Colton Ford
{{Short description|American singer and actor (1962–2025)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox adult biography
| name = Colton Ford
| image = Colton Ford.jpg
| caption = Ford in 2009
| image_size = 200
| birth_name = Glenn Soukesian
| birth_date = October 12, 1962
| birth_place = Pasadena, California, U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|2025|5|19|1962|10|}}
| death_place = Palm Springs, California, U.S.
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Singer
- actor}}
}}
Glenn Soukesian (October 12, 1962 – May 19, 2025), known professionally as Colton Ford, was an American singer and pornographic film actor. Ford began his adult film career at age 40, making twelve pornographic videos in 10 months before leaving the industry in 2002 to refocus on his musical persuits. Ford garnered attention for his distinctly muscular image and was recognized for his work, earning the Grabby Award for Best Group Sex Scene in Conquered (2002) and the GayVN Award for Gay Performer of the Year in 2003.
As a recording artist, Ford released five studio albums since 2008 that blend his roots in R&B and soul with dance music elements. Among his singles, his collaboration with Pepper MaShay on "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" (2004) and "Let Me Live Again" (2011) both charted on Billboard{{'}}s Dance Club Songs. Ford embraced his provocative image, often incorporated homoerotic elements in his music videos. In 2011, he was named in AfterElton.com{{'}}s "Top 50 Gay Male Musicians".
Beyond the adult film industry, Ford became known for the 2005 documentary Naked Fame, which chronicled his transition into mainstream entertainment, and his role as Sheriff Trout of the gay-themed TV series The Lair (2007–2009). He made cameo appearances in several LGBT-related feature films throughout the 2000s, before making his off-Broadway debut in 2011 with Little House on the Ferry. Ford died in 2025 at the age of 62 due to a hiking accident.
Early life
Ford was born Glenn Soukesian in Pasadena, California.{{cite web|url=http://www.gay.com/content/slideshow/?coll=6156&order=3&navpath=/channels/entertainment/music/rockout|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203153955/http://www.gay.com/content/slideshow/?coll=6156&order=3&navpath=/channels/entertainment/music/rockout|archivedate=3 February 2008|title=Profile: Colton Ford|page=3|website=Gay.com|url-status=dead|date=2 February 2008|accessdate=28 May 2025|author=J. Poet}} He was of Armenian descent through his father's side, and also had Italian, Swedish, French, and English ancestry.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315021914/http://boston.edgemedianetwork.com/entertainment/celebrities/features//80431/adult_contemporary:_ex-porn_star_colton_ford_sings_&_acts|url=http://boston.edgemedianetwork.com/entertainment/celebrities/features//80431/adult_contemporary:_ex-porn_star_colton_ford_sings_&_acts|archivedate=15 March 2016|url-status=dead|title=Adult contemporary: Ex-porn star Colton Ford sings & acts|first=Jim|last=Provenzano|website=Bay Area Reporter|date=September 16, 2008|accessdate=24 May 2025|via=EDGE Media Network}} Ford grew up in a conservative community in Mission Viejo. His father divorced his mother and left when Ford was three, only reconnecting with him at age sixteen, a separation he later cited as the root of his abandonment issues. His mother remarried when he was around four, and worked as a secretary. During these formative years, he developed a close bond with his mother and grandparents.
As a child, Ford learned violin and guitar, and later honed his performance skills in musical theater while in school, notably playing Emile de Becque in South Pacific, and Reverend Hale in The Crucible. Upon graduating high school, Ford's family wanted him to be an engineer and dissuaded him from pursuing music professionally, leading him to briefly attend California State University, Fullerton for a year. Nevertheless, he soon landed a gig in a dinner theater nightclub, where he performed show tunes, R&B, and blue-eyed soul with a group of singers. This was followed by performing in a jazz quartet called "High Society", who frequently opened for Wayland and Madame, and comedian David Brenner in Las Vegas. He also did commercial jingle work, and performed on cruise ships. "Having covered the gamut of different types of performing, singing is something I've always enjoyed," Ford remarked.
Career
=Pornography and modeling=
During the early 2000s, Ford managed a volunteer program for the Wells Fargo bank,{{cite web|url=https://www.edgemedianetwork.com/story/126321|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250529093248/https://www.edgemedianetwork.com/story/126321|archivedate=29 May 2025|url-status=live|date=November 1, 2011|title=D.I.L.F. Does Fire Island :: Colton Ford in Pines Musical|first=Tony|last=Phillips|website=EDGE Media Network|accessdate=29 May 2025}} and had two years of experience with nude modeling for several coffee table books.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320163058/http://dancemusic.about.com/od/artistshomepages/a/ColtonFordInt.htm|archivedate=20 March 2012|url-status=unfit|url=http://dancemusic.about.com/od/artistshomepages/a/ColtonFordInt.htm|title=Colton Ford Interview|first=Ron|last=Slomowicz|date=2005|website=About.com|accessdate=20 March 2025|page=1}}{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901042036/https://www.cybersocket.com/news-gossip/where-are-they-now-colton-ford-on-his-passion-for-music-his-rise-to-fame-and-making-great-porn/|url=https://www.cybersocket.com/news-gossip/where-are-they-now-colton-ford-on-his-passion-for-music-his-rise-to-fame-and-making-great-porn/|archivedate=1 September 2022|url-status=dead|title=Where Are They Now: Colton Ford on His Passion For Music, His Rise to Fame, and Making Great Porn|first=Jack|last=Fields|date=January 19, 2022|accessdate=24 May 2025|website=Cybersocket}} At the age of 39, he ventured into the adult film industry while dating pornographic film actor Blake Harper.{{cite web|title=Colton Ford Is a Giver And Desires to Receive in Return|url=https://thecaftanchronicles.substack.com/p/colton-ford-is-searching-for-someone|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250520050150/https://thecaftanchronicles.substack.com/p/colton-ford-is-searching-for-someone|archivedate=20 May 2025|url-status=live|url-access=subscription|first=Tim|last=Murphy|date=27 April 2025|accessdate=23 May 2025|website=The Caftan Chronicles}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dallasvoice.com/articles/dispArticle.cfm?Article_ID=4727|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040703053846/http://www.dallasvoice.com/articles/dispArticle.cfm?Article_ID=4727|archivedate=3 July 2004|url-status=dead|first=Daniel A.|last=Kusner|title=Interview – American erotic idol|website=Dallas Voice|date=18 June 2004|accessdate=23 May 2025}} When Harper's scene partner could not travel from New York City to Palm Springs due to the effects of September 11 attacks, he asked Ford if he would step in. Feeling unfulfilled with his corperate job and wanting to draw attention to his music, Ford accepted. Their scenes were taped and released by All Worlds Video in 2001, entitled PornStruck 2. Ford's pseudonym "Colton" was inspired by the California city he often drove through on his way to Palm Springs.{{cite episode|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070915004854/http://heretv.com/podcast/lair06.mp3|archivedate=15 September 2007|title=Episode 6 – An interview with Colton Ford|url=http://heretv.com/podcast/lair06.mp3|series=The Lair Podcast|series-link=The Lair|type=Podcast|last=Ben|first=Harvey|author-link=Ben Harvey (American radio personality)|network=Here TV|date=September 2007|accessdate=24 May 2025}}{{Rp|page=24:08}} The surname "Ford" was adopted on the advice of Chi Chi Larue, who suggested a name as strong as a car brand.{{Rp|page=24:08}} Beyond commercial video pornography, Ford and Harper spent three months working as webcam models, allowing monthly-paid voyeurs access and interaction via live chat rooms.{{cite web|url=https://gaycitynews.com/what-price-fame/|title=What Price Fame?|first=David|last=Kennerly|website=Gay City News|accessdate=24 May 2025|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241015132710/https://gaycitynews.com/what-price-fame/|archivedate=15 October 2024|date=June 9, 2004}}{{cite web|url=http://www.jumponmarkslist.com/gio/2006/interviews/blake_harper.htm#selection-2507.1-2507.19|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130103141737/http://www.jumponmarkslist.com/gio/2006/interviews/blake_harper.htm#selection-2507.1-2507.19|archivedate=3 January 2013|url-status=dead|title=Gio Goes Below The Belt for Retired Porn Star Blake Harper|website=Jump on Mark's List|accessdate=24 May 2025|date=2006}}
Ford signed exclusively with All Worlds in December 2001,{{cite web|url=http://www.allworldsvideo.com/awv/Page.bok?file=awvnews.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20011222014939/http://www.allworldsvideo.com:80/awv/Page.bok?file=awvnews.htm|archivedate=22 December 2001|url-status=dead|title=Free Newsletter Issue #1201: News & Views|issue=1201|publisher=All Worlds Video|first=Mike|last=Donner|date=December 2001|accessdate=24 May 2025}} and made twelve pornographic videos within a 10-month period before his retirement the following year. These videos were produced and distributed by various studios in over three years, until 2003, including All Worlds Video, Mustang (a subsidiary of Falcon), MRS Videos, and Men of Odyssey.{{cite web|url=https://avn.com/news/gay/former-gayvn-performer-of-the-year-colton-ford-passes-away-179552|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524071819/https://avn.com/news/gay/former-gayvn-performer-of-the-year-colton-ford-passes-away-179552|archivedate=24 May 2025|url-status=live|title=Former GayVN Performer of the Year Colton Ford Passes Away|location=Los Angeles|website=AVN|date=May 21, 2025|first=Brady|last=Jansen|accessdate=24 May 2025}} His adult film career garnered several accolades. In 2002, Ford earned the title of Mr. All Worlds Bear, and shared the GayVN Award for Gay Performer of the Year with actor Michael Brandon. His group scene in Conquered (2001), a video directed by LaRue and was inspired by the 2000 film Gladiator, received a GayVN Award nomination and won a Grabby Award. It was also recognized by the Hard Choice Award as one of the year's best sex scenes. Ford received a Grabby nomination for Best Performer in 2002, and two more GayVN Awards nominations for his collaboration in Aftershock: Part 2 (2002) and Prowl 3 (2003).
