Earl "Fox" Walker - Part 1

September 08, 2024

For the next two weeks, explore the music of Earl “Fox” Walker, a legendary Indianapolis jazz drummer. 

Walker worked with many local, and national bandleaders, including Tiny Bradshaw, Gene Pope, Buddy Bryant, and Jimmy Williams. But he’s best known for his recordings with the Jimmy Coe and Lionel Hampton bands. 

Walker performed extensively on the Avenue, appearing at venues including Dee’s Paradise, Club Ebony, George’s Bar, the Defense Club, the Walker Theatre, Sky Club, Royal Roost, the P&P Club, and more. 

Walker was born in 1921, and by the age of 19 he was known as one of the greatest jazz drummers in Indianapolis. Sadly, Walker’s life was cut short. He died at the age of 38. But he accomplished so much during his brief career. 

On this week’s show, we’ll focus on Walker’s recordings with the Lionel Hampton band. He played with Hampton from 1946 to 1949. During that time, Hampton’s band also featured the Indianapolis jazz great Wes Montgomery on guitar.