Walt Conley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walt Conley
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| Born | May 20, 1929 |
| Died | November 16, 2003 (aged 74) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | American folk singer Hollywood actor Voice actor Owner of Denver folk venue Conley’s Nostalgia |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Folk |
| Associated acts | Pete Seeger Bob Dylan Conley & Company Juice o'the Barley |
Walter Bell Conley (May 20, 1929 – November 16, 2003) was a famous American folk singer. He was also a Hollywood actor and a voice actor. Walt Conley owned a popular music club in Denver called Conley’s Nostalgia.
Many people called Walt Conley the "Grandfather of Folk Music" in Denver. He helped start the folk music scene there in the late 1950s. Walt shared the stage with many famous musicians. These included Josh White, Cisco Houston, Mama Cass Elliot, and Judy Collins. He even let a young, unknown Bob Dylan stay at his home in 1960. That same year, he introduced the Smothers Brothers to Denver. Walt Conley was an entertainer his whole life. He passed away at 74 years old. He had four children. Walt Conley is buried in the Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
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Walt Conley's Early Life
Walt Conley was born in Denver, Colorado. His birth name was Billy Robinson. He grew up in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, with his adoptive parents. They gave him the name Walter Bell Conley.
After his father passed away, Walt and his mother moved back to Denver. He went to Manual High School. Later, he earned a football scholarship to Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado.
During his college summers, Walt worked at a ranch in San Cristobal, New Mexico. The ranch was owned by Jenny and Craig Vincent. Jenny Vincent was a respected folk singer. She performed with famous artists like Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. It was at this ranch that Walt met Pete Seeger and members of The Weavers. The Weavers were a popular folk group in the 1950s. Pete Seeger helped Walt buy his first guitar. He encouraged Walt to use his deep voice to become a folk singer.
After college, Walt joined the Navy. He served during the Korean War. After leaving the Navy, Walt worked with a film crew. They were making the 1954 movie Salt of the Earth. Later, he studied Theater and Physical Education at the University of Northern Colorado. After graduating, Walt taught for a short time. But he soon left teaching to follow his dream of being an entertainer.
Becoming a Musician in the 1950s and 60s
Walt Conley's first professional singing job was at the Windsor Hotel in Denver. He sang calypso songs there. The hotel had three bars. Walt often had to sing in all three bars on the same night! He would sing a few songs in one bar, then quickly move to the next.
His next job was at a top folk music spot in Denver called Little Bohemia. There, he met a young folk musician from Denver named Judy Collins. She also played at Michael’s Pub in Boulder, Colorado. Soon, Walt started performing there too.
In 1959, a businessman named Hal Neustaedter opened a folk club called Exodus in Denver. This club brought in big stars like Josh White and Bob Gibson. Hal asked Walt Conley to be the opening act for six months each year. Judy Collins was the opening act for the other six months.
During this time, Walt also spent a lot of time in Aspen, Colorado. The folk music scene there was very lively. New groups like The Limeliters were becoming popular. In Aspen, Walt met the Smothers Brothers. He later booked them to perform at the Satire Club in Denver. This was the Smothers Brothers' first time performing in Denver.
While managing the Satire Club, a young, unknown musician named Bob Dylan approached Walt. Dylan had left Minnesota and wanted to find a place in Denver's growing folk community. Walt let Dylan open for the Smothers Brothers for a short time. After that, Dylan went back to Minnesota. Walt eventually left his job at the Satire Club. He went back to performing only at the Exodus club.
Hollywood Actor in the 1970s
As folk music became less popular in the 1970s, Walt Conley moved to Hollywood. He wanted to try acting. He got small roles in popular TV shows like Get Christy Love!, The Rockford Files, and The Six Million Dollar Man. In The Six Million Dollar Man, Walt played Dr. Lomax.
Walt also appeared in movies, such as Prison for Children. He earned a living doing voice-overs for TV commercials and films. For example, he made all the grunts and groans for a tough football game in the movie The Longest Yard. He also read the Indian Lord's Prayer that played when Denver TV stations signed off at night. This was a special ritual that even received praise from President Nixon. Even while acting, Walt continued to perform folk songs in different cities.
Conley's Nostalgia: The 1980s Club
In 1983, Walt Conley returned to Denver. He opened his own music club called Conley's Nostalgia. This club quickly became a favorite spot for folk musicians in Denver. Walt booked famous national artists like Bob Gibson, Dave Van Ronk, and John Fahey. He also featured local talent.
Walt regularly booked a Denver group called Juice O'The Barley. This group played Celtic music. Walt found himself really enjoying this type of music. He soon developed a passion for performing Irish folk music himself.
Conley & Company: The 1990s Band
Irish music had a lively rhythm and often shared important messages. This reminded Walt Conley of the folk singers he admired, like Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. By 1995, Walt had been a professional musician for 35 years. He celebrated this by holding a fundraiser for the Rocky Mountain Music Association. By then, he was mostly performing Irish music.
Walt then formed an Irish pub band called Conley & Company. This band included various local musicians who played with Walt during his shows. Walt also continued to perform solo. He remained an entertainer until he passed away at 74. After Walt's death, the band Conley & Company continued playing as Juice o'the Barley.
Music Albums and Songs
Walt Conley released several albums and singles during his career.
- Albums
- Folk Festival at the Exodus, Vol. 1 (1959)
- Passin' Through with Walt Conley (1961)
- Listen What He's Sayin (Unknown date)
- After All These Years (1991)
- Conley & Company Do The Sheabeen Pub (2001)
- Black & Tans (2002)
- Singles
- Colorado Story (1959)
- Colorado, Queen of the West (1959)
- Passin' Through (1960)
- Worried Man Blues (1960)
- Ballad of the Walking Postman (1960)
Walt Conley's Legacy
Many books and articles about the Denver folk music scene mention Walt Conley. Musicians like Judy Collins and the Smothers Brothers, who became famous, often talked about his influence. They all agree on his important role in the history of folk music in the region.
Each year, a special benefit concert is held to celebrate Walt's life and work. People have also asked for Walt Conley to be included in the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. On November 9, 2019, Walt Conley was officially inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.
