7 Shocking Reasons Why Billy Porter’s ‘For What It’s Worth’ Cover Still Matters

Few artists possess the vocal power and political conviction to re-imagine a classic protest anthem, but Billy Porter is one of them. Released in April 2020, his soul-stirring cover of Buffalo Springfield’s 1966 classic, "For What It's Worth," transcended a simple musical tribute. Instead, it became a clarion call for a new generation grappling with social injustice and political unrest. As of December 2025, the song’s message remains chillingly relevant, cementing Porter's status not just as an entertainer, but as a vital voice for civil rights and change. This deep dive uncovers the layers of meaning, the biographical context, and the enduring impact of his powerful rendition.

The decision to cover a song so deeply rooted in the 1960s counterculture was a deliberate, powerful move by Porter, aiming to bridge the gap between the civil rights struggles of the past and the contemporary fight for equality. His version, infused with gospel and R&B, transforms the folk-rock original into a modern-day spiritual for the Black Lives Matter movement and a rallying cry for political participation.

Billy Porter: A Biographical Profile of a Cultural Icon

Billy Porter is one of the most decorated and influential performers of his generation, a true multi-hyphenate who has conquered Broadway, television, and the music industry. His career is marked by groundbreaking roles and a fearless approach to style and identity.

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• Full Name: Billy Porter
• Born: September 21, 1969
• Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Education: Carnegie Mellon University College of Fine Arts (Drama)
• Major Awards:
  • Emmy Award (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for *Pose*)
  • Tony Award (Best Actor in a Musical for *Kinky Boots*)
  • Grammy Award (Best Musical Theater Album for *Kinky Boots*)
  • Two-time Tony Award winner overall.
  • Golden Globe Award Nomination.
• Career Milestones:
  • Began his music career with a self-titled debut album in 1997.
  • Achieved EGOT-adjacent status (winning an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony).
  • Rose to international fame for his portrayal of Pray Tell on the FX series *Pose*.
  • Won a Tony Award in 2013 for his role as Lola in the musical *Kinky Boots*.
• Activism: Known as a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and political engagement.

The Powerful Political Context of Porter's 2020 Cover

The original "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield—written by Stephen Stills—was a direct response to the 1966 Sunset Strip curfew riots, a conflict between young people and the police over curfews and restrictions on nightlife. Porter's decision to revisit this song decades later was no accident; it was a deliberate act of political commentary that spoke directly to the tumultuous events of 2020 and beyond.

1. A Direct Response to the Black Lives Matter Movement

Porter released his cover at a time of intense civil rights fervor, following the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent global Black Lives Matter protests. His rendition recast the lyrics—"Stop, hey, what's that sound / Everybody look what's going down"—as a contemporary call for police accountability and an end to systemic racism. The song was explicitly released to support the movement and to amplify the voices demanding justice.

2. The Imperative to Vote and Political Engagement

Beyond social justice, the cover served as a powerful voter mobilization tool. Porter used his platform to urge listeners to head to the polls, particularly during the critical 2020 U.S. election cycle. He emphasized that the fight for equality requires both street protest and political action. The lyric video and performances, including his iconic appearance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), were focused on the *Vote 2020* message.

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3. A Soulful Reimagining: Bridging Generations

Porter’s musical arrangement is a masterclass in transformation. He strips away the original’s folk-rock melancholy, replacing it with a soaring, gospel-infused, and soulful delivery. This change in genre gives the protest anthem a new emotional urgency, making it resonate with audiences unfamiliar with the 1960s original. His vocal performance is a testament to his Broadway training and his roots in R&B, delivering a powerful sermon-like quality.

The Enduring Impact and Collaboration with Stephen Stills

The impact of Porter's "For What It's Worth" extends beyond its initial release, serving as a timeless reminder of the need for vigilance and activism in a democracy. The song's enduring legacy was further cemented by a significant collaboration that brought the past and present together.

4. The Unforgettable DNC Performance

One of the most defining moments for the cover was Billy Porter’s performance at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. He performed a special version of the song, which included a collaboration with the song’s original writer, Stephen Stills. This collaboration was a symbolic passing of the torch, connecting the protest movements of the Vietnam era to the political awakening of the modern day. The powerful duet was billed as "Billy Porter featuring Stephen Stills."

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5. The Universal Cry for Vigilance

The core message of the song—"Nobody's right if everybody's wrong"—is a universal plea for sanity and perspective during times of conflict. Porter's rendition highlights this universality, applying the theme of societal tension to issues ranging from political polarization to climate change. He used the song to articulate a deep concern that the nation was being "destroyed" by divisive politics, urging a collective effort to "get it back."

6. The Power of the Gospel-Style Arrangement

The soulful, almost spiritual arrangement is key to the cover's success. By leaning into the gospel tradition, Porter taps into the historical context of the Civil Rights Movement, where music was a powerful tool for resilience and mobilization. His voice, known for its incredible range and emotional depth, turns the song into an anthem of hope and defiance, a call-to-worship for justice seekers. This sonic choice makes the protest feel less like a riot and more like a righteous crusade.

7. Cementing Porter's Role as a Cultural Activist

The release of "For What It's Worth" solidified Billy Porter’s position as a cultural activist who leverages his art for social change. Following his groundbreaking role as Pray Tell in *Pose*, a character who was a community leader and activist, this musical project demonstrated that his off-screen persona is just as committed to the fight for equality. He uses his EGOT-adjacent status not just for personal achievement, but as a megaphone for the marginalized and oppressed.

Ultimately, Billy Porter's cover of "For What It's Worth" is more than a popular single; it is a historical document. It captures the anxiety, the anger, and the hope of a pivotal moment in modern American history. By taking an iconic song and giving it a contemporary, soulful urgency, Porter ensured that the message of vigilance and protest would not be forgotten, proving that a classic anthem can be reborn to fight new battles. His work stands as a powerful testament to the fact that art and activism are inextricably linked, urging every listener to stop, look, and understand what is truly going down in the world today.