In July 2002, Ford decided to leave the industry to refocus on his musical ambitions.{{cite magazine|pages=24–29|url=https://gedmag.com/afterdark/colton-ford-is-here-to-stay/|title=Colton Ford Is Here To 'Stay'|magazine=GED Magazine|first=Alexander|last=Rodriguez|date=May 1, 2021|accessdate=26 May 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516004943/https://gedmag.com/afterdark/colton-ford-is-here-to-stay/|archivedate=16 May 2021|url-status=live}} He considered his foray into the adult film industry a fulfilled fantasy, asserting that it was nothing to be ashamed of and offered him both a larger audience and unique advantages. "I felt that I had gotten everything out of the experience that I needed and that it was time to move on and shift gears," he recalled. He retained the pseudonym Colton Ford for his music releases, signaling his openness regarding his past pornography career. Ford remained active in modeling years after his retirement; for instance, he was included in Joe Oppedisano's explicit photobook Uncensored (2008).{{cite web|url=https://avn.com/news/gay/uncensored-takes-oppedisano-fans-on-new-journey-92634|title=‘Uncensored' Takes Oppedisano Fans on New Journey|website=AVN|date=July 22, 2008|first=G. Zisk|last=Rice|accessdate=24 May 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524134724/https://avn.com/news/gay/uncensored-takes-oppedisano-fans-on-new-journey-92634|archivedate=24 May 2025|url-status=live}} Oppedisano, who directed the video for "That's Me", picked Ford as one of the biggest inspirations for the book. In December 2010, Ford was featured on the cover of Attitude magazine's Sex Issue, one of eleven prominent male porn stars to pose for it.{{cite web|url=https://www.outinperth.com/from-porn-to-pop-colton-ford/|first=Benn|last=Dorrington|date=8 March 2011|title=From Porn to Pop: Colton Ford|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250528122217/https://www.outinperth.com/from-porn-to-pop-colton-ford/|archivedate=28 May 2025|accessdate=28 May 2025|url-status=live|website=OutInPerth}}
In 2021, at 58 years of age, Ford launched an OnlyFans page, which served as an outlet for exclusive erotic content, such as daily vlogs and explicit edits of his music videos. In November 2023, he participated in an OnlyFans video with adult film star Dallas Steele, titled Dallas Steele and Colton Ford: Two Porn Legends Together. The video was also made available on the RawFuckClub website, marking Ford's first credited pornographic appearance in two decades.{{cite av media notes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526180618/https://www.rawfuckclub.com/video/OKE5-dallas-steele-colton-ford-two-porn-legends-together|url=https://www.rawfuckclub.com/video/OKE5-dallas-steele-colton-ford-two-porn-legends-together|archivedate=26 May 2024|url-status=live|url-access=subscription|title=Dallas Steele and Colton Ford: Two Porn Legends Together|publisher=RawFuckClub|accessdate=24 May 2025|date=3 November 2023}} In 2024, he closed his OnlyFans page, finding its demanding content creation too much for his age and priorities.
=Music=
==1986–2005: Career beginning and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered"==
File:Pepper MaShay.jpg (pictured in 2012) on "Signed, Sealed, Delivered", which peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play]]
In 1986, Ford moved to Los Angeles, where he joined Jon St. James' production company, performing with notable artists like Keith Sweat and Chaka Khan.{{cite newspaper|url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc825065/m1/5/?q=%22~1%22~1|title=A Porn Star and a Fierce Diva|website=The Gayly Oklahoman|volume=22|number=12|date=June 15, 2004|page=5|first=Andrew|last=Hicks|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250523170720/https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc825065/m1/5/?q=%22~1%22~1|archivedate=23 May 2025|url-status=live|accessdate=23 May 2025|location=Oklahoma|via=University of North Texas Libraries}} Under the pseudonym Glenn Street, he released the single "Hardline" through On the Spot Records in 1988.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1988/BB-1988-05-28.pdf|title=Remixers: Overused, Underappreciated By labels|magazine=Billboard|first=Bill|last=Coleman|page=31|date=May 28, 1988|issue=22|volume=100|issn=0006-2510|accessdate=22 May 2025|via=World Radio History}} Produced by James, the track was described as a "gritty technopop number" by Bill Coleman of Billboard. By 1990, he signed with Mighty Productions, leading to a collaboration with American DJ Frankie Knuckles.{{cite web|url=https://www.outtraveler.com/music/colton-ford-permission#rebelltitem1|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722003307/https://www.outtraveler.com/music/colton-ford-permission#rebelltitem1|archivedate=22 July 2023|title=Colton Ford gives you Permission|date=21 July 2023|website=Out Traveler|accessdate=21 May 2025}} Although Ford was slated to be featured on Knuckles' 1995 album, Welcome to the Real World, the plans were scrapped due to issues at Virgin Records and Adeva ultimately replaced his role. Further music deals, including one with Virgin in 1999 and another with Third Stone Records, also fell through. At 39 years old, believing he was no longer "label material", Ford ventured into adult films with Harper in 2001 to garner more attention for his music.{{cite web|url=https://watermarkonline.com/2023/09/21/singer-and-adult-entertainer-colton-ford-give-fans-permission/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112220201/https://watermarkonline.com/2023/09/21/singer-and-adult-entertainer-colton-ford-give-fans-permission/|archivedate=12 January 2024|url-status=live|title=Singer and adult entertainer Colton Ford give fans 'Permission'|website=Watermark Online|first=Ryan|last=Williams-Jent|date=September 21, 2023|accessdate=September 21, 2024}} He maintained his creative output, continuing to write and record material while unsigned.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402221231/http://dancemusic.about.com/od/artistshomepages/a/ColtonFordInt_2.htm|archivedate=2 April 2012|url-status=unfit|url=http://dancemusic.about.com/od/artistshomepages/a/ColtonFordInt_2.htm|title=Colton Ford Interview|first=Ron|last=Slomowicz|date=2005|website=About.com|accessdate=20 March 2025|page=2}}
Ford stepped away from adult filmmaking in 2003 to release "Everything", a dance-oriented single.{{cite web|url=https://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/I116244|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518012738/https://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/I116244|archivedate=18 May 2017|url-status=live|title=Colton Ford|date=October 17, 2007|first=Bryan|last=Ochalla|website=ChicagoPride.com|accessdate=22 May 2025}} Following this, Ford collaborated with singer-songwriter Pepper MaShay on "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" (2004), a cover of Stevie Wonder's 1970 single.{{cite web|url=https://brandonvoss.com/blog/colton-ford-built-ford-tough|title=Colton Ford: Built Ford Tough|date=March 25, 2005|accessdate=March 25, 2025|first=Brandon|last=Voss|website=HX Magazine|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521131030/https://brandonvoss.com/blog/colton-ford-built-ford-tough|archivedate=21 May 2025|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://dancemusic.about.com/cs/reviews/fr/ColtPepSigned.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414232024/http://dancemusic.about.com/cs/reviews/fr/ColtPepSigned.htm|archivedate=14 April 2012|url-status=unfit|title=Colton Ford and Pepper Mashay - Signed, Sealed, Delivered|website=About.com|first=Joey|last=Rivaldo|date=July 2004|accessdate=25 May 2025}} Produced by Mac Quayle, Ralphi Rosario, and Solar City, this house-influenced track was dubbed "a formula for success" by Keith Caulfield of Billboard.