Jr Walker – Junior Walker (born Autry DeWalt Mixon, Jr., June 14, 1931 – October 23, 1995) was an American musician, best known as the frontman of Junior Walker & the All Stars.
He was born in North Carolina. His father was a guitarist and his mother was a gospel singer. Walker took up the saxophone at the age of nine and played in his high school band. After graduating, he joined the band of fellow saxophonist Larry Darnell.
In 1960, Walker and Darnell’s bandmate Sir Harry Bowens formed a new group, the All Stars, with Walker on lead vocals and saxophone. The following year, the All Stars had their first hit with “Shotgun”. The song reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
The All Stars had several more hits in the 1960s, including “I’m a Road Runner” (1964), “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” (1965), and “Shake and Fingerpop” (1969). They also released several successful albums, including Walk in the Park (1965) and Back Street Boogaloo (1968).
In the 1970s, Walker began a solo career in addition to his work with the All Stars. His biggest hit as a solo artist was “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)”, which reached number one on the R&B chart and number four on the Hot 100 in 1969.
He continued to record and perform until his death in 1995. He was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2012.
Backing Tracks – Shotgun
| Listen | Song Title | Artist | Genre | BV | Price | Buy |
|---|
