David Porter, Stax Records Songwriting Giant, Publishes His Memoir, ‘The Soul Man’

The cover of David Porter’s 2026 memoir, The Soul Man: Life of a Songwriter.

David Porter, a core member of the Stax Records songwriting and production team, tells his own story for the first time in his debut memoir, The Soul Man: Life of Songwriter David Porter, out April 14, 2026. The Grammy-winner and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee offers readers what’s described in an announcement as “an intimate look at the life and career behind some of the most enduring songs of all time.” The title is available in the U.S. here, in Canada here and in the U.K. here.

Says the press release: “Spanning more than 60 years and over 1,700 songwriting and production credits, The Soul Man: Life of Songwriter David Porter goes beyond the hits to reveal the man behind the music. Growing up in segregated Memphis, Porter first encountered the power of song in the pews of his childhood church, was contemporaries on Beale Street with a teenage Elvis Presley, and close friends with Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire) and Booker T. Jones (Booker T. & the M.G.’s).

“Immersed in extraordinary talent from an early age, these formative experiences shaped a lifelong devotion to music, ultimately leading to his groundbreaking work at Stax Records, where, as the legendary label’s first staff songwriter, he co-wrote classics like ‘Soul Man,’ ‘Hold On, I’m Comin’,’ and ‘When Something Is Wrong With My Baby’ with Isaac Hayes—songs that not only defined an era but continue to resonate across generations, cementing Porter’s place as one of the most influential figures in music history.”

The announcement continues: “Beyond the hits, the memoir offers rare behind-the-scenes stories that bring Stax Records’ early days to life. Readers will encounter the earliest incarnation of the label, Satellite Records, witness Porter helping Otis Redding refine ‘(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay’ just days before the singer’s tragic passing, and his impact on artists like Biggie and Wu-Tang Clan, who sampled his work. The book also explores Porter’s role in mentoring the next generation of musicians, showing how his legacy continues to shape contemporary music. These anecdotes illuminate not only the music but the spirit of innovation, resilience, and collaboration that have defined Porter’s career.”

Porter is doing a brief book tour to promote the title:
Apr 28 – GRAMMY Museum Mississippi
May 08 Stax Museum – Memphis, TN
May 13 – Amazon Music, Brooklyn, NY
May 21 – Enterprise Studios, Los Angeles

Porter, born Nov. 21, 1941, said, “This is the one chance I get to talk about and live my life alongside the music I’ve been a part of. The satisfaction I feel, and the hope that people appreciate it, excites me.”

Other artists who have covered Porter’s compositions include Carla Thomas, William Bell and Aretha Franklin. His work has influenced artists from Al Green to John Legend and Raphael Saadiq, and have been sampled by iconic figures in hip-hop, pop, and R&B—from Jay-Z and De La Soul to Mariah Carey and Will Smith. “By bridging classic soul with contemporary music, Porter’s work demonstrates the enduring vitality of his songwriting,” says the press release for the book.

The book provides “a definitive account of Southern soul, the creative life at Stax Records and the social and artistic forces that have shaped contemporary music. Porter’s firsthand account illuminates the triumphs, challenges, and collaborations behind some of the twentieth century’s most enduring songs, showing how his work not only defined the Memphis soul sound, but also broke down racial barriers and brought the city’s music to audiences across the globe during one of our country’s most pivotal and critical moments.”