Big Walter Horton Born:  1917 Died:  1981

Walter Horton, aka "Big Walter" or "Shakey Horton" was born just south of Memphis in the small town of Horn Lake, Mississippi.  He moved to Memphis with his mother early in live and was reportedly playing harmonica in the streets there by the end of the 1920s.  Throughout the depression years of the 1930s Horton played Memphis street corners and occasional jobs as sideman with the Memphis Jug Band.  Working with harmonica players such as Hammie Nixon, Walter developed a style and expertise that would eventually leave him alone in a small group of harpists which included Sonny Boy Williamson, James Cotton and Junior Wells.

It is said that Walter was shy.  That, taken with the nickname "Shakey" paints a picture of one not so comfortable in the spotlight.  Indeed it was only at the end of his career that he recorded any solo work.

He did however work regularly.  In the late 40s to early 50s Horton split his time between Memphis and Chicago.  In Chicago he worked as a side man for friend Eddie Taylor while in Memphis he did session work at Sun Records.  In 1953 he moved to Chicago permanently to join the Muddy Waters band (replacing the recently drafted Junior Walker).

Work came steadily for Horton in Chicago.  He played with every name band both on stage and in the studio.  Notable was his work with Howlin' Wolf and Johnny Shines.  He continued to move freely among bands through the 1960s.  By the early 70s he was able to supplement his club work with appearances at folk festivals and "blues revivals" which he often joined as a part of Willie Dixon's cadre.

During the 1970s Horton did some solo recording.  Most notably he recorded a collection of harmonica duets with Carey Bell.  Walter Horton continued to work off and on until his death in 1981 at the age of 64.

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