Walter Roland
Walter Roland was an American blues, boogie-woogie and jazz pianist, guitarist and singer, noted for his association with Lucille Bogan, Josh White and Sonny Scott.
Remembering Walter Roland: A Musical Icon
Walter Roland may not be as widely recognized as some other musical greats, but his impact on the music world was immense. This talented artist was responsible for shaping the sound of blues and jazz, as well as influencing the development of rock and roll. Throughout his career, Roland produced a plethora of incredible songs that have stood the test of time. In this blog post, we'll explore his life, legacy, and most memorable works.
Walter Roland was born in Grenada, Mississippi in 1902 and was deeply rooted in the blues tradition. As a child, he learned to play the guitar and piano, and began performing in local dives. He became known for his unique style, which blended elements of ragtime, jazz, and boogie-woogie. This innovation and versatility quickly made him popular among both black and white audiences.
Roland's greatest contribution to music was his invention of a new instrument called the barrelhouse piano. This was a small and portable piano that could be easily played in crowded, noisy bars. His innovative approach to playing the piano led to many other musicians follow his lead, evolving the form into the boogie-woogie style that would become hugely popular.
Roland recorded several incredible songs during his heyday. His signature tune was Jookit Jookit, a bluesy, foot-stomping track that encapsulated the unbridled joy and freedom of the blues. Other memorable works include Early in the Morning and Screamin' and Cryin' Blues. His soulful, expressive voice and infectious rhythms made him an essential figure in the blues movement.
Roland was also a sought-after performer, and his gigs were always packed. He played all over the country and was a regular fixture in Memphis and St. Louis. In fact, his style had a significant influence on the Memphis music scene, which would later produce iconic acts like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Critics were effusive in their praise for Roland's work. They noted his incredible technical skill on the piano, his soulful voice, and his ability to blend styles seamlessly. Critics praised him for capturing the spirit of the blues while also pushing the genre forward with exciting new sounds.
Walter Roland was a true musical innovator who left an indelible mark on music history. His contributions to the blues genre continue to inspire new generations of musicians. He blazed a trail, laying the foundation for future artists to build upon, and for that, he will always be remembered as one of the greats. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering his music, listening to Roland's work is a rewarding experience that you won't soon forget.
Walter Roland was a true musical innovator who left an indelible mark on music history. His contributions to the blues genre continue to inspire new generations of musicians. He blazed a trail, laying the foundation for future artists to build upon, and for that, he will always be remembered as one of the greats. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering his music, listening to Roland's work is a rewarding experience that you won't soon forget.
Remembering Walter Roland: A Musical Icon
Walter Roland may not be as widely recognized as some other musical greats, but his impact on the music world was immense. This talented artist was responsible for shaping the sound of blues and jazz, as well as influencing the development of rock and roll. Throughout his career, Roland produced a plethora of incredible songs that have stood the test of time. In this blog post, we'll explore his life, legacy, and most memorable works.
Walter Roland was born in Grenada, Mississippi in 1902 and was deeply rooted in the blues tradition. As a child, he learned to play the guitar and piano, and began performing in local dives. He became known for his unique style, which blended elements of ragtime, jazz, and boogie-woogie. This innovation and versatility quickly made him popular among both black and white audiences.
Roland's greatest contribution to music was his invention of a new instrument called the barrelhouse piano. This was a small and portable piano that could be easily played in crowded, noisy bars. His innovative approach to playing the piano led to many other musicians follow his lead, evolving the form into the boogie-woogie style that would become hugely popular.
Roland recorded several incredible songs during his heyday. His signature tune was Jookit Jookit, a bluesy, foot-stomping track that encapsulated the unbridled joy and freedom of the blues. Other memorable works include Early in the Morning and Screamin' and Cryin' Blues. His soulful, expressive voice and infectious rhythms made him an essential figure in the blues movement.
Roland was also a sought-after performer, and his gigs were always packed. He played all over the country and was a regular fixture in Memphis and St. Louis. In fact, his style had a significant influence on the Memphis music scene, which would later produce iconic acts like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Critics were effusive in their praise for Roland's work. They noted his incredible technical skill on the piano, his soulful voice, and his ability to blend styles seamlessly. Critics praised him for capturing the spirit of the blues while also pushing the genre forward with exciting new sounds.
Walter Roland was a true musical innovator who left an indelible mark on music history. His contributions to the blues genre continue to inspire new generations of musicians. He blazed a trail, laying the foundation for future artists to build upon, and for that, he will always be remembered as one of the greats. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering his music, listening to Roland's work is a rewarding experience that you won't soon forget.
Walter Roland was a true musical innovator who left an indelible mark on music history. His contributions to the blues genre continue to inspire new generations of musicians. He blazed a trail, laying the foundation for future artists to build upon, and for that, he will always be remembered as one of the greats. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering his music, listening to Roland's work is a rewarding experience that you won't soon forget.