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gA8EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA34&dq=colton%20ford&hl=vi&pg=PA34#v=onepage&q=colton%20ford&f=false|title=Review: Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Colton Ford & Pepper Mashay|magazine=Billboard|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|page=33|date=January 31, 2004|issue=5|volume=116|issn=0006-2510|accessdate=22 May 2025|via=Google Books}} The single reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in April 2004{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs/2004-04-03/|title=Dance Club Songs – April 3, 2004|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724162226/https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs/2004-04-03/|archivedate=24 July 2023|url-status=live|url-access=subscription|website=Billboard|accessdate=24 July 2024}} and number 25 on the Hot Dance Singles Sales chart the following month.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-dance-singles-sales/2004-05-08/|title=Dance Singles Sales – May 8, 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004202826/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-dance-singles-sales/2004-05-08/|archivedate=4 October 2022|url-status=live|url-access=subscription|website=Billboard|accessdate=24 July 2024}} Ford and MaShay performed the track throughout the summer of 2004. "It's kind of a no brainer, a classic song that everyone loves and it's a happy up song", Ford said.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414232045/http://dancemusic.about.com/od/artistshomepages/a/ColtonFordInt_3.htm|archivedate=14 April 2012|url-status=unfit|url=http://dancemusic.about.com/od/artistshomepages/a/ColtonFordInt_3.htm|title=Colton Ford Interview|first=Ron|last=Slomowicz|date=2005|website=About.com|accessdate=20 March 2025|page=3}} The making of "Everything" and Ford's career shift from adult film back to music were chronicled in Christopher Long's 2005 film, Naked Fame. Both "Everything" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" were subsequently included on the soundtrack album released by Centaur Music.{{Cite av media notes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060826003837/http://centaurmusic.com/cdOne.asp?CDID=243|archivedate=26 August 2006|title=Naked Fame|author=Various Artists|date=2005|publisher=Centaur|type=Media notes; CD|url=http://centaurmusic.com/cdOne.asp?CDID=243|accessdate=25 May 2005}}
==2007–2025: Debut album and later work==
Ford signed with Outsider Music{{cite web|url=https://southfloridagaynews.com/Music/former-gay-porn-actor-and-singer-colton-ford-not-just-a-pretty-voice.html|title=Former Gay Porn Actor and Singer Colton Ford: Not Just a Pretty Voice|website=South Florida Gay News|first=Gary M.|last=Kramer|date=2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823045303/https://southfloridagaynews.com/Music/former-gay-porn-actor-and-singer-colton-ford-not-just-a-pretty-voice.html|archivedate=23 August 2014|url-status=dead|accessdate=22 May 2025}} and released his debut album, Tug of War (2008), with R&B, house and funk influences.{{cite web|url=https://pridesource.com/article/28899|title=Give him a beat. Not a butt|first=Michael A.|last=Knipp|date=January 24, 2007|accessdate=January 24, 2024|website=Between the Lines|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031131244/https://pridesource.com/article/28899/|archivedate=31 October 2020|url-status=live}} Ford began working on the album in 2006, with the tracks were written and composed by Ford and record producer Quentin Harris.{{cite web|url=https://www.metroweekly.com/2007/10/soundwaves/|title=Soundwaves|website=Metro Weekly|date=October 24, 2007|first=Doug|last=Rule|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907105321/https://www.metroweekly.com/2007/10/soundwaves/|archivedate=7 September 2015|url-status=live|accessdate=22 May 2025}} Billboard called the album "a steel-solid second act", while Metro Weekly lauded Harris' sensual production as its central strength.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8hIEAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA87&dq=colton%20ford%20gay&pg=PA87#v=onepage&q=colton%20ford%20gay&f=false|title=Review: Tug of War – Colton Ford|magazine=Billboard|first=Chuck|last=Taylor|page=88|date=May 17, 2008|issue=Summer Preview|volume=120|issn=0006-2510|accessdate=22 May 2025|via=Google Books}} Three singles were released from the album with their respective music videos: "Tug of War",{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530111609/http://www.afterelton.com/blog/dennis/new-now-next-music-dispatch-colton-fords-new-video-leona-lewis-walter-meego|archivedate=30 May 2010|url-status=dead|title=NewNowNext music dispatch: New videos by Colton Ford, Leona Lewis, Walter Meego|website=AfterElton.com|first=Dennis|last=Ayers|date=26 September 2008|url=http://www.afterelton.com/blog/dennis/new-now-next-music-dispatch-colton-fords-new-video-leona-lewis-walter-meego|accessdate= 30 May 2024}} "That's Me" (featuring Cazwell),{{cite web|url=https://www.queerty.com/colton-fords-new-video-is-skin-tastic-20080111/|title=Colton Ford’s New Video Is Skin-Tastic|website=Queerty|date=January 11, 2008|accessdate=25 May 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517055211/https://www.queerty.com/colton-fords-new-video-is-skin-tastic-20080111/|archivedate=17 May 2008|url-status=live|first=Andrew|last=Belonsky}} and "The Way You Love Me".{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cQ8EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA42&dq=colton%20ford%20gay&pg=PA42#v=onepage&q=colton%20ford%20gay&f=false|title=Review: The Way You Love Me – Colton Ford|magazine=Billboard|first=Chuck|last=Taylor|page=42|date=August 4, 2007|volume=119|number=31|issn=0006-2510|accessdate=22 May 2025|via=Google Books}}{{cite web|url=https://www.queerty.com/colton-fords-lungs-be-hung-20070712/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415025244/https://www.queerty.com/colton-fords-lungs-be-hung-20070712/|archivedate=15 April 2008|url-status=live|title=Colton Ford’s Lungs Be Hung|website=Queerty|date=July 12, 2007|accessdate=25 May 2025|first=Andrew|last=Belonsky}} The latter single was distributed by Lucas Entertainment in 2007.{{cite web|url=https://avn.com/news/gay/lucas-to-distribute-colton-ford-single-16218|title=Lucas to Distribute Colton Ford Single|date=17 July 2007|accessdate=22 May 2025|url-status=live|publisher=AVN|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522060233/https://avn.com/news/gay/lucas-to-distribute-colton-ford-single-16218|archivedate=22 May 2025}} Also in 2008, Ford was featured in Cyndi Lauper's music video for "Into the Nightlife"{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115003237/https://www.out.com/entertainment/2008/06/09/let-them-eat-beat|archivedate=15 January 2025|url-status=live|title=Let Them Eat Beat|website=Out|date=June 9, 2008|accessdate=22 May 2025|first=Jason|last=Lamphier|url=https://www.out.com/entertainment/2008/06/09/let-them-eat-beat}} and performed on her True Colors Tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2008/06/13/cyndi-lauper-bops-into-bethel/52370733007/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522032147/https://www.recordonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2008/06/13/cyndi-lauper-bops-into-bethel/52370733007/|archivedate=22 May 2025|url-status=live|website=Times Herald-Record|title=Cyndi Lauper bops into Bethel Woods with 'True Colors Tour' B-52s, Rosie O'Donnell, Carson Cressley|first=Linda|last=Fite|date=June 13, 2008|accessdate=22 May 2025}} His 2009 second studio album, Under the Covers, featured the dance covers from a variety of genres.{{cite web|url=https://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/I14290|title=Colton Ford|date=August 3, 2009|accessdate=August 3, 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618065616/https://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/I142900|archivedate=18 June 2024|url-status=dead|website=ChicagoPride.com}} The singer aimed to capture both the integrity of the original songs and his spirit on the album. His covers of Britney Spears' "Trouble" (2008) and R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion" (1991){{cite web|url=https://windycitytimes.com/2009/06/24/colton-fords-covers-out-aug-4/|title=Colton Ford's 'Covers' out Aug. 4|website=Windy City Times|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250525162918/https://windycitytimes.com/2020/11/28/music-colton-ford-tough-singer-is-back-and-stronger-than-ever/|archivedate=25 May 2025|accessdate=22 May 2025}} were released as singles in 2009. He was a featured singer on Chris Reece's The Divine Circle and Mischa Daniels's Where You Wanna Go, both in 2010.
