Wade Walton

Wade Walton (October 10, 1919 – January 10, 2000) was an American blues musician and local civil rights leader from Mississippi. He was also a renowned barber, who counted many famous musicians amongst his friends, colleagues, and customers.

Life and career Walton was born in Lombardy, Mississippi but grew up near Parchman Farm. because his "Big Six barber shop" was a center of musical activity in Clarksdale. It was located first at 304 Fourth Street, and since 1989 at 317 Issaquena Avenue, which was previously the site of W.C. Handy's house. Walton was proficient on the harmonica, the guitar, and the razor strop, Walton was recorded in his barber shop by Paul Oliver in 1960.

Walton played in the Kings of Rhythm with Ike Turner, but stayed in Clarksdale working as a barber when Turner took the group national.

Many musicians and other notable people patronized Walton's barber shop to play music with him or in homage, including Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and Allen Ginsberg.

He makes appearances in Bill Ferris's 1975 documentary about the Delta blues, Give My Poor Heart Ease and in Robert Mugge's documentary film Deep Blues: A Musical Pilgrimage to the Crossroads.

Legacy Walton was honored with a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail.

Discography The Blues of Wade Walton (1962) Barbershop Rhythm – Arhoolie Records Shake 'Em On Down – Bluesville Records