Ryan Porter, influential jazz trombonist, dies at 46

Ryan Porter, the acclaimed trombonist, educator and co‑founding member of the Los Angeles jazz collective West Coast Get Down, has died at 46.

His bandmate Tony Austin confirmed on Instagram that Porter died on May 16, weeks after a severe April 28 accident left him with life‑altering injuries.

“It is with profound sorrow to announce that Ryan Keith Porter has passed. On Tuesday evening, April 28th, Ryan was involved in a severe car accident that resulted in life-altering injuries,” Austin wrote.

“Despite the best medical care, his condition deteriorated. On May 16th Ryan took his last breath, peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.”

Trombonist Ryan Porter Was A Central Voice in Modern L.A. Jazz

Porter emerged as a defining force in Los Angeles’ jazz renaissance. He grew up studying under legendary educator Reggie Andrews and formed lifelong musical bonds with Kamasi Washington, Terrace Martin, Thundercat, Ronald Bruner Jr., and other musicians who later built the West Coast Get Down.

The collective became known for its experimental, spiritually driven sound and its impact on contemporary jazz and hip‑hop. Porter and his bandmates contributed compositions to Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly, a Grammy‑winning project widely credited with reshaping modern Black music.

A Career Marked by Innovation and Community

Porter released four solo albums, including The Optimist (2018), Force for Good (2019), and Resilience (2022). He also created a 2024 documentary, also titled Resilience, highlighting the importance of free music programs for young artists in Los Angeles.

His collaborators described him as a musician whose sound was unmistakable and whose presence shaped every room he entered. Kamasi Washington called him a lifelong friend and a “force for good,” noting that Porter’s compassion matched his artistry.

GoFundMe campaign launched

In the wake of his passing, members of the West Coast Get Down launched a GoFundMe in support of Porter’s family, as he’s survived by two daughters. At the time of this report, the fundraiser has raised over $46,000.