Fearless Females Blog Post: March 17 – Social Butterfly

March 17 — Social Butterfly? What social organizations or groups did your mother or grandmother belong to? Sewing circle, church group, fraternal benefit society or lodge? Describe her role in the group.

My mother Betty Mae Peters Porter had always been a social person.  She was a socialite in New York and I believe throughout her life in Los Angeles and San Diego.  Betty was active in many organizations.  She was an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, San Diego Chapter for many years.  She served in leadership positions as a member.

Betty Porter in Blue Dress

Betty Porter and Dr. McFarlin

AKA-San Diego Chapter

Talented Tuesday: Lyrics & Music

When I reflect on my parent’s lives, I think, “Wow! They really knew how to live.”  There was never a dull moment, and if there was, it was because we were asleep, and even then, there was noise, as my father snored so loud you would think a train was running through the house!

I remember my parents always coming up with a tune, a beat, some words, and making their own music.  There was always something being created at home.  Our home was always lively, yes, and there were only four of us that lived in the home.

Below are some songs my parents created.

THE WONDERER

LYRICS & MUSIC

BY

WALTER J. PORTER & BETTY M. PORTER

I WONDER WHY MY BABY LEFT POOR ME/repeat 4 times

I WONDER WHERE COULD MY BABY BE/ repeat 3 times 

I WONDER WHY MY BABY LEFT POOR ME

I WONDER WHO IS HOLDING HER TIGHT/repeat 4 times

I WONDER WHY MY BABY LEFT POOR ME

BRIDGE

WHO WHERE WHY, WHY, WHERE WHO

FEELING SO LONESOME FEELING SO BLUE

ONLY HER LOVE CAN EASE THIS PAIN

ANOTHER NIGHT WITHOUT HER WILL DRIVE ME INSANE

I WONDER WHEN IS SHE COMING BACK/repeat 3 times

I WONDER WHO, WHERE, WHY, WHERE CAN MY BABY BE

COPYRIGHT 1990

LADY BLUES/MR. BLUES

LYRICS AND MUSIC

BY

WALTER J. PORTER & BETTY MAE PORTER

LADY BLUES/MR. BLUES MAY BE INTERCHANGED IN THE SONG/MALE OR FEMALE VOCALIST

LADY BLUES IS MY CONSTANT COMPANION

WALKS WITH ME EVERY NIGHT AND DAY

LADY BLUES IS MY CONSTANT COMPANION

ASKED ME WHY DID YOU GO AWAY

LADY BLUES IS MY CONSTANT COMPANION

ASKED ME WHY DID OUR LOVE GO WRONG

LADY BLUES IS MY CONSTANT COMPANION

ASKED ME WHY DO I SING THIS SONG

BRIDGE

I TOLD HER I WILL NEVER KNOW THE REAL REASON WHY

THAT YOU ENJOY INFLICTING ALL OF THIS PAIN ON SUCH AS ME

I TOLD HER THAT I WILL NEVER KNOW THE REASON WHY

EXCEPT THAT MAYBE SOME LUCKY HAS CAUGHT YOUR EYE

LADY BLUES I KNOW SOMEDAY WILL LEAVE ME

SOON I HOPE SHE WILL SET ME FREE

CAUSE MY HEART WON’T KNOW PEACE OR CONTENTMENT

TIL SHE BRINGS HER LOVE BACK TO ME

COPYRIGHT 1990

Copyright

The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Yvette Porter Moore unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Yvette Porter Moore

© 2010-2011

Wordless Wednesday: Betty Porter-Teacher Christmas Greeting

I just came across this picture in a box I was going through and thought, “How Cute.”  Just wanted to share this photo of my mom as a school teacher.  My mom’s 3rd year as a teacher and 1st School.

Betty Porter, December 1963 (37 years old) Rosewood Elementary School, Los Angeles

Copyright

The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Yvette Porter Moore unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Yvette Porter Moore

© 2010-2011

Wally Porter and Jody- Talented Tuesday

My late father, Dr. Walter James Porter, had been a part of the Black Entertainment scene in Los Angeles, CA in the 1950’s and 1960’s.  During this era, many entertainers performed in Black Night Clubs, as the Jim Crow Era was the political framework of the day.  The Black Night clubs were located in the ghetto’s and the performers would perform not only in the clubs, but at parties, and other social gatherings.  During this time there was no formal Comedian, Jazz, Entertainment circuit for African Americans.

My father opened for Jazz Artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Lionel Hampton and other Big Name Comedians Such as Red Foxx.  Wally would perform his famous act with Jody and would go everywhere with this little guy with a hat.

Wally Porter also had many other talents as he wrote lyrics and music (of which two songs are played by Jimmy Witherspoon-3rd Floor Blues) Third Floor Blues, played the Bongo Drums and was a wonderful Dancer.  He and my mother could really cut the rug…

http://static.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf

Photo of Myself holding picture of my dad by Tyree Griffith.

Pictures of Walter J. Porter

Advertisement, March 14, 1957

Walter and Betty Porter dancing at Walter’s Retirement Party

Advertisement, March 3, 1960

Just a little Trivia….My Father would scare the color off of us when he would hide behind the corner and pop out with Jody staring at us when we least expected it…. My Dad could throw his voice, which would amaze us…Growing up With Wally Porter and Jody was a blast…Interesting enough, when my father died in 2001, so did Jody…He began to fall apart….