Mike Porter

Biography

Mike Porter has been performing to a wide range of audiences from Tennessee to the Midwest states of Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois. He grew up near the small village of Bible Grove, Illinois (population 200). Mike was raised on Traditional and Contemporary Country, and the music of the 50’s and 60’s were also a large influence on his early love for music.  This early interest in music molded Mike’s character and love for the up tempo styles of County and Rockabilly.

Mike also began to sing and harmonize with his sister, Marsha Banning, and the two became dubbed the “Panther Creek Duo”.  In addition to singing with his sister, writing his own music and performing at venues across the Midwest, Mike began to also excel in the art of Yodeling... a passion that he has held and crafted since childhood. Mike was named The 2005 International Grand Champion Yodeler making yodeling songs always a unique favorite at his shows. He has won various awards, and performed on the same stage as Joe Diffie, Confederate Railroad, Clay Walker, Phil Vasser, Restless Heart, Gene Watson, Johnny Fortune, Ronnie Mcdowell, and Loretta Lynn to name a few.

Mike has recorded a total of 10 albums. The self-written album "Nashville Ain't Gonna Come to Me" earned two International awards and was named the Illinois Country Music Association’s Album Recording of the Year. Mike was awarded NACMAI Songwriter of the Year for the title track "Nashville Ain't Gonna Come To Me", and NACMAI Songwriter of the Year (Holiday) for "It just Don't Feel Like Christmas", featured on the album. He also has albums featuring his Classic Country, 50’s and 60’s and Yodeling favorites.

Mike also earned the title of Illinois Country Music Association's Songwriter of the Year, Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist in an Opry.

He is the creator and MC/performer for the Illinois monthly Sunday Matinee opry, “The Gym Bob’s Jamboree Show” (www.GymBobs.com), which has been in production for more than 15 years!

Mike Porter is currently scheduling road shows and festivals in 2022/2023. In addition, he also is the lead singer and keyboardist in his  80's Pop/Rock Band called "BoomBox 80's Band" (www.BoomBox80sBand.com).  BoomBox all 80's Band has played BOTH Illinois State Fairs, The Kansas State Fair, Cubby Bear Chicago, Ameristar Casino and various festivals to include Heath Harvest, Casey Popcorn and Ford Town USA - just to name a few! All dates/shows for the Country/Oldies Band can be found on this site under "Upcoming Gigs" and his BoomBox all 80's Band show dates may be found at www.BoomBox80sBand.com