Released in June 2013, Ford's third album, The Way I Am, incorporated a blend of dance, electronica, and R&B.{{cite web|url=https://www.therainbowtimesmass.com/colton-ford-reveals-the-way-i-am-in-new-full-length-album/|title=Colton Ford Reveals 'The Way I Am' In New Full-Length Album|website=The Rainbow Times|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613172921/https://www.therainbowtimesmass.com/colton-ford-reveals-the-way-i-am-in-new-full-length-album/|archivedate=13 June 2024|url-status=live|date=June 19, 2023|accessdate=21 May 2025}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.tumblr.com/wiremagazine/54024397012/the-way-he-is-an-interview-with-colton-ford|issue=26|date=27 June 2013|accessdate=21 May 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521112032/https://www.tumblr.com/wiremagazine/54024397012/the-way-he-is-an-interview-with-colton-ford|archivedate=21 May 2025|title=The Way He Is: An Interview with Colton Ford|first=Antwyone|last=Ingram|magazine=Wire|via=Tumblr}}{{cite web|url=https://www.manhattandigest.com/2013/06/09/colton-ford-his-past-present-and-hopeful-future/|title=Colton Ford – His Past, Present and Hopeful Future|website=Manhattan Digest|date=9 June 2013|accessdate=21 May 2025|first=Ryan|last=Shea|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619175934/https://www.manhattandigest.com/2013/06/09/colton-ford-his-past-present-and-hopeful-future/|archivedate=19 June 2024}} He collaborated with producers such as Chris Willis and NERVO on the album, whose songs address themes of sex, romantic relationships, and self-love.{{cite web|url=https://eqmusicblog.com/album-review-the-way-i-am-by-colton-ford/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106124810/https://eqmusicblog.com/album-review-the-way-i-am-by-colton-ford/|archivedate=6 November 2024|url-status=live|title=Album Review – 'The Way I Am' by Colton Ford|publisher=EQ Music|date=June 21, 2013|accessdate=21 May 2025|first=Raj|last=Rudolph}} The album's uptempo lead single, "Let Me Live Again," reached number 41 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.{{cite web|url=https://eqmusicblog.com/watch-let-me-live-again-by-colton-ford/|title=Watch 'Let Me Live Again' by Colton Ford|publisher=EQ Music|date=June 12, 2013|accessdate=21 May 2025|first=Raj|last=Rudolph|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205040909/https://eqmusicblog.com/watch-let-me-live-again-by-colton-ford/|archivedate=5 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chi-chi-larue-billboard-charts-rupaul-interview-6502309/|title=Porn Mogul & DJ Chi Chi LaRue Hits the Billboard Charts, Thanks to RuPaul|website=Billboard|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|date=16 March 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202024623/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chi-chi-larue-billboard-charts-rupaul-interview-6502309/|archivedate=2 December 2024|url-status=live}} Ford subsequently released his EP Next Chapter in 2015. In 2016, Ford relocated from New York City to Los Angeles and departed from his management company.{{cite web|url=https://www.manhattandigest.com/2016/04/25/catching-up-with-red-hot-music-star-colton-ford/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425211841/https://www.manhattandigest.com/2016/04/25/catching-up-with-red-hot-music-star-colton-ford/|archivedate=25 April 2016|accessdate=21 May 2025|website=Manhattan Digest|date=25 April 2016|first=Ryan|last=Shea|title=Catching Up with Red Hot Music Star Colton Ford}} That same year, he released Glenn Soukesian, an R&B and soul album he considered a personal project. Ford temporarily stepped away from his music career following his mother's death and a challenging breakup. He returned in 2020 with the four-song EP Unity, which he wrote during the COVID-19 pandemic, centering its themes on unification, internal strength, and the right to freedom.{{cite web|url=https://windycitytimes.com/2020/11/28/music-colton-ford-tough-singer-is-back-and-stronger-than-ever/|title=Music (Colton) Ford tough: Singer is back and 'Stronger' than ever|website=Windy City Times|first=Andrew|last=Davis|date=November 28, 2020|accessdate=21 May 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521084035/https://windycitytimes.com/2020/11/28/music-colton-ford-tough-singer-is-back-and-stronger-than-ever/|archivedate=21 May 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://getoutmag.com/chase-bank-stonewall-location-pride-installation/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731002502/https://getoutmag.com/chase-bank-stonewall-location-pride-installation/|archivedate=31 July 2021|title=Colton Ford’s Message of Unity|first=Ben|last=Nelson|date=June 18, 2021|accessdate=21 May 2021|website=Get Out}} The project was created by Ford and two creative partners, Ron Schrader and Spin Sista, known collectively as Woop Woop Productions. To promote "Stay", one of the tracks from the EP, Ford created an OnlyFans page and released an uncensored edit of its music video on the platform.{{cite web|url=https://instinctmagazine.com/colton-ford-makes-vulnerability-sexy-with-his-new-single-stay/|title= Colton Ford Makes Vulnerability Sexy With His New Single ‘Stay’|website=Instinct|first=Michael|last=Cook|date=March 11, 2021|accessdate=March 11, 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125054015/https://instinctmagazine.com/colton-ford-makes-vulnerability-sexy-with-his-new-single-stay/|archivedate=25 January 2025}} His fifth and final album, Permission (2023), contains R&B and pop songs that delve into themes of lustful encounters, the joys and sorrows of love, and infidelity.
