Ryan Porter, beloved L.A. jazz trombonist and Kendrick Lamar collaborator, dies at 46

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Ryan Porter, a celebrated trombonist known for his work with the West Coast Get Down, has passed away at the age of 46.

Musician Porter passed away on Saturday from injuries he suffered in a serious car accident on April 28th, according to a post by his bandmate, Tony Austin. Austin shared that despite receiving excellent medical attention, Porter’s health worsened, and he died peacefully with family by his side.

As a huge jazz fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the scene in LA, and Kamasi Washington’s crew is a big part of that. But it all started with a guy named Porter, who learned from the amazing Reggie Andrews in the Watts area. He really built strong relationships with musicians like Kamasi, Terrace Martin, and Thundercat – basically, the core group that would become known as the West Coast Get Down. It’s incredible to see how those early connections shaped such a vibrant movement.

In a 2024 interview with The Times, trumpeter Ambrose Porter spoke about the dedication of those who preserved jazz traditions in Los Angeles. He explained that he didn’t initially understand their commitment, but now realizes they believed in the talent of young musicians like himself, hoping to inspire them to recognize their own potential.

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I first stumbled upon this incredible collective while checking out shows at the World Stage in Leimert Park. They quickly built a dedicated fanbase, and it wasn’t long before their unique sound started appearing on some major records. Most notably, they were instrumental in shaping Kendrick Lamar’s groundbreaking album, “To Pimp a Butterfly,” and also played a huge role in Kamasi Washington’s breakthrough, “The Epic” – both released in 2015. They’ve been quietly shaping the sound of L.A. jazz for years, and their influence is undeniable.

Throughout his career, Porter released four solo albums: “The Optimist” (2018), “Force for Good” (2019), “Resilience” (2022), and a children’s album, “Spangle-Lang Lane” (2017). All of his albums featured musical arrangements by his longtime bandmates. In 2024, he also released a documentary called “Resilience,” which highlights the importance of free music education in Los Angeles and its role in shaping the city’s contemporary jazz community.

Porter explained in 2024 that growing up in the city often presented limited options, like joining gangs or dealing drugs, but most children simply wanted a chance to succeed. He credited friends and music teachers with motivating him through their dedication, providing opportunities to learn and perform. He now feels a responsibility to pay it forward and support the next generation.

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The popular jazz club, Blue Note, is expanding to the West Coast and will officially open on August 14th. Pianist Robert Glasper, a key artist for the club, will perform two shows every Thursday and Friday.

Following the news, Washington, a close friend and frequent collaborator of Ryan Porter, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. He expressed his love and grief, saying he would always cherish their many years together and was grateful for the time they had. Washington described Porter as a lifelong friend and someone he admired since childhood, highlighting their mutual support, learning, and the beautiful music they created and shared globally.

Washington shared that Ryan always said his greatest desire was to make a positive impact on the world, and he truly lived up to that ideal. Ryan’s life brought real improvement to the world around him.

Ryan Porter is survived by his two daughters, who are both getting ready for college. Friends have created a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses and provide for his children. The fundraiser highlights that being a father and supporting his family meant the most to Ryan, even more than his career in music.

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2026-05-22 21:01