Hundreds remember Tex Walker (From Witney Gazette)

Hundreds remember Tex Walker

8:39am Friday 31st August 2007 in Witney By Chris Buratta

THE FUNERAL of R'n'B legend Clarence 'Tex' Walker took place at a packed Headington Crematorium yesterday.

The former lead singer of The Drifters and The Coasters, died on August 8, following a heart attack in the King's Arms Hotel, Woodstock.

More than a hundred mourners attended the service, with many forced to stand outside.

Tributes were also sent from musicians across the globe who could not attend the funeral.

Close friend, music promoter Philip Guy Davis, from Walton Street, Oxford, said it had been an emotional, sad and special day.

He added: "It was quite a gathering of special music people who knew Clarence and were involved with him."

Oh Happy Day, Mr Walker's favourite gospel song was sung as part of the service.

Originally from North Carolina, Mr Walker relocated to Oxford in 1990 after coming to England to sing lead vocals with Big Joe Turner's band, as they supported B B King at London's Royal Albert Hall.

In the 1960s, he served in the Vietnam War and on his return to America he joined Bill Pinkney's group, The Drifters, as lead vocalist.

The group went on to perform sell-out concerts in Las Vegas and across America - sharing the stage with a list of legends including Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin, Ottis Reading, The Beach Boys, and Elvis Presley.

During his time in Oxford Mr Walker performed at Mr Guy Davis' Monday Blues evening, at the Brewhouse - now The Goose - in Gloucester Green. The night is now based at the Bullingdon, on Cowley Road, and regulars at the venue joined those mourning his passing.

While living in the city, Mr Walker recorded a solo album with his Walker Street Blues Band, Blues in Black, which received critical acclaim.

On the Friday before he died, Mr Walker gave his last performance at a blues night in Woodstock.