Help Me Finish a Legacy Song — A Tribute Years in the Making

Hi, my name is Tyler Porterfield. I’m an independent artist and producer performing as Pop Cautious, originally from Houston, Texas, and I’ve been pursuing music in Los Angeles for nearly 15 years. I studied at Musicians Institute, started my own label, and have spent years booking shows and making music — often while working side gigs like Lyft just to stay afloat.

One evening while driving Lyft, I met someone who would change my life: Gordon Dewitty (The General). He was a blind, retired Black pop and R&B producer, active mostly in the '70s, and someone with a remarkable story of his own. We bonded instantly over music, and soon after, he invited me to collaborate on a special song he’d been working on for his girlfriend. He had the chorus; I helped write the verses and bridge. Together, we crafted a song that felt powerful, emotional, and timeless — something we both believed could be a hit.

Beyond the music, we developed a real friendship. I helped him run errands, and he shared his wisdom and encouragement. He saw something in me as a young indie artist and gave me a rare opportunity to collaborate with a seasoned veteran of the craft.

Tragically, shortly after our collaboration, Gordon passed away during the holidays. I was devastated. I’d missed his Christmas dinner invitation — something that still stays with me. In the aftermath, I was left grieving, holding on to the responsibility of finishing this beautiful piece of music we created.

Life took me through many unexpected turns. I fell into homelessness, traveled to Colombia, couch-surfed in L.A. for over a year, and tried to rebuild during COVID. I got back on my feet — started working at Whisky A Go-Go, got a car, a place, and slowly began returning to the music.

Now, after all these years, I’m finally in a place where the song is 90% complete. I’ve found the right band, the right sound, and I’m proud of where it’s at. But the final touches — recording a live string quartet, mixing, and mastering — require resources that I simply don’t have at the moment.

This is why I’m reaching out to you.

I’m raising funds to complete this song and honor Gordon’s legacy the way it deserves. It’s been nearly seven years since he passed, and I believe the timing is finally right. I’ve grown as an artist, as a person, and I’m ready to carry this song out into the world.

If you can, please donate to help me finish this tribute. Your support will go directly toward studio time, paying musicians, and getting this song professionally mixed and mastered. Every little bit helps — and if you can’t contribute financially, sharing this campaign means the world.

Thank you for reading and supporting independent art and legacy.

With gratitude,

Tyler Porterfield

Pop Cautious