Walter "Papoose" Nelson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter "Papoose" Nelson
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Walter Charles Nelson Jr. |
| Also known as | Papoose |
| Born | July 26, 1932 New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Died | February 28, 1962 (aged 29) New York, New York |
| Genres | Rhythm and blues |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist |
| Years active | c.1948 – 1962 |
| Associated acts | Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, Dave Bartholomew |
Walter Charles Nelson Jr. (born July 26, 1932 – died February 28, 1962), known as Walter "Papoose" Nelson, was an American R&B guitarist. He was famous for playing with the legendary musician Fats Domino and appeared on many of Domino's hit songs.
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Early Life and Music
Papoose Nelson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in the Treme neighborhood, which is part of the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. His father, Walter "Black Walter" Nelson, Sr., was also a talented jazz and R&B guitarist. He played with many famous musicians like Smiley Lewis and George Lewis.
Papoose and his younger brother Lawrence learned to play guitar from their father. Their dad also taught music to other musicians, including Smiley Lewis and Professor Longhair. Growing up, Papoose and his family lived in a challenging area of New Orleans. Despite this, music was a big part of their lives.
Starting His Music Career
In March 1948, when Papoose was 17, he joined a band led by piano player Professor Longhair. Longhair was given his nickname because New Orleans piano players were often called "Professor," and "Longhair" described his relaxed hairstyle. Papoose played guitar in Longhair's band at the Caldonia Nite Club.
Professor Longhair later said that Papoose was "about the best guitar player." He also mentioned that Papoose's father had helped him learn music, so he felt it was right to help Papoose. Papoose also played on some of Professor Longhair's first recordings.
Playing with Fats Domino
Papoose Nelson joined Fats Domino's band in late 1950. In January 1951, he played on his first recording session with Fats Domino. This was for the songs "Tired of Crying" and "What’s The Matter Baby." Papoose continued to play on most of Domino's recordings for the next ten years. He even helped create some of the music arrangements.
For example, on Domino's famous song "I'm Walkin'," Papoose helped create the catchy guitar part. Dave Bartholomew, who worked on the song, said Papoose suggested adding a special "sixth note" that made the song so memorable.
Besides playing with Fats Domino, Papoose also worked as a studio guitarist for other artists. He played on recordings for musicians like Smiley Lewis, T-Bone Walker, and Clarence "Frogman" Henry.
In 1958, Papoose and other members of the Domino band recorded an album that was not released until 2012. On this album, Papoose co-wrote and sang two songs: "It Must Be Wonderful" and "Why Did We Have To Part." Fats Domino later said that his band with Papoose Nelson was his "best ever."
His Musical Influence
Other musicians greatly respected Papoose Nelson. Band leader Dave Bartholomew called him a "great guitar player" and said Papoose added a lot of "feeling" to the music. Singer and pianist Oliver Morgan said Papoose was a "legend" in New Orleans. Fats Domino's bass player, Billy Diamond, said Papoose's unique guitar style became "the backbone" of their band.
Musician Mac Rebennack described the special "New Orleans sound" as having light horns and piano, strong drums, heavy bass, and a strong guitar. He said that Papoose Nelson helped create this sound by often playing the guitar along with the bass line.
Papoose Nelson also appeared with the Fats Domino band in the 1956 film "Shake Rattle and Rock."
Teaching Guitar
Papoose Nelson also gave guitar lessons. One of his most famous students was Mac Rebennack, who later became a very famous musician. Rebennack looked up to Papoose and would watch him play for hours.
When Papoose started teaching Rebennack, he told him he needed to learn to read music. Papoose also taught him to play chords for a long time before letting him play solos. This helped Rebennack become a very disciplined and skilled musician.
Later Life
Papoose Nelson passed away on February 28, 1962, at the age of 29. He was in New York City with Fats Domino's band, preparing for a performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show."
A traditional jazz funeral was held for Papoose Nelson in New Orleans on March 10, 1962. The Olympia Brass Band led the procession, which started at Alphonse Picou's Restaurant and Bar. Many family members and friends attended the service. Papoose Nelson is buried in Holt Cemetery in New Orleans.