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LISTEN THE BEST WALTER ROLAND SONGS IN STREAMING
2022-11-01
The Musical Journey of Walter Roland - From Beginnings to Fame
Walter Roland is an artist whose music, though not widely known, has left a lasting impact on the Blues and Jazz world. Born in 1902 in Greenville, Mississippi, Walter Roland started showing signs of musical genius at a very young age. As a child, he taught himself to play the piano on an instrument in his home, and by the time he reached his teens, he was already gigging in local bars in town. In this blog, we will delve into the life and times of Walter Roland, exploring his beginnings, musical style, influences, and the albums and songs that made him famous.
Walter Roland's musical style was heavily influenced by his childhood spent in Mississippi. Growing up in the deep south, Roland was exposed to the sounds of the Blues and Jazz, which would go on to shape his music style and become his biggest influences. Roland's playing was characterised by a lively boogie-woogie sound, something that added to the energy and appeal of his music. He went on to become a revered pianist in the genre, with his music hailed as an inspiration to many in the field.
Roland's discography is quite expansive, with over 100 recorded tracks to his name. One of his most famous albums is The Music of Blue's Piano, which was released in the 1960s and comprised of 14 of his most notable tracks. The songs included on the album range from the soulful Squeeze Me to the up-tempo beat of Catfox Walk. The album was a hit, and Roland's music quickly gained in recognition among lovers of the blues genre.
But even before the release of The Music of Blue's Piano, Roland has already made a name for himself with his music. His song Jookit Jookit, recorded with his band, gained nationwide popularity in the early 1950s. The song's popularity was reinforced with a performance on Bandstand, a popular music program of the time. Soon, Roland was drawing crowds wherever he performed, and his music was on the movies and television.
Roland's talent and unique style earned him the recognition he deserved as a pianist, not only within the Blues and Jazz world but also throughout the wider music scene. From playing in small bars in his youth, he went on to become a respected pianist, composer, and singer, with his music loved by many. His music became one of the recognisable sounds of the blues genre, and his influence can be heard in the music of others who came after him, like Little Richard, Fats Domino, and Ray Charles.
In conclusion, Walter Roland remains an outstanding figure in the Blues and Jazz world. His music not only helped to shape the genre but has also served as an inspiration and source of reference for many musicians who came after him. From his beginnings in Greenville, Mississippi, to becoming a respected pianist in the genre, Walter Roland's music journey has been a remarkable one. Although he is no longer with us, his music remains alive and appreciated by Blues and Jazz lovers over 50 years later. It is no doubt that a musical icon like Walter Roland will forever be remembered for generations to come.
Walter Roland's musical style was heavily influenced by his childhood spent in Mississippi. Growing up in the deep south, Roland was exposed to the sounds of the Blues and Jazz, which would go on to shape his music style and become his biggest influences. Roland's playing was characterised by a lively boogie-woogie sound, something that added to the energy and appeal of his music. He went on to become a revered pianist in the genre, with his music hailed as an inspiration to many in the field.
Roland's discography is quite expansive, with over 100 recorded tracks to his name. One of his most famous albums is The Music of Blue's Piano, which was released in the 1960s and comprised of 14 of his most notable tracks. The songs included on the album range from the soulful Squeeze Me to the up-tempo beat of Catfox Walk. The album was a hit, and Roland's music quickly gained in recognition among lovers of the blues genre.
But even before the release of The Music of Blue's Piano, Roland has already made a name for himself with his music. His song Jookit Jookit, recorded with his band, gained nationwide popularity in the early 1950s. The song's popularity was reinforced with a performance on Bandstand, a popular music program of the time. Soon, Roland was drawing crowds wherever he performed, and his music was on the movies and television.
Roland's talent and unique style earned him the recognition he deserved as a pianist, not only within the Blues and Jazz world but also throughout the wider music scene. From playing in small bars in his youth, he went on to become a respected pianist, composer, and singer, with his music loved by many. His music became one of the recognisable sounds of the blues genre, and his influence can be heard in the music of others who came after him, like Little Richard, Fats Domino, and Ray Charles.
In conclusion, Walter Roland remains an outstanding figure in the Blues and Jazz world. His music not only helped to shape the genre but has also served as an inspiration and source of reference for many musicians who came after him. From his beginnings in Greenville, Mississippi, to becoming a respected pianist in the genre, Walter Roland's music journey has been a remarkable one. Although he is no longer with us, his music remains alive and appreciated by Blues and Jazz lovers over 50 years later. It is no doubt that a musical icon like Walter Roland will forever be remembered for generations to come.
Tag: Walter Roland, musical biography, best songs, playlist
SONGS OF WALTER ROLAND - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - Jookit Jookit
2 - Piano Stomp
3 - Big Mama
4 - Overall Blues
5 - Frisco Blues
6 - Guitar Stomp
7 - Railroad Stomp
8 - Screw Worm
DISCOGRAPHY OF WALTER ROLAND