Cedar Walton

Cedar Anthony Walton, Junior (b. January 17, 1934) is an American hard bop and jazz pianist.

Walton grew up in Dallas, Texas, also home

Cedar Anthony Walton, Junior (b. January 17, 1934) is an American hard bop and jazz pianist.

Walton grew up in Dallas, Texas, also home to jazz luminaries such as Charlie Christian and Red Garland. After attending the University of Denver, Walton moved to New York in 1955. After a two year stint in the army in which he performed in a jazz ensemble, he joined Kenny Dorham's band. By the late 1950s Walton was playing with J. J. Johnson, the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet, and Gigi Gryce, and by 1959 he recorded on John Coltrane's seminal album Giant Steps.