Wally Roker - Sad News RIP

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Nice write up Dave.

Just to add a bit….he'd worked at Bobby Robinson's Fire / Fury set up in Harlem until 1960, when Scepter employed him.

He left Scepter when Pete Garrison was hired, worked at St. Lawrence, and then in 1966 for the Leaner's at One-Der-Ful, promoting Alvin Cash etc. His name must appear on at least a thousand records and his tireless promotional work was legendary in the industry. 

He was one of the most under-rated people in our music.

Two interesting pieces, another unsung hero, i remember the "Love" 45 being plentifull when i was at Tod towers great two sides.

After moving to LA, Wally & his mates (Dee Erwin, etc.) also worked with the likes of Ray Charles.

One of the lovely records he had a hand in was Alex Brown's Tangerine outing "I'm In Love" .........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COKge0zoKSU

 

Wally (along with Monk Higgins) cut the original (ABC) version of Tyrone Davis's "Can I Change My Mind" at Ray Charles Tangerine Studios in LA. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjB16WhyPPc

Super geezer, I met him at Jerry Williams' place, his name is all over the place. He worked with Irma Thomas, Don Gardner on Tru Glo Town and Rudy Love's 'Suffering Wrath' worked a lot with Monk Higgins in L A probably Chicago too.

Never had the pleasure of meeting Wally but 

Have total respect for his hard work he put in

thanks for the music Wally see, you on the other side x

A dear friend who joined us at Soultripusa in LA 2004. He was the distributor of Soul Clock for fans of the Whispers and Fuller Brothers.  

RIP Wally

great record .