Porter graduated from Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, California in 1966. He rose to fame as a member of the Doobie Brothers, replacing bassist Dave Shogren on their second album Toulouse Street in 1972.

Porter left the Doobies in 1980, citing frustration with the hectic and constant touring schedule. His replacement was session man Willie Weeks, later famous for his collaboration with Michael Jackson and other Quincy Jones protégés. After guesting onstage with his former bandmates briefly during the 1982 farewell tour, he rejoined the Doobies in 1987. Porter played on Cycles (1989), whose title was taken from an unused song he wrote, and Brotherhood (1991). Neither album featured a Porter composition or lead vocal, and his bass is often buried in the mix. After five years of touring in support of Cycles and Brotherhood, Porter finally quit the Doobies for good in 1992. He was reportedly still frustrated with constant touring and the band’s preference for recording familiar sounding material instead of his own, more diverse compositions.

Porter released a self-produced solo album, Playing to an Empty House, in 1995. It is a mix of rock, progressive, and jazz spotlighting Porter on all of the instruments and vocals. The album features surprising jazz solos sculpted on exotic chord progressions. (Strangely, it features little or no bass guitar, focusing instead on lead guitar and sequenced keyboards.) Currently, Porter plays bass with singer song writer Keith Greeninger from Santa Cruz California who just released a new CD called Human Citizen. With beautiful lyrics and a tribute to our fallen soldiers. Porter use to play bass with California-based Beatles tribute band White Album Ensemble as well as Stormin’ Norman and the Cyclones. He has toured with Moby Grape during its occasional partial reunions.