From the age of 8, Joe Louis Walker knew he wanted to play guitar, write songs and bring music to the masses. Born in 1949 in San Francisco, he immersed himself early on in the rich culture of the area, as well as the sway of his own musical family. He cites early influences including B.B. King, T-Bone Walker, Wilson Pickett, James Brown and Otis Redding. Walker’s own blend of gospel, jazz, soul, funk and rock are combined and infused with his contemporary blues sensibilities.

Walker took an extended break from the blues in 1975, joining the Spiritual Corinthians gospel choir. After 10 years, the group played the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, an event that reignited Walker’s passion and inspired him to embrace his blues roots once again. Later that year, he signed with Hightone Records and released his solo debut with his backing band, the Boss Talkers. Along the road of a highly respectable career, he has shared the stage with blues and rock legends from the likes of John Lee Hooker, Thelonius Monk, Otis Rush, Nick Lowe, Muddy Waters, and Jimi Hendrix.

Critics and fans alike have praised Walker’s talent. He won three W.C. Handy Awards for Contemporary Male Artist of the Year in 1988 & 1991 and Band of the Year in 1996. In 1995, he took home the Bammy (Bay Area Music Award) for Blues Musician of the Year.