bill.
Joan (Nashville, TN)
My apologies....the spelling of Bill's son's name is Gene, of course. I add my condolences to all of Bill's family and friends.
Joan (Nashvile, TN)
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Bill Porter. Even as the granddaughter of Bill, and the daughter of Jerry, I never had the pleasure of knowing him on a personal level. But, oh, have I heard the stories! May he rest in peace and be reacquainted with others who have gone before him. "The last day does not bring extinction to us, but a change of place."
Chandelle Porter Phoenix, Arizona
Chandelle Porter (Phoenix, AZ)
Bill was a special friend of mine for many years. He will certainly be missed.
Annell (, )
- Home:
- Death Date: July 7, 2010
- Birthdate: June 15, 1931
- Place Of Birth: Missouri
- Service: July 10, 2010 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
- Location: Leavitt's Mortuary 836 36th Street, Ogden
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