DEATH OF PHILIP WALKER

One of the Durban International Blues Festival‘s favourite guest artists dies aged 73.

Last year, this axeman and blues singer had the crowds standing at their seats and refusing to let him go home as his drawling voice and cutting guitar lines belted forth from the stage at Wilson’s Wharf – a superb culmination to a successful Durban International Blues Festival.

“Phillip wanted to come back this year and informed us cheekily as we delivered him to his waiting aeroplane last year, that he had already set aside five days on each side of the proposed 2010 dates,” said Tanya van Agthoven Marais, Publicity Director for the Durban International Blues Festival. “We are saddened by his unexpected death on July 22 but will remember not only his superb blues music, but also his wonderful manner and the endless stories he would share with us long after load out and after all the people had gone.“

Walker, who died at his home in Palm Springs (LA) was Louisiana- born but moved to California in 1959 after a two-year touring stint with zydeco legend Clifton Chenier. He became a hit as one of the region’s top guitarists and performed for over 50 years, backing artists such as Etta James, Jimmy Reed and Little Richard. He continued to tour internationally, visiting Durban twice as a guest performer and main bill in the Durban International Blues Festival.

This year’s Durban International Blues Festival is scheduled to take place again at Wilson’s Wharf from September 28 to October 3. Visit www.durbanbluesfestival.co.za for more information and watch the press for details or call Publicity Director Tanya van Agthoven Marais on 082 747 9738 or email: tva_pr@global.co.za during office hours