Billy Porter to Perform a Richard Rodgers Classic With India.Arie at Barnes & Noble

Billy Porter Presents the Soul of Richard Rodgers, the new studio album featuring Tony and Grammy Award winner Billy Porter (Kinky Boots), was released today, debuting at No. 2 on the iTunes R&B chart.

Produced by Bee & El and Sony Masterworks Broadway, the album features soulful takes on classic Richard Rodgers songs, including solos and duets from an assortment of special guest artists. Porter's collaborators include Tony winners Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple), Renée Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton), Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton), and Patina Miller (Pippin), as well as Grammy winners Pentatonix and India.Arie. The album marks Porter’s fourth studio album. He also serves as producer and content curator, along with collaborators James Sampliner and Michael "Lofey" Sandlofer.

On April 17, Porter will host a special appearance at Barnes & Noble on the Upper East Side of Manhattan (150 East 86th Street). He will do a special performance of a selection of songs from the album, including the duet "Carefully Taught," which features India.Arie, who will also be in attendance. A CD signing will follow the performance.

Porter's theater credits include Kinky Boots, Shuffle Along, Miss Saigon, Grease, Topdog/Underdog, and his self-penned play While I Yet Live.