Goodbye Grapetop
2/27/2006
Michael Porter, a.k.a. "Grape Top", passed away this morning at about 3:30 am. Many friends and family were present yesterday and got to say their final goodbyes. Michael was conscious and able, somewhat, to communicate with those present. (Thanks TimbreWolf)
Grapetop - I met you last Summer at Gypsy Coffeehouse, and for many months after that you became a regular personality in my life. I caught your act regularly, and I got to know you a little bit over the months we spent together hanging regularly at The Battlefield.
I am very thankful to have shared a part of my life with you. You were/are/will be quite an amazing character and a sweet, funny, genuine person. You have touched my life in a unique way and I will never be quite the same knowing you have passed on.
May you tickle their funny bones on the other side!
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(from the Comedy for Freedom Web Site)
GrapeTop, Nashville, Tennessee and New Jersey
GrapeTop is actually Michael Porter. Michael was born in 1965 in Nashville. His father was originally from Trenton, New Jersey and shortly after Michael’s birth, the Porter family moved to New Jersey. In 1967, Michael was diagnosed with a rare muscle disease and was not supposed to live past four years of age. Through the faith and love of his family and friends, Michael survived and lived a fairly normal life. In 2001, Michael has the opportunity to enter a talent show at his church, and GrapeTop: The Stand-Up, Sit-Down Comedian was born. GrapeTop has performed at Tulsa Comedy Club, Gypsy Coffee House in Tulsa, shows in Houston and Las Vegas in the Laugh Across America contest.
posted by novachild @ Monday, February 27, 2006,