=Film, television, and theater=
During his pornography career, Ford made cameo appearances in two LGBT-related feature films. He was credited as Glenn Sakazian in The Next Best Thing (2000), directed by John Schlesinger, in a story about a yoga instructor and her gay best friend.{{cite web|url=http://old.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/review/543|title=The Next Best Thing|first=Kevin|last=Maher|publisher=British Film Institute|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803091201/http://old.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/review/543|archivedate=3 August 2012|url-status=live|accessdate=29 May 2025}} He also featured in Dirk Shafer's Circuit (2001), an independent film set in the world of gay circuit parties.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/26/movies/film-in-review-circuit.html|title=Film in Review; 'Circuit'|website=The New York Times|first=A. O.|last=Scott|date=April 26, 2002|page=14|url-access=registration|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417163220/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/26/movies/film-in-review-circuit.html|archivedate=17 April 2009|url-status=live|accessdate=29 May 2025}} When Ford took a break from the adult film industry, he was introduced to Christopher Long, who found Ford's story compelling and believed it worthy of a film. Ford agreed to have his nine-month journey from the adult film industry to writing and recording his single "Everything" documented. The result was the documentary film Naked Fame, produced by Long's Hard Sell Productions.{{cite web|url=https://avn.com/news/video/colton-ford-documentary-premieres-58179|title=Colton Ford Documentary Premieres|date=February 23, 2005|accessdate=29 May 2025|url-status=live|website=AVN|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20250529131037/https://avn.com/news/video/colton-ford-documentary-premieres-58179|archivedate=29 May 2025}} The film was screened at various festivals in 2004, followed by a limited theatrical run in 2005.{{cite web|url=https://avn.com/news/gay/colton-ford-to-promote-naked-fame-in-philly-66927|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20250529130629/https://avn.com/news/gay/colton-ford-to-promote-naked-fame-in-philly-66927|archivedate=29 May 2025|url-status=live|title=Colton Ford to Promote Naked Fame in Philly|date=August 17, 2005|accessdate=August 17, 2024|website=AVN}} AVN and Gay City News praised its realistic portrayal of the cutthroat entertainment industry, while Cameron Scheetz of Queerty wrote that it well-encapsulated Ford's talent and drive for success.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20250529133425/https://www.queerty.com/late-adult-film-star-singer-colton-ford-navigated-his-pop-music-career-in-the-05-doc-fame-20250520/|archivedate=29 May 2025|url-status=live|url=https://www.queerty.com/late-adult-film-star-singer-colton-ford-navigated-his-pop-music-career-in-the-05-doc-fame-20250520/|title=Revisiting late adult film star & singer Colton Ford's 2005 doc 'Naked Fame'|first=Cameron|last=Scheetz|date=May 20, 2025|accessdate=29 May 2025|website=Queerty}} Kurt B. Reighley of The Advocate noted that the chemistry between Ford and Harper compensated for the film's uneven pacing and cinematography.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2WMEAAAAMBAJ&dq=colton+ford+gay+billboard&pg=PA54|title=Body & Soul|magazine=The Advocate|date=15 February 2005|page=54|first=Kurt B.|last=Reighley|via=Google Books|accessdate= 22 May 2025|number=932|issn=0001-8996|publisher=Here}} Ford made an uncredited cameo appearance and contributed "Everything" to the soundtrack of Hellbent,{{Cite web|url=http://www.fleshbot.com/sex/gay/hellbent-125417.php|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051212233133/http://www.fleshbot.com/sex/gay/hellbent-125417.php|archivedate=12 December 2005|url-status=dead|title=Hellbent|website=Fleshbot|date=September 13, 2005|accessdate=September 13, 2024}} a 2004 slasher film featuring an all-gay male character cast.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2004/film/reviews/hellbent-1200532512/|title=Hellbent|date=June 29, 2004|accessdate=June 29, 2024|website=Variety|first=Dennis|last=Harvey|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305045026/https://variety.com/2004/film/reviews/hellbent-1200532512/|archivedate=5 March 2016|url-status=live}}
When Regent Releasing acquired Naked Fame for distribution, Ford became associated with Here TV and received a script for a cameo role on Dante's Cove, an LGBTQ-oriented soap opera from the network. He was subsequently contacted by the casting director for The Lair and offered a part on that show instead. He accepted, playing the role of Trout, a closeted sheriff attempting to solve a mystery in a small island community.{{cite web|url=https://dallasvoice.com/celebrity-watch-57/|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20250529140012/https://dallasvoice.com/celebrity-watch-57/|archivedate=29 May 2025|url-status=live|title=Celebrity Watch|date=May 10, 2007|accessdate=May 10, 2025|website=Dallas Voice}} The supernatural thriller series debuted in June 2007 on Here TV.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PwwN5BInAucC&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&lpg=PA355&dq=colton%20ford&hl=vi&pg=PA355#v=onepage&q=colton%20ford&f=false|title=The Gay Male Sleuth in Print and Film: A History and Annotated Bibliography|first=Drewey Wayne|last=Gunn|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|date=2013|via=Google Books|isbn=0810885883|page=355}} Fred Olen Ray, the show's creator, intended the role of Trout to be nonsexual and to serve as the voice of reason for the show, which Ford found suited him well for demonstrating his acting abilities.{{cite web|url=https://windycitytimes.com/2008/10/01/colton-ford-lair-apparent/|title=Colton Ford: 'Lair' apparent|first=Andrew|last=Davis|date=October 1, 2008|accessdate=October 1, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521154721/https://windycitytimes.com/2008/10/01/colton-ford-lair-apparent/|archivedate=21 May 2025|website=Windy City Times}} Filming for the series took place in Los Angeles. His role was expanded in the second season, and Ford reprised the role for a third season in 2009.{{cite web|url=https://avn.com/news/gay/gay-vamp-series-the-lair-bites-into-third-season-106686|title=Gay Vamp Series ‘The Lair’ Bites into Third Season|date=August 25, 2009|first=G. Zisk|last=Rice|website=AVN|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20250529142104/https://avn.com/news/gay/gay-vamp-series-the-lair-bites-into-third-season-106686|archivedate=29 May 2025|url-status=live|accessdate=29 May 2025}} Lawrence Ferber of The Advocate dubbed the role as Ford's "mainstream acting debut", citing him as one of the reasons to watch the show.{{Cite web|url=https://www.advocate.com/politics/commentary/2007/06/15/channel-surfin|title=Channel surfin'|first=Lawrence|last=Ferber|date=June 15, 2007|accessdate=November 4, 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250213035921/https://www.advocate.com/politics/commentary/2007/06/15/channel-surfin|archivedate=13 February 2025|url-status=live|website=The Advocate}} Ford went on to be a featured panelist on Here TV's resident chat show Threesome.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Threesome-Season-1/dp/B00EEBZPPQ|title=Threesome – Season 1|publisher=Amazon|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505030518/http://www.amazon.com/Threesome-Season-1/dp/B00EEBZPPQ|archivedate=5 May 2015|url-status=live|accessdate=5 May 2025}} Ford appeared in a cameo role as Butch Hunk, an escort hired for a threesome, in Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild! (2008).{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2008/film/reviews/another-gay-sequel-gays-gone-wild-1200507803|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927023918/https://variety.com/2008/film/reviews/another-gay-sequel-gays-gone-wild-1200507803/|archivedate=27 September 2020|url-status=live|title=Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild!|website=Variety|first=Dennis|last=Harvey|date=August 11, 2008|accessdate=August 11, 2024}} He described the role as "silly [and] over-the-top" and enjoyed the filming process. In 2019, Ford was featured in The (Art) Of Be(i)ng, an art-house film by JB Ghuman Jr. that was screened at the Sundance Film Festival and OutFest Philadelphia.{{Cite web|url=https://festival.outfest.org/2019/movies/art-of-being/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119210259/https://festival.outfest.org/2019/movies/art-of-being/|archivedate=19 November 2019|accessdate=19 November 2024|url-status=dead|publisher=OutFest Philadelphia|title=The (Art) Of Be(i)ng}}
Ford made his off-Broadway debut in 2011 in the musical theatre Little House on the Ferry, a gay love story set in the summer resort of Fire Island Pines, New York.{{Cite web|url=https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/features/2011/11/04/hot-sheet-neil-patrick-topp|title=Hot Sheet|first=Brandon|last=Voss|date=November 4, 2011|accessdate=November 4, 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326112155/https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/features/2011/11/04/hot-sheet-neil-patrick-topp|archivedate=26 March 2023|url-status=live|website=The Advocate}} He played Max, a Pied Piper-like figure who leads young gay men to an underwear party.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722224801/http://www.littlehouseontheferry.com/max-colton-ford/|url=http://www.littlehouseontheferry.com/max-colton-ford/|archivedate=22 July 2013|url-status=dead|title=Max: Colton Ford|publisher=Little House on the Ferry|accessdate=29 May 2025}} Described the role as "sexy and surprisingly smart", Ford dedicated the performance to his mother. The play included eleven original songs, which were released as an album by the original cast.{{cite AV media notes|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/4Q8h2uIF44cAOEcOjfPYTF|title=Original Cast Recording|author=Little House on the Ferry|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20250521074529/https://open.spotify.com/album/4Q8h2uIF44cAOEcOjfPYTF|archivedate=May 21, 2025|url-status=live|type=Liner notes; Digital album|publisher=Spotify|accessdate=May 21, 2025|date=2011}} "After Hours," a track Ford found catchy and well-suited for a musical theater setting, was released as a single featuring his vocals.{{cite AV media notes|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/after-hours-original-cast-recording-feat-colton-ford/480241637|title=After Hours (Original Cast Recording) [feat. Colton Ford]|author=Little House on the Ferry|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20250521074143/https://music.apple.com/us/album/after-hours-original-cast-recording-feat-colton-ford/480241637|archivedate=May 21, 2025|url-status=live|type=Liner notes; Digital single|publisher=Apple Music|accessdate=May 21, 2025|date=2011}} The show ran in New York from November 3 until November 20, 2011.{{cite web |title=Colton Ford, Seph Stanek, et al. Set for Little House on the Ferry |url=https://www.theatermania.com/news/colton-ford-seph-stanek-et-al-set-for-little-house-on-the-ferry_43281/ |website=TheaterMania |access-date=April 26, 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813213243/https://www.theatermania.com/news/colton-ford-seph-stanek-et-al-set-for-little-house-on-the-ferry_43281/|archivedate=August 13, 2024|url-status=live|date=October 22, 2011}} In May and June 2014, Ford starred as a gay partner in the Los Angeles production of Harrison David Rivers' And All The Dead, Lie Down.{{cite web|url=https://allthedead.wordpress.com/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929060646/https://allthedead.wordpress.com/|archivedate=29 September 2015|url-status=live|title=The Play|publisher=And All The Dead, Lie Down|accessdate=29 May 2025}} In May 2012, Ford participated in the New York production of Match Game Live, a staged version of the popular TV game show, where contestants engage in a game of innuendo and wordplay with celebrities.{{cite web|url=https://www.theatermania.com/news/colton-ford-jackie-hoffman-ben-lerman-set-for-match-game-live_56893/|title=Colton Ford, Jackie Hoffman, Ben Lerman Set for Match Game Live|first=Brian Scott|last=Lipton|location=New York City|date=May 17, 2012|accessdate=May 17, 2025|website=Theatermania|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250529150540/https://www.theatermania.com/news/colton-ford-jackie-hoffman-ben-lerman-set-for-match-game-live_56893/|archivedate=29 May 2025|url-status=live}}
Artistry
File:Colton Ford - That's Me Video Still.jpg elements in his music videos.]]
