Bio

Anthony Walker

Pianist, Composer, Educator, Recording Artist

 

Anthony began his piano training in his native St. Paul, Minnesota, at age five, making his public debut at age ten. He received his M. Mus degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Temple University where he studied with the late Natalie Hinderas. His musical background in classical, gospel, jazz and rhythm & blues has established Anthony in high demand as a solo artist, session musician, teacher and producer.  His sophisticated style is comparable to jazz icons Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample, Ramsey Lewis, Bobby Lyle, and George Duke.  His talent as a pianist has allowed Anthony to perform for audiences on five continents, sharing the stage with acts such as Stevie Wonder, Patti Austin, Raheem DeVaughn, Leela James, Kelly Price, Chaka Khan, Cynthia Erivo, Robert Glasper, The Yellow Jackets, jazz vocal group Take Six, gospel legend Richard Smallwood, Donnie McClurkin, Maurette Brown Clark, Kim Burrell, Edwin Hawkins, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Vickie Winans, T.D. Jakes and the Potter's House Mass Choir and Classical Music icon, vocalist Reneé Fleming.  He also spent five months on Broadway and 18 months touring with The Winans in the gospel musical, "Don't Get God Started."  Additionally as a solo artist, Anthony headlines regularly at the prestigious Blues Alley in Washington D.C., City Winery DC, Amp by Strathmore and the legendary jazz venue The Blue Note in New York City. He’s also been a featured performer with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, the San Diego Symphony Pops and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In his role as musical director for Grammy Award winner Ledisi, Anthony performed at The White House (at the request of First Lady Michelle Obama) as well as the 2013 Inauguration of President Barack Obama and has made multiple television appearances including the NBC Today Show, the CBS Morning Show, Late Night with David Letterman Show, Good Morning America and The Queen Latifah Show.  In 2000-2001, the Smithsonian Institution invited Anthony to be part of its 18-month-long exhibit of historic pianos, commemorating the 300-year anniversary of instrument's invention.  As part of this showcase, Anthony played pianos that had been favored instruments of artists as diverse as Liberace, Liszt, Duke Ellington, Beethoven and Mozart.

 

Anthony is the Music Director at Hope Christian Church (Greater DC area) as well as Music Director for the Washington Performing Arts Men, Women and Children of the Gospel Choirs. He is currently the Director of Keyboard Studies and Professor of Music at Eastern University in St. David’s, PA.

 

Anthony resides in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area with his wife, vocalist Bonita Walker and are the proud parents of two children, Drummer Joshua and Flautist Lauren.

 

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