Stanely Walker Jam for Kosair Charities

In life he always brings his A game, and in play he tunes his guitar to straight E for a sound that is uniquely Stanley. Meet Rockabilly Hall of Famer and Grand Rivers native Stanley Walker.

Stanley was born in Grand Rivers and started playing guitar when he was only five years old. Growing up, he listened to the Grand Ole Opry and dreamed of being there. In 1969, his dream came true when he played behind Jean Shepard. Stanley played lead guitar for Ray Smith and the Rock and Roll Boys from 1956 to 1969. With rockabilly enthusiasts, Ray is revered for his five singles released on Sun Records. Stanley played on all of Smith's songs cut at Sun. Stanley’s career highlights also included appearances on Hee Haw, solo recordings, and backing artists including Roy Clark, Lefty Frizzell, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Stanley was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2008. Stanley has traveled the world sharing his musical talents. No matter how far he roamed, his heart always belonged to Grand Rivers.

I wanted Grand Rivers to recognize Stanley for his talent and so I sat down with Stanley in January to share the idea of a Grand Rivers Stanley Walker Day. Stanley was on board, but if it was his day he wanted to share it. Then he told me a story of a 10 year old boy whose life was saved by Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville. That little boy was Stanley. What if Kosair Charities had not been there?

And the idea was born for the Stanley Walker and friends Jam for Kosair Charities. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 4 at 1:00p.m. at the Badgett Playhouse. The event is free but we will collect donations for Kosair Charities. Join us to celebrate Stanley, support a great cause, and enjoy an afternoon of musical entertainment.