Ford cited R&B recording artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight as his primary musical influences. He also praised Olivia Newton-John for her vocals, calling her "a complete package". He identified R&B and soul as his musical roots, influences distinctly audible in songs from Tug of War and Glenn Soukesian. However, he was well-known for his dance music,{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527172420/https://dallasvoice.com/built-ford-tough-2/|archivedate=27 May 2025|url-status=live|title=Now 50, gay adult film star-recording artist Colton Ford is hitting his stride|website=Dallas Voice|date=September 13, 2013|accessdate=September 13, 2024|first=Rich|last=Lopez|url=https://dallasvoice.com/built-ford-tough-2/}} a genre he favored for its welcoming space for artists outside major label norms and its resonance with the gay community. Dance elements are prominently featured on Under the Covers, and The Way I Am. Rule noted that despite his initial dance-pop singles, Ford appeared to prefer recognition as a blue-eyed soul or R&B-flavored pop singer.
Although Ford naturally spoke in a baritone, his singing voice spanned a tenor range.{{cite web|url=https://cabaretscenes.org/2019/12/02/glenn-soukesian-colton-ford-introduces-glenn-soukesian/|title=Glenn Soukesian: Colton Ford Introduces Glenn Soukesianw|first=Bart|last=Greenberg|date=December 2, 2019|accessdate=26 May 2025|url-status=live|website=Cabaret Scenes|publisher=American Songbook Association|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112101725/https://cabaretscenes.org/2019/12/02/glenn-soukesian-colton-ford-introduces-glenn-soukesian/|archivedate=12 November 2024}} He developed this fuller, wider vocal sound from a natural high voice in his youth by learning to relax his throat through vocal coaching. Music critics frequently praised his singing in their reviews. Rich Lopez of Dallas Voice lauded his melisma on The Way I Am as "[oozing] confidence and compounded with his natural sex appeal", while Rule opined that despite occasional straining for higher notes, his vocal performance on Tug of War was "better than many contemporary pop stars". J. Poet of Gay.com highlighted his supple vocals, noting the classic R&B feel, "seductive high end and shimmering melismas."{{cite web|url=http://www.gay.com/content/slideshow/?coll=6156&navpath=/channels/entertainment/music/rockout|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203121440/http://www.gay.com/content/slideshow/?coll=6156&navpath=/channels/entertainment/music/rockout|archivedate=3 February 2008|title=Profile: Colton Ford|page=1|website=Gay.com|url-status=dead|date=2 February 2008|accessdate=28 May 2025|author=J. Poet}} However, the overall reception to Ford's music was mixed; both Billboard{{'}}s Chuck Taylor and Lopez felt his sex appeal overshadowed his decent musical efforts.{{cite web|url=https://dallasvoice.com/2009-year-in-review-music/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527175906/https://dallasvoice.com/2009-year-in-review-music/|archivedate=27 May 2025|url-status=live|title=2009 Year in Review: Music|date=December 29, 2009|accessdate=December 29, 2024|first=Rich|last=Lopez|website=Dallas Voice}} Daniel Villarreal of Queerty and the writers of Dallas Voice dismissed the generic and dated dance production on Under the Covers,{{cite web|url=https://dallasvoice.com/friday-listening-party-colton-fords-under-the-covers/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250528085344/https://dallasvoice.com/friday-listening-party-colton-fords-under-the-covers/|archivedate=28 May 2025|url-status=live|title=Friday Listening Party: Colton Ford's 'Under the Covers'|date=September 4, 2009|accessdate=28 May 2025|website=Dallas Voice}} while Lopez and Raj Rudolph of EQ Music viewed The Way I Am as an improvement and effectively making a case for Ford's ascension in the dance genre.
A self-proclaimed exhibitionist,{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/lambpromotions/docs/gni_issue_46_for_online/s/12137828|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527134413/https://issuu.com/lambpromotions/docs/gni_issue_46_for_online/s/12137828|archivedate=27 May 2025|url-status=live|title=Pop Artists Are Baring More Than Souls In Pandemic-era Music Videos. They're Baring Their Bodies Too|website=GNI Magazine|first=Connor|last=Davenport|issue=46|date=April 22, 2021|accessdate=27 May 2025}} Ford was known to incorporate homoerotic elements in his music videos. For instance, the black and white video for "Let Me Live Again" drew inspiration from Tom of Finland's artwork, while in "Handle It," he appears as one of the go-go boys at a gay nightclub. Suggestive content can also be found in the videos for "The Way You Love Me", "That's Me", "Losing My Religion", "All My Love",{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521131543/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/colton-ford-all-my-love_n_3605873|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/colton-ford-all-my-love_n_3605873|archivedate=21 May 2025|accessdate=21 May 2025|title=Colton Ford's 'All My Love' Music Video Debuts|website=HuffPost|first=Christopher|last=Rudolph|date=July 16, 2013}} and "Stay". The singer believed sexual imagery served as an impactful statement that leaves a lasting impression. He dismissed the criticism towards his erotic videos, asserting a double standard for male and female sexuality representation and proclaiming his inherent sensual nature.{{cite news|title=Stretching the boundaries|website=Seattle Gay News|first=Gary M.|last=Kramer|date=July 5, 2013|accessdate=28 May 2025|url-access=subscription|page=8|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/879787145|via=Newspaper.com}} "Being provocative is part of my nature. It is just another layer of the way I am," he said.
