Correspondent

"Longevity is a word that you don't hear these days in Country Music circles. On Music Row, the word is synonymous with the first named of George, Hank, Alan, Merle, and Garth, but it's a short list that seems to be getting shorter every year."

And so starts off the biography of Steve Porter. Steve is the hottest new thing in country music. His new hit single, "Back to the Country," has debuted at number 14, and he continues to climb the charts as he makes his way into the hearts of country music lovers everywhere.

Steve describes himself as a 28 year old, six-foot tall, baseball lover, who just "loves to write music." He started his Radio Tour last week, and WNTT was the first place he stopped. He did a meet and greet with anyone willing to come out to the station, and he sang on the air and in the studio. He even sang his latest hit, "90 Miles an Hour," which will be released shortly. He told some wonderful stories, and we all got to know him a little better.

Steve was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. His parents are Parker and Jackie Porter. At the age of eight, his family and he moved to Nashville. He first came onto the country music scene thanks to the youth group in his local Nazarene Church. At the age of 14, he hopped on board with the group at a competition. "I originally signed up for basketball and baseball, but you could sign up for three events." His youth leader encouraged him to sign up for the vocalist competition. "I didn't even win at baseball or basketball," Steve laughs. But he did win at the vocal contest and went on to compete at state level. Winning there he went on to national level, and brought home the gold even there. "I got to thinking," he said. "I just wonder if I could get paid for this." From there, the rest is history, and now Steve is hitting the charts and running with a new career that he is absolutely loving. "If it all stopped now, though, I'd look back and say I'm happy." Not cutting his career short, however, Steve dreams of making it to the Opry, which from the looks of things is not an unrealistic goal.

Even though his career is very important to him, Steve has another priority that outranks it. He is a single father to two little boys. Ethan is his four-year old little redhead, and Grant is his six year old, who he told us just got his first guitar. Steve loved talking about his boys. The older one has even been on stage with his father playing his new guitar. "They really are great kids," says the proud dad.

Accompanying Steve on his Radio Tour is his tour manager, Kevin Fisher, and his producer/guitarist Bobby Messano. Mr. Messano is a common name among singers, not just in country but all over. He says he is having a blast with the talented new kid and loves playing his songs.

Press releases and Internet talk are calling Steve's music a representation of "new" country. It's guitar driven, percussion-grounded sound combined with a hard-hitting message. Steve is quick to tell you that he grew up listening to David Allan Coe and Hank Williams Junior, and anyone who listens to his music can tell you that the influence is evident, especially in his chart hugger, "Back to the Country."

Anyone wanting more information on Steve can get via his website: www.steveportermusic.com. He wants everyone to become a part of his fast-growing career with his or her support. He was especially proud and excited about his new fan club. Anyone that joins the Steve Porter fan club will receive Steve memorabilia, and have all the latest when it comes to his career and music. Be sure to mention that you read about him in the Progress! We are very thankful to have had the opportunity to be the first town that Steve chose on his radio tour all over several cities. We wish him only the best! We hope to cover him on the Opry one day!