Blues Legend Joe Louis Walker Dies at 75

Joe Louis Walker, a pioneering blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, died at age 75 on April 30, 2025, following a cardiac-related illness, surrounded by his wife and two daughters. Walker's six-decade career was celebrated for his electrifying guitar work, soulful voice, and genre-defying approach, blending blues, gospel, rock, and R&B. He collaborated with and opened for notable musicians such as Bonnie Raitt, Muddy Waters, Thelonious Monk, and Ike Turner, and counted Jimi Hendrix and Freddie King among his friends. Aretha Franklin dubbed him 'The Bluesman,' and he was recognized as a 'musician’s musician' by peers. Walker's 2015 album 'Everybody Wants a Piece' earned him a Grammy nomination, and he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, receiving numerous other honors throughout his career. His dynamic performances at major festivals and on national television solidified his legacy as a key force in modern blues.