Junior Walker was born Autry DeWalt Jr. in Blytheville, Arkansas in 1942. Some accounts list his birth name as Oscar G. Mixon, and say his name was changed at some point during his early childhood. He grew up in South Bend, Indiana where he became a proficient saxophone player, studying the methods of some of the prominent sax players of the time. During his teens, DeWalt joined a group called the Jumping Jacks and began to perform in local clubs, calling himself Junior Walker.
He next joined a trio led by drummer Billy "Stix" Nicks, which also featured organist Fred Patton. They soon added backing vocalist and guitarist Willie Woods, and played around northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Walker took over the group after Nicks joined the Army and in the late '50s, relocated to Battle Creek, MI, and formed a band billed as Junior Walker & the All-Stars. Initially, they featured Patton, Woods, and drummer Tony Washington. Patton was later replaced by Victor Thomas, and Washington by Jack Douglas and, finally, James Graves. The All-Stars continued to play around the area, and took up a residency in Battle Creek's El Grotto club.
It was at the El Grotto that they were noticed by Johnny Bristol, who recommended them to Harvey Fuqua, who had sang with Harvey and the Moonglows. By this time, Fuqua was running his own fledgling record label called simply "Harvey". Fuqua liked what he heard and signed Junior Walker and the All Stars in 1962.
The Harvey label was soon bought out by Motown, and the group found itself recording with Soul Records. Soul was a subsidiary of Motown and all of the group's subsequent hits in the US were released on the Soul label, although they had some Tamla/Motown hits on the charts in the UK.
In early 1965, the band scored their first big hit with a dance tune that Walker had written called "Shotgun", which marked Junior's vocal debut. In fact, the only reason he sang the song was that the vocalist he'd hired didn't show up for the session, and he was somewhat flabbergasted by the label's decision to leave his vocal intact. Berry Gordy's instincts proved right, however, when "Shotgun" topped the R&B charts and hit number four on the Pop chart.
In 1966, Graves left and was replaced by old friend Billy "Stix" Nicks. Walker's hits continued with tunes like "I'm a Road Runner" (#20 Pop) and "Pucker Up Buttercup". (#3 Pop) Toward the end of the '60s, seeking to diversify their approach, the All-Stars began recording more ballad material, complete with string arrangements and Walker vocals. That approach resulted in the group's second Top Five pop hit, the R&B number one "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)" which helped refuel Walker's career. He landed several more R&B Top Ten hits over the next few years, including a cover of The Guess Who's "These Eyes", which went to number 16 on the Pop chart. Musical tastes changed in the 70's and the final top forty hit for Junior Walker and the All Stars was "Do You See My Love (For You Growing)" in 1970.
Walker resurfaced as a solo artist during the disco era, working with producer Brian Holland beginning in 1976 with the single "Hot Shot". A pair of albums followed. In 1979, Walker joined up with another former Motown mainstay, signing with producer Norman Whitfield's Whitfield label, though without much success.
Walker returned to the spotlight in 1981 with a guest solo on Foreigner's Top Five hit "Urgent". Two years later, he re-signed with Motown and recorded "Blow the House Down". His melodic style was now being absorbed into a new generation of R&B-flavoured jazz instrumentalists.
Junior continued to perform in the 80's and 90's, often with his son Autry DeWalt III on drums. Sadly, Junior Walker developed cancer in 1993 and as his health deteriorated, he had difficulty walking. He died on November 23, 1995 in Battle Creek, Michigan at age 53.
In the wake of his death, Billy "Stix" Nicks continued to tour with a version of the All-Stars.
http://www.classicbands.com/jrwalker.html
Walk In The Night
Junior Walker & The All Stars Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The repeated lyrics "walk in the night" in Junior Walker & the All-Stars' song could have multiple interpretations, but one possible explanation is that it represents a sense of freedom and adventure that one can experience at night. The night can provide a cover for those who want to escape their daily routines and explore the world on their own terms. It can be a time when one can be more daring, spontaneous, and open to new experiences. The song's rhythm and melody also contribute to this feeling of possibility and excitement, with a jazzy saxophone solo that invites the listener to follow its lead and explore the night.
However, the lyrics could also hint at a more ominous and dangerous aspect of the night. Walking in the dark could put one at risk of encountering danger or getting lost. It could also signify a sense of loneliness or isolation, as everyone else is asleep or indoors. Despite these potential difficulties, the song seems to suggest that the rewards of walking in the night are worth the risks or discomforts, and that it's a way to assert one's independence, creativity, and individuality.
Line by Line Meaning
walk in the night
Take a stroll in the darkness of the night.
ain't no need for fright
There is no reason to be scared.
just let the groove light your way
Allow the rhythm of the music to guide you.
it's gonna be all right
Everything will be okay.
don't you know, don't you know
Do you not understand?
the night is yours alone
The night belongs solely to you.
when you're feeling low
When you are down and out.
just let the music take control
Allow the music to take over and uplift you.
the rhythm's gonna soothe your soul
The beat will comfort your spirit.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHNNY WILLIAM BRISTOL, MARILYN MC LEOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tina Davies
Goosebumps everytime when I hear this track, music that makes you feel happy! Wont hear great saxophonist like this again. Repeat repeat repeat
Geoffrey Forster
Just beautiful thank you for all the memo
John Tindle
Too true Tina! From the first time I heard it in 1972 (La Cardinel, Bournemouth) it's been one of my all time favourites...and now I'm 70!!
Tina Davies
@John Tindle Many a great tunes from this group for sure..absolutely brilliant 🏴
Al
I can listen to this song over and over and in fact have it on a 45. This song came out in 1972 when music was music and talent was talent. The sax really shines on this gem
Steve .Frankland
Takes me back to the early 70`s listening to Radio Luxemburg at night. Absolute quality!!
Chris Embry
AFN Berlin
Michael Greenslade
Saw him do this live ….totally awesome 🎷🎷🎷🎷
Lawrence Baker
Heard this song late one night as a young teenager. Was hooked immediately!!! Didn't know anything about jazz, but I knew I was feeling the saxophone and the smooth background vocals. Man Oh Man, what a jam!!!
Jay Gaston
Junior could really blow that horn man!