Public image
Ford has been considered one of the most prolific gay pornographic stars of the early 2000s.{{cite web|url=https://www.andrewchristian.com/blogs/acblog/colton-ford-here-to-stay|title=Colton Ford: Here to Stay|first=Alexander|last=Rodriguez|publisher=Andrew Christian|date=April 26, 2021|accessdate=24 May 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304050338/https://www.andrewchristian.com/blogs/acblog/colton-ford-here-to-stay|archivedate=4 March 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://inmagazine.ca/2025/05/popular-gay-porn-star-colton-ford-dies-at-62/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250528132744/https://inmagazine.ca/2025/05/popular-gay-porn-star-colton-ford-dies-at-62/|archivedate=28 May 2025|title=Popular Gay Porn Star Colton Ford Dies At 62|date=20 May 2025|accessdate=20 May 2025|website=IN Magazine}} Publications such as Out and AVN referred to him as a legendary gay porn star. Commentators attributed Ford's success to his masculine physique, charisma,{{cite web|website=Gayety|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250525154258/https://gayety.com/colton-ford-gay-adult-film-star-singer-dies-62|archivedate=25 May 2025|url-status=live|title=Gay Adult Film Star Colton Ford Dies At The Age of 62|date=May 20, 2025|first=Andy|last=Lalwani|url=https://gayety.com/colton-ford-gay-adult-film-star-singer-dies-62|accessdate=25 May 2025}} deep voice, versatility,{{cite web|url=https://www.queerty.com/5-gay-porn-stars-who-use-their-mouths-for-other-things-like-singing-20090818/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623052615/https://www.queerty.com/5-gay-porn-stars-who-use-their-mouths-for-other-things-like-singing-20090818|archivedate=23 June 2024|url-status=live|title=5 Gay Porn Stars Who Use Their Mouths for Other Things (Like Singing)|website=Queerty|first=Daniel|last=Villarreal|date=August 18, 2009|accessdate=25 May 2025}} and chemistry with the co-stars. He is known for his distinct "muscle daddy" image,{{cite web|url=https://dallasvoice.com/former-adult-film-star-and-pop-singer-colton-ford-dead-at-62/|title=Former adult film star and pop singer Colton Ford dead at 62|date=May 20, 2025|accessdate=May 20, 2025|website=Dallas Voice|first=Rich|last=Lopez|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250528133905/https://dallasvoice.com/former-adult-film-star-and-pop-singer-colton-ford-dead-at-62/|archivedate=28 May 2025|url-status=live}} prompting Lopez to opine that "Ford is to gay porn muscle-daddies what Meryl Streep is to mainstream movie actresses".{{cite web|url=https://dallasvoice.com/built-ford-tough/|date=January 29, 2009|accessdate=January 29, 2025|first=Rich|last=Lopez|title=Built Ford Tough|website=Dallas Voice|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250525153803/https://dallasvoice.com/built-ford-tough/|archivedate=25 May 2025|url-status=live}} Cybersocket stated that he "made an indelible imprint in the industry" with his beloved masculine image.{{cite web|url=https://www.cybersocket.com/gay-adult-star-top-5-list/colton-fords-top-5-albums-to-fuck-to/|date=August 17, 2021|accessdate=January 29, 2025|title=Colton Ford's Top 5 Albums To Fuck To|website=Cybersocket|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819164102/https://www.cybersocket.com/gay-adult-star-top-5-list/colton-fords-top-5-albums-to-fuck-to/|archivedate=19 August 2021|url-status=live}} J. C. Adams of AVN praised his presence and acting performance in Colton (2002), calling him a "walking wet dream". Ford himself noted that his distinct look set him apart from many other performers at the time.{{Rp|page=23:55}} He also credited his success to Harper and LaRue, highlighting their popularity and how working with them made him feel safe and comfortable.{{Rp|page=23:10}}
Ford was recognized as a multifaceted entertainer who successfully transitioned from adult entertainment into mainstream media.{{cite web|url=https://www.queerty.com/gay-porn-stars-whove-retired-did-they-have-happy-endings-20130525/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808194657/https://www.queerty.com/gay-porn-stars-whove-retired-did-they-have-happy-endings-20130525/|archivedate=8 August 2024|url-status=live|title=Adult film stars after porn: did they have happy endings?|website=Queerty|last=Owen|first=Greg|date=May 25, 2013|accessdate=May 25, 2025}} Pink TV declared him one of the world's most famous American gay personalities, and AfterElton.com listed him as one of their "Top 50 Gay Male Musicians".{{cite web|url=http://www.afterelton.com/people/2011/02/top-50-gay-musicians|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210203949/http://www.afterelton.com/people/2011/02/top-50-gay-musicians|archivedate=February 10, 2011|url-status=dead|title=AfterElton.com's Top 50 Gay Male Musicians|website=AfterElton.com|first=Davis|last=Mallory|date=February 7, 2011|accessdate=February 7, 2025}} He was included in OutQ's Top 100 artists list in 2005.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060708073132/http://www.coltonfordmusic.com/news.htm|archivedate=8 July 2006|title=Colton Ford Makes The Sirius Radio OutQ 100 Top Artist List For 2005|url=http://www.coltonfordmusic.com/news.htm|date=August 22, 2005|location=New York|website=Coltonfordmusic.com|accessdate=28 May 2025}} Weho Times and Gayety recognized him as an influential figure in LGBTQ+ entertainment.{{cite web|url=https://wehotimes.com/gay-porn-star-colton-ford-aka-glenn-soukesian-has-died-at-63/|title=Gay Porn Star Colton Ford aka Glenn Soukesian has Died at 62|first=Paulo|last=Murillo|date=May 20, 2025|accessdate=May 20, 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250528150732/https://wehotimes.com/gay-porn-star-colton-ford-aka-glenn-soukesian-has-died-at-63/|archivedate=28 May 2025|url-status=live}} Hotspots Magazine stated that he represented the LGBTQ community with a unique sense of diversity and acceptance for his generation.{{cite web|url=https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2025/05/22/colton-ford-gay-adult-icon-and-musician-dies-at-62/|title=Colton Ford, Gay Adult Icon and Musician, Dies at 62|date=22 May 2025|accessdate=28 May 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250528144340/https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2025/05/22/colton-ford-gay-adult-icon-and-musician-dies-at-62/|archivedate=28 May 2025|url-status=live|website=Hotspot Magazine}}
Personal life and death
Ford's parents accepted both his homosexuality and his pornography career. His mother died from cancer in 2013 at the age of 69. A strong advocate for therapy, he had been attending sessions since age 30, a practice he was exposed to as a child through his mother's lifelong engagement with therapy. He viewed therapy as a way to connect with his inner self, and examine past experiences. Ford supported Joe Biden in the 2020 United States presidential election, expressing that he could "feel his empathy, commitment, and concern". He also criticized the LGBTQ conservatism movement, and disparaged Republican nominee Donald Trump as "the quintessential example of narcissistic personality disorder".
In addition to his entertainment career, Ford had been a personal trainer since 2002.{{cite web|url=http://www.gay.com/content/slideshow/?coll=6156&order=2&navpath=/channels/entertainment/music/rockout|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203122941/http://www.gay.com/content/slideshow/?coll=6156&order=2&navpath=/channels/entertainment/music/rockout|archivedate=3 February 2008|title=Profile: Colton Ford|page=2|website=Gay.com|url-status=dead|date=2 February 2008|accessdate=28 May 2025|author=J. Poet}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ebar.com/story/154768/News/Glenn%20Soukesian%2C%20known%20as%20adult%20film%20star%20Colton%20Ford%2C%20dies|title=Glenn Soukesian, known as adult film star Colton Ford, dies|first=Ed|last=Walsh|date=May 21, 2025|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20250529115153/https://www.ebar.com/story/154768/News/Glenn%20Soukesian,%20known%20as%20adult%20film%20star%20Colton%20Ford,%20dies|archivedate=29 May 2025|url-status=live|website=Bay Area Reporter|accessdate=29 May 2025}} He worked out three or four days a week, with each session lasting two hours. He found his physical image beneficial for marketing, believing it could potentially give him a much broader audience. As a trainer, he combined traditional weight and resistance training with function-oriented movements, utilizing machines, free weights, stability balls, and BOSU half-balls to strengthen the core. Up until his death in 2025, he trained clients at a local gym in Palm Springs.
Ford started dating Harper in 2001, a pairing Brady Jansen of AVN hailed as "arguably the biggest gay porn power couple ever." Their relationship, as Adams observed, was instrumental in elevating both men to A-list status within the industry.{{cite web|url=https://www.queerty.com/eight-gay-porn-couples-who-found-true-love-off-screen-and-a-few-who-didnt-20120213/|url-status=live|website=Queerty|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415225456/https://www.queerty.com/eight-gay-porn-couples-who-found-true-love-off-screen-and-a-few-who-didnt-20120213|archivedate=15 April 2024|title=Eight Gay-Porn Couples Who Found True Love Off-Screen—And A Few Who Didn’t|accessdate=24 May 2025|first=J. C.|last=Adams|date=February 13, 2012}} Ford stated that despite public perceptions of pornographic actors, he and Harper were "two down-to-earth, geniune guys who are just trying to figure life out". He dedicated "Love Has Found A Way", a ballad from his debut album, to Harper. In 2006, they celebrated their fifth anniversary and adopted a puppy. However, they split in April 2007 when Ford moved to New York to pursue his entertainment career,{{cite magazine|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313201854if_/http://www.inlamagazine.com/1102/features/1102_ct.html|url=http://www.inlamagazine.com/1102/features/1102_ct.html|archivedate=13 March 2008|url-status=dead|website=IN Los Angeles|volume=11|issue=2|date=March 7, 2008|accessdate=25 May 2025|title=Back Where He Began|first=Lawrence|last=Ferber}} while Harper returned to Canada to continue his nursing profession.{{cite web|url=https://www.pinktv.fr/porn-actu/colton-ford-l-ex-porn-star-n-est-que-louanges-pour-blake-harper-l-homme-qu-il-a-profondement-aime-33349.html|title=Colton Ford : L’ex-porn star n’est que louanges pour Blake Harper, l'homme qu'il a profondément aimé !|lang=fr|trans-title=Colton Ford: The former porn star is full of praise for Blake Harper, the man he deeply loved!|publisher=Pink TV|accessdate=24 May 2025|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524164340/https://www.pinktv.fr/porn-actu/colton-ford-l-ex-porn-star-n-est-que-louanges-pour-blake-harper-l-homme-qu-il-a-profondement-aime-33349.html|archivedate=24 May 2025}} In August 2024, Ford dated his Aftershock: Part 2 co-star, Matthew Rush.{{cite web|url=https://www.pinktv.fr/porn-actu/22-ans-apres-avoir-partouze-dans-aftershock-le-blockbuster-en-2-parties-de-mustang-studios-colton-ford-et-matthew-rush-viennent-de-tomber-amoureux-34586.html|title=22 ans après avoir partouzé dans « AfterShock », le blockbuster en 2 parties de Mustang Studios, Colton Ford et Matthew Rush viennent de tomber amoureux|publisher=Pink TV|lang=fr|trans-title=22 years after having an orgy in "AfterShock," the two-part blockbuster from Mustang Studios, Colton Ford and Matthew Rush have just fallen in love|date=August 2024|accessdate=25 May 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911055324/https://www.pinktv.fr/porn-actu/22-ans-apres-avoir-partouze-dans-aftershock-le-blockbuster-en-2-parties-de-mustang-studios-colton-ford-et-matthew-rush-viennent-de-tomber-amoureux-34586.html|archivedate=11 September 2024}}
On May 18, 2025, Ford was last seen before embarking on a hike on the Goat Trails in Palm Springs, California.{{cite web|url=https://kesq.com/news/2025/05/21/legendary-gay-adult-film-actor-colton-ford-found-dead-on-palm-springs-hiking-trail/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522073820/https://kesq.com/news/2025/05/21/legendary-gay-adult-film-actor-colton-ford-found-dead-on-palm-springs-hiking-trail/|archivedate=22 May 2025|url-status=live|date=21 May 2025|title=Legendary gay adult film actor Colton Ford found dead on Palm Springs hiking trail|publisher=KESQ-TV|first=Jesus|last=Reyes|accessdate=22 May 2025}} The following day, May 19, Palm Springs police received a report of a missing hiker. Later that evening, Ford, aged 62, was found deceased on the hiking trail, having died in a hiking accident.{{cite web|url=https://instinctmagazine.com/colton-ford-dead-at-62/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521055531/https://instinctmagazine.com/colton-ford-dead-at-62/|archivedate=21 May 2025|url-status=live|title=Adult Film Star/Music Artist Colton Ford Dead At 62|website=Instinct|date=May 20, 2025|first=Randy|last=Slovacek|accessdate=21 May 2025}} The coroner's office ruled out foul play, but no information on the possible cause of death was made available. Although the coroner's office did not release the man's identity, friends and colleagues confirmed Ford's identity and paid tribute to him to multiple outlets and on social media,{{Cite web |title=Colton Ford, legendary gay adult film star, dies at 62|url=https://www.out.com/news/colton-ford-dead |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Out|first=Bernardo|last=Sim|date=20 May 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250520213023/https://www.out.com/news/colton-ford-dead#rebelltitem1|archivedate=20 May 2025|url-status=live}} including LaRue, Steele, and Matthew Rettenmund.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250526060116/https://www.out.com/media/colton-ford-death-reactions-tribute|url=https://www.out.com/media/colton-ford-death-reactions-tribute|accessdate=26 May 2025|archivedate=26 May 2025|url-status=live|title=Colton Ford's peers and friends honor a 'sweet, funny, talented' man|website=Out|first=Bernardo|last=Sim|date=23 May 2025}}
Filmography
=Pornographic=
=Non-pornographic=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;"
! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable"| Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}} |
| scope="row" | 2000
| Glen | Feature film |
|---|
| scope="row" | 2001
| Circuit | Video Circuit Man | Feature film, uncredited |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2004
| Himself | Documentary film |
| Hellbent
| Nickname Band Member, uncredited | Feature film |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2008
| Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild! | Butch Hunk | Feature film |
| "Into the Nightlife"
| – | Music video |
| scope="row" | 2007–2009
| The Lair | Sheriff Trout | TV series, 28 episodes |
| scope="row" | 2019
| The (Art) Of Be(i)ng | – | Feature film |
Discography
=Albums=
=Extended plays=
=Singles=
Theatre
Awards
{{Awards table}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2001
| rowspan="3" | Conquered
| Hard Choice Award for The Year's Best Sex{{cite web|url=http://www.xxfactor.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=177|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219235217/http://www.xxfactor.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=177|archivedate=19 February 2012|url-status=dead|title=The Eighth Annual Hard Choice Awards|website=XXFactor|accessdate=21 May 2025}}{{efn|name="blakeharper"}}
| {{won}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="4" | 2002
| Grabby Award for Best Group Sex Scene{{cite web|url=http://www.grabbys.com/a1.grab.01.winers.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060719065035/http://www.grabbys.com/a1.grab.01.winers.html|archivedate=19 July 2006|url-status=dead|title=GVN 2002 Grabby Winners|publisher=Grabby Award|accessdate=21 May 2025}}{{efn|name="conquered"|Shared with Nino Bacci, Blake Harper, Billy Herrington, and Jay Ross.}}
| {{won}}
|-
| GayVN Award for Best Group Scene{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020630225805/http://www.gayvn.com/nominees.shtml|archivedate=30 June 2002|url-status=dead|title=2002 GayVN Nominees|url=http://www.gayvn.com/nominees.shtml|accessdate=23 May 2025|publisher=GayVN Awards}}{{efn|name="conquered"}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="3" | Colton Ford
| Grabby Awards for Best Performer{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717174005/http://www.grabbys.com/a1.grab.02.3.noms.html|archivedate=17 July 2006|url-status=dead|title=GVN 2002/3 Grabby Nominations|publisher=Grabby Awards|accessdate=23 May 2025|url=http://www.grabbys.com/a1.grab.02.3.noms.html}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{won}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2003
| GayVN Awards for Gay Performer of the Year{{cite web|url=https://avn.com/news/video/i-white-trash-i-white-hot-at-gayvn-awards-27111|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522060428/https://avn.com/news/video/i-white-trash-i-white-hot-at-gayvn-awards-27111|archivedate=22 May 2025|url-status=live|title=White Trash White Hot at GayVN Awards|website=AVN|date=May 8, 2003|accessdate=22 May 2025}}{{efn|Tied with Michael Brandon.}}
| {{won}}
|-
| Prowl 3
| GayVN Awards for Best Sex Scene{{efn|name="blakeharper"|Shared with Blake Harper.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030415013417/http://www.gayvn.com/nominees.shtml|url=http://www.gayvn.com/nominees.shtml|archivedate=15 April 2003|url-status=dead|title=2003 GayVN Nominees|publisher=GayVN Awards|accessdate=22 May 2025}}}}
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2004
| Aftershock: Part 2
| GayVN Award for Best Group Scene{{efn|Shared with Matthew Rush, Blake Harper, Joe Foster, Chad Hunt, Chris Steele, Bret Wolfe, Peter Raeg, Cody Wolf, Jake Marshall, Jim Slade, and Antonio Majors.{{cite web|url=http://www.gayvnawards.com/2004AwardNominations.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040921162333/http://www.gayvnawards.com/2004AwardNominations.pdf|archivedate=21 September 2004|url-status=dead|title=2004 GAYVN Awards Nominations|publisher=GayVN Awards|accessdate=22 May 2025}}}}
| {{nominated}}
|}
See also
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category|Colton Ford}}
- {{iafd name|id=ColtonFord|gender=male|name=Colton Ford}}
- {{afdb name|id=24014|gender=male|name=Colton Ford}}
- {{IMDb name|1357199|Colton Ford}}
- {{Discogs artist|Colton Ford}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20050213071542/http://www.coltonfordmusic.com/ Official website] (archived in 2005)
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ford, Colton}}
Category:20th-century American LGBTQ people
Category:20th-century American male actors
Category:21st-century American LGBTQ people
Category:21st-century American male actors
Category:21st-century American male singers
Category:21st-century American singers
Category:Accidental deaths in California
Category:American actors in gay pornographic films
Category:American gay musicians
Category:American house musicians
Category:American LGBTQ singers
Category:American male pop singers
Category:American male pornographic film actors
Category:American people of Armenian descent
Category:Gay pornographic film actors
Category:LGBTQ people from California
Category:Male actors from Pasadena, California