Biography

When you hear the silky sounds of Anthony Walker, it’s easy to understand why this jazz is called smooth. With hints of gospel, ragtime, rhythm and blues, and classical, Anthony’s soulful sounds are guaranteed to move you to a place you won’t soon want to leave.

Anthony began his piano training in his native St. Paul, Minnesota, at age five, making his public debut just five years later. After high school, he studied classically at Alabama State University. While at ASU, Anthony entered a competition, pitting his talents against several recognized favorites. His fingers did the talking, and the judges heard what Anthony was saying. He won in two separate categories.

After leaving Alabama, Anthony moved north to earn his master’s degree in piano performance at Temple University in Philadelphia. Having savored the tastes of three different American regions, his performances then took him across the nation and around the world.

Anthony has pleased audiences on five continents, sharing the stage with acts such as Stevie Wonder, Patti Austin, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber, The Yellowjackets, Richard Smallwood, Ledisi, Take Six, Donnie McClurkin and BeBe & CeCe Winans. He also spent five months on Broadway and 18 months touring with The Winans in a Gospel musical. But some of Anthony’s most memorable performances weren’t given in a concert hall or club, but rather in a museum.

In 2000-2001, Anthony was invited to be part of the Smithsonian Institution’s 18-monthlong exhibit of historic pianos. As part of this showcase, Anthony played pianos that had been favored instruments of artists as diverse as Liberace and Liszt, plus Duke Ellington, Beethoven and Mozart.

Anthony resides in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area with his wife, vocalist Bonita Walker, and their two children. His service to the community as leader of the music department at Hope Christian Church and as a mentor/coach to church music departments internationally helps him stay connected to his roots.

Anthony's current cd, "Love Calling" is a collection of tunes that promise to be a great listening experience. At least that’s what people who have heard Anthony play them seem to think. The truth is, you don’t know Anthony Walker until you’ve heard him play.