Jimmy Walker

• Active: '60s, '70s
• Genres: Rock
• Instrument: Vocals

Biography

Journeyman drummer, vocalist, and occasional solo artist Jimmy Walker has been active since the early '60s. Despite a variety of affiliations, his best-known recordings remain his hits with the Knickerbockers, including the eerie "Liar, Liar." Walker was part of the original lineup of this New Jersey garage rock group, formed in 1964. Prior to that he had been the drummer with the Castle Kings, a combo with an Atco recording contract. Producer Jerry Fuller was Walker's credited writing partner on a pair of songs recorded by the Knickerbockers that, when combined together, sound a bit like a conversation between a waitress and a buffet patron, "Can You Help Me" and "Come and Get It." Walker walked on the Knickerbockers in 1967, going on to replace Bill Medley in the Righteous Brothers. This higher visibility, from drummer to one of two frontmen, would lead to recording three singles as a solo act for Columbia. Nothing much happened as a result of these sides, however, inspiring Walker to retire from music. He spent a good deal of the '70s in Wyoming, and also worked with soul-funk bands Oasis and Hot Street. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide