Junior Walker honed his craft in small clubs and went on to become famous for his funky, soaring saxophone solos that have influenced musicians of many genres.
The leader of the Motown group Junior Walker and the All Stars died at his home Thursday of cancer. He was in his 50s.Walker was born Autry DeWalt Jr. in Blytheville, Ark., sometime in 1942, according to reference books.
He started playing in local groups in Indiana in the mid-1950s before moving to Michigan and forming the All Stars, which recorded some of Motown's most enduring hits, including "Shotgun," "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)," "How Sweet It Is" and "These Eyes."
Never known as a great vocalist, Walker gained acclaim for his brilliant sax solos and some of the All Stars' best work included instru-mentals. He is credited with influencing jazz saxophonist David Sanborn, among others.
"There isn't a sax player out there who didn't get something from him," said Jimmy Vivino, whose band, Jimmy Vivino and the Black Italians, opened for Walker at the Bottom Line in New York City.
Walker and All-Stars guitarist Willie Woods hooked up musically in the mid-1950s, forming a band called the Jumping Jacks that played around South Bend, Ind.