December 17, 1933 – November 24, 2006

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Double bassist Walter Booker was born December 17, 1933 in Prairie View, Texas.

In college, Booker played clarinet and sax.

In 1959 – while serving in the same Army unit as Elvis – Booker began playing bass.

In 1964, he moved to New York City and was hired by Donald Byrd. While there, he recorded with Thelonious Monk, Art Farmer and Sonny Rollins.

Later in his career, Booker formed a trio with his wife, pianist Bertha Hope, and drummer Jimmy Cobb.

Sarah Vaughan is backed by a swinging combo for this 1978 performance in Helsinki, Finland.

Personnel:

Sarah Vaughan – vocals
Waymon Reed – flugelhorn/trumpet
Carl Schroeder – piano
Walter Booker – bass
Jimmy Cobb – drums

Setlist:

1. I’ll Remember April
2. East of the Sun
3. You’re Blasé

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