Jazz bassist WALTER BOOKER died at his Manhattan, New York home on Friday (24NOV06). He was 72.
The double bass legend performed with a number of jazz greats and mentored young musicians at his Boogie Woogie Studio in New York City.
He began his music career after leaving the US Army and joined a quintet which caught the attention of jazz legend CANNONBALL ADDERLEY.
Booker's playing was marked by voice-like inflections, glissandos and tremolo techniques.
In his long career, Booker played with a long list of jazz giants including SONNY ROLLINS, RAY BRYANT, ART FARMER, MILT JACKSON, CHICK COREA, THELONIUS MONK, SARAH VAUGHAN and JOHN HICKS.
For 15 years, he also ran a free studio where young musicians were able to learn and were free to explore their creativity.
He was married to pianist BERTHA HOPE.