Clarence Tex Walker facts for kids

Clarence "Tex" Walker (born January 24, 1946 – died August 8, 2007) was a talented rhythm and blues musician. He was the lead singer for famous groups like Bill Pinkney's Original Drifters and The Coasters. After touring Europe with Big Joe Turner, Tex Walker performed at the important Bishopstock Blues Festival. He then started his own band in London, called The Walker Street Blues Band. They recorded a song called "Blues in Black," which was very popular in Britain. Walker made the UK his home and performed many concerts there. He passed away in 2007.

Tex Walker's Early Life

Clarence Walker grew up in a very musical family. As a child, he was an important singer in his church choir in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. When he was a teenager, he joined his brother's music group. He even performed with the famous singer Wilson Pickett.

Serving His Country

During the 1960s, Walker served in the military. When he returned to the United States, he was invited to join Bill Pinkney's group, The Original Drifters. He became their lead singer.

Performing with The Drifters

As the lead singer for The Original Drifters, Walker appeared on TV shows like Jerry Lewis' Telethon. In Las Vegas, he performed with The Drifters in the same venues as many legendary artists. These included Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennett. They also shared stages with rock, blues, and jazz greats. Some of these were The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles.

Leading The Coasters

After several big tours and three appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, Clarence was asked to join another famous group, The Coasters. As their lead singer, he performed with them in America, the Middle East, and Europe. They had many very successful tours.

Touring Europe and Making Music

In the late 1990s, Walker performed with famous musicians like B.B. King and Big Joe Turner at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Soon after, Walker decided to live in Great Britain. Big Joe Turner invited Walker to tour with his group in Europe. While touring with Big Joe Turner, Walker sang lead vocals on two of Turner's albums. These albums were Big Joe Turner's Memphis Blues Caravan and French Connection.

His Own Band and Later Years

After performing at the Bishopstock festival, Walker released his song "Blues in Black." It was praised in Blueprint, a well-known British blues magazine. In Britain, Walker performed as the main act at many places, including the Jazz Cafe. He was planning more tours before he passed away in 2007.