Walter Roland is an artist whose music, though not widely known, has left a lasting impact on the Blues and Jazz world. Born in 1902 in Greenville, Mississippi, Walter Roland started showing signs of musical genius at a very young age. As a child, he taught himself to play the piano on an instrument in his home, and by the time he reached his teens, he was already gigging in local bars in town. In this blog, we will delve into the life and times of Walter Roland, exploring his beginnings