T-Bone Walker, 1910-1975

Some 60 years ago, T-Bone Walker plugged in his guitar and the reverberations are still being felt today. Raised in Oak Cliff, the same Dallas neighborhood that produced the Vaughan brothers, Walker is the father of modern Texas blues, but he is much more than that as well. He was the first true lead guitarist, and the primary influence on the electric guitar’s two most-imitated players: B.B. King and Chuck Berry, who copped Walker’s distinct double-stop bends. The essence of Walker’s smooth, urbane style can be heard on his trademark tune, “Stormy Monday.”

Born in 1910 in Linden, Texas, Aaron Thibeaux Walker began playing a variety of stringed instruments at an early age. As a teenager, he led Blind Lemon Jefferson from bar to bar as he played for tips, and received some lessons from the legendary acoustic bluesman. In 1933, he met and played with Charlie Christian and within a few years, both were pioneering the electric guitar, playing single-note, horn-influenced lines. It’s not clear who did so first, but by 1939 Walker and his bold, new toy were tearing up clubs in his new hometown, Los Angeles. Walker’s style was as unusual as his axe; he held his fat-bodied Gibson out in front of him, almost perpendicular. He also was the pioneer for guitar flamboyance, playing behind his back, and while doing splits.

After some down years, Walker mounted a comeback in the late 60s, which led to a 1970 Grammy Award and frequent touring. After years of health and drinking problems, Walker suffered a stroke in 1974. He died in Los Angeles on March 16. 1975, and is buried there, at the Inglewood Park Cemetery.