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Gary Walker (musician)

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Gary Walker
Walker in 1965
Walker in 1965
Background information
Birth nameGary Leeds
BornMarch 9, 1942 (1942-03-09) (age 82)
Glendale, California, U.S.
GenresRock
Occupation
Instruments
Years active1962–present
Labels
Formerly of

Gary Walker (born Gary Leeds; March 9, 1942) is an American musician, who was the drummer and vocalist with both the Standells and the Walker Brothers.

Career

The Standells

Born Gary Leeds, his professional career started in 1962 when he was recruited to join The Standells. He toured with the group from 1962 to 1964. For a period of time in 1964, he toured with P. J. Proby.

The Walker Brothers

In 1964, Gary met John Walker and Scott Walker (real name Scott Engel). The two persuaded Gary to join their band The Walker Brothers, and take the stagename “Gary Walker” (something all three members did as they were not related). He has been credited as the catalyst in bringing the unrelated Walker Brothers to the UK in 1965 where, for a couple of years, they enjoyed commercial success. The Walker Brothers are best remembered for their 1966 hit single, a cover of Frankie Valli’s The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore). He had two minor UK hit singles while still a member of the group in 1966.

After a UK tour in April 1967, which also featured Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, and Engelbert Humperdinck, followed by a tour of Japan in 1968, the group officially disbanded.[1]

Late in 1974, Walker, Engel and Leeds agreed to reform The Walker Brothers. In 1975, they released the album No Regrets. The title track went to no. 7 on the British charts. The second incarnation of the band split in 1978. In the following years, two reunion performances occurred, in 1982 and 1991.

Gary Walker and the Rain

In 1967 he founded Gary Walker and the Rain, which consisted of Joey Molland (later of the band Badfinger, guitar and vocals); Charles "Paul" Crane (lead vocals, guitar); and John Lawson (bass guitar). They released four singles between 1968 and 1969.

Their debut album, Album No.1, was published in 1968.

Solo

As a solo artist, Leeds released his debut single, "You Don't Love Me"/"Get It Right", in February 1966. He released two singles in May 1966 and 1968.

His fourth and last single was a cover of The Easybeats’ 1968 song Hello, How Are You, (B-side: “Fran”) which was released in March 1975 and was produced by Allan Clarke, former frontman for The Hollies.

Later career

Gary and Walker Brother, John Walker, published their own joint autobiography, The Walker Brothers: No Regrets—Our Story, in 2009.

Walker still remains active in England.

Personal life

As of 2019, owing to the death of Scott Walker, Gary is now the last surviving member of The Walker Brothers.

Bands

Discography

The Walker Brothers

Albums

Main article: The Walker Brothers discography

Solo

Singles

Gary Walker and the Rain

Singles

  • "Spooky" (Middlebrooks/Shapiro)/"I Can't Stand To Lose You" (Gary Walker/Paul Crane) - Polydor 56237/Japan: Philips SFL 1150 – January 1968 (Produced by Scott Walker)
  • "Come In You’ll Get Pneumonia" (Vanda/Young)/"Francis" (Leeds/Molland/Crane/Lawson) - Philips BF 1740 - 1969
  • "The View" (G Leeds/J Molland)/"Thoughts Of An Old Man" (G Leeds/J Molland) – Japan only: Philips SFL 1174 - 1968
  • "Magazine Woman" (J Molland)/"Take A Look" (J Molland) – Japan only: Philips SFL 1740 – 1968

Albums

  • Album No. 1 – Japan only: Philips SFX 7133 - 1968

Bibliography

  • The Walker Brothers: No Regrets—Our Story (2009)

References

  1. ^ Tobler, John (1992). NME Rock 'N' Roll Years (1st ed.). London, UK: Reed International Books Ltd. p. 172. CN 5585.
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