Wade Walton facts for kids

Wade Walton (born October 10, 1919, died January 10, 2000) was a talented American blues musician. He was also a leader in the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. Many famous musicians visited his barber shop, where he worked and played music.

A Life of Music and Community

Wade Walton was born in Lombardy, Mississippi. He grew up near Parchman Farm. He learned to be a barber in Memphis, Tennessee. Later, he opened his own barber shop in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

The "Blues Barber"

Walton's barber shop was called "Big Six barber shop." It became famous as a place where blues music was always happening. People called him the "blues barber" because of this. His shop was first at 304 Fourth Street. Later, it moved to 317 Issaquena Avenue. This new spot was once the home of the famous musician W. C. Handy.

Wade was great at playing the harmonica and the guitar. He also played a unique instrument: the razor strop! He would hit it rhythmically with his razor to make music. Music experts like Paul Oliver recorded him playing in his barber shop in 1960. He even released an album called Shake 'Em On Down in the early 1960s.

Another musician, Robert Curtis Smith, met music producers in Walton's shop. This led to Smith recording his own blues album, The Blues of Robert Curtis Smith: Clarksdale Blues.

Playing with Famous Musicians

Walton played with the band Kings of Rhythm. This band included the famous musician Ike Turner. However, Walton chose to stay in Clarksdale and continue his barber work.

Many well-known musicians and artists visited Walton's barber shop. They came to play music with him or just to visit. Some of these famous people included Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and the writer Allen Ginsberg.

A Leader for Civil Rights

Wade Walton was also an important leader for the NAACP in his local area. This was during the Civil Rights Movement in the early 1960s. Because of his work for civil rights, his barber shop was bombed.

Walton appeared in two documentary films. He was in Bill Ferris's 1975 film Give My Poor Heart Ease. He also appeared in Robert Mugge's film Deep Blues: A Musical Pilgrimage to the Crossroads.

Wade Walton passed away in St. Louis, Missouri, on January 10, 2000. He was 80 years old.

Legacy

Wade Walton's contributions were honored with a special marker. This marker is part of the Mississippi Blues Trail.

Discography

• The Blues of Wade Walton (1962)
• Barbershop Rhythm – Arhoolie Records
• Shake 'Em On Down – Bluesville Records