Gary Walker
Gary Walker (actually Gary Leeds ; born March 9, 1942 in Glendale , California ) is an American musician who was particularly successful as a drummer for the Walker Brothers .
Life
Gary Walker started his drummer career at the age of 14 in a school band. His first own group was called The Beltones, with whom he made a name for himself as a drummer in the music scene around Los Angeles. Since then he has appeared in the line-ups of various bands, including the Standells when they were founded in 1962. Shortly before their first LP release on Liberty Records , he was replaced by Dick Dodd of the Mousketeers. At this time he met Elvis Presley , whom he helped out at a concert when his drummer was late. Together with mutual friend PJ Probythey liked to play football. In 1964 Proby took him on a first tour to England as a drummer.
John Maus and Scott Engel were playing as local heroes in the renowned Gazzari's Club in 1964 under the name The Walker Brothers when Gary offered himself to them as drummer. Gary's idea to tour England was supported by regular club guest Brian Jones . Almost unknown, the Walker Brothers reached the kingdom in the winter of 1964 and achieved world fame in England the following year. At the height of her career, Gary released two singles under her own name for CBS Records , both of which came 26th on the UK charts. After three major England tours in 1966 and 1967, the band announced their split to advance their solo careers.
In the fall of 1967, the drummer founded the band Gary Walker and The Rain with singer, guitarist and pianist Paul "Charlie" Crane, bassist John Lawson and singer and lead guitarist Joey Molland . The debut single was a 1968 cover version of Classics IV's Spooky . The release was through a joint tour with the Kinks , the Herd and the Tremeloes . During the subsequent Japan tour, the album Gary Walker & The Rain Album No 1 was released, from which an EP and two singles were decoupled. With the Japanese support band The Carnabeats, Gary then recorded the song Cutie Morning Moon , to which Scott Walker contributed lyrics. Before the band split up again in 1969 , a cover of Easybeats came out in England with Come In You'll Get Pneumonia . Gary then had to return to the States due to his work permit expiring.
It wasn't until 1975 that Gary came back to England with the album No Regrets as part of a reunion of the Walker Brothers . By the time the band broke up again three years later, two more albums came out, for which Gary also contributed lead vocals. Since then, Gary has dedicated himself to model making. In 2005 there were individual appearances with Walker-Brother John Maus, in 2006 and 2007 some very successful anniversary and best-of editions of the Walker Brothers went on sale.
In 2009 Gary and John Walker published an autobiographical account of their time together with the Walker Brothers.
Discography
Singles
- 1966 - You Don't Love Me / Get It Right
- 1966 - Twinkie-Lee / She Makes Me Feel Better
- 1968 - Spooky / I Can't Stand to Lose You (as Gary Walker & Rain)
- 1968 Come In You'll Get Pneumonia / Francis (as Gary Walker & Rain)
- 1968 - The View / Thoughts of an Old Man (as Gary Walker & Rain)
- 1968 Magazine Woman / Take a Look (as Gary Walker & Rain)
- 1968 - Cutie Morning Moon / Gary's Theme (as Gary Walker & the Carnabeats)
- 1975 - Hello How Are You / Fran
EPs
- 1966 - Here's Gary
- 1968 - Gary Walker & The Rain - Best 4
Albums
- 1968 - Gary Walker & The Rain Album No 1
literature
- John and Gary Walker: The Walker Brothers. No regrets. Our story. London: John Blake 2009.
Web links
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Walker, Gary |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Leeds, Gary (real name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American musician |
| DATE OF BIRTH | March 9, 1942 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Glendale , California |