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University of Chicago Library

Guide to the Charles Walton Collection circa 1930s-1940s

© 2008 University of Chicago Library

Acknowledgments

The Charles Walton Collection was processed and preserved as part of the "Uncovering New Chicago Archives Project," funded with support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Descriptive Summary

Title:

Walton, Charles. Collection

Dates:

circa 1930s-1940s

Size:

.25 linear feet (1 box)

Repository:

Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center
University of Chicago Library
1100 East 57th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.

Abstract:

Charles Walton, drummer and author. The Charles Walton Collection contains a photograph of jazz musicians, including legendary vibraphonist Lionel Hampton, circa late 1930s-1940s.

Information on Use

Access

The collection is open for research.

Citation

When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Walton, Charles. Collection, [Box#, Folder#], Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library

Biographical Note

Charles Walton was born on July 7, 1925 in Selma, Alabama. At a young age, Walton moved to Chicago, settling on the south side in Bronzeville. He attended Douglas Grammar School and Wendell Phillips High School before joining the United States Navy. After a year of service, Walton attended Kentucky State College and Maryland State College completing his education at Roosevelt University where he received a BA and MA in Music Education.

Walton had a love for several instruments but specialized as a jazz drummer. During the 1960s, Walton formed a jazz trio with Eddie Harris and various singers, such as Roy Hamilton, Nina Simone, and Junior Waters.

As a music instructor in the Chicago Public School System, Walton taught at Grant Elementary School and Lyon and Healy Music School. In 1970, Walton became an Associate Professor of Music at Malcolm X College in Chicago.

He published at book entitled How to Play the Drums the Quick and Easy Way and was the author of two monthly columns featured on the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s website, including “Bronzeville Conversations.” Walton was an active member of the American Federation of Musicians.

Walton died on March 30, 2005.

Scope Note

The Charles Walton Collection contains a photograph of jazz musicians, including legendary vibraphonist Lionel Hampton, circa late 1930s-1940s.

Related Resources

The following related resources are located in the Department of Special Collections:

http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/e/spcl/select.html

Chicago Jazz Archive

Subject Headings

INVENTORY

Box 1    Folder 1

Photograph, circa late 1930s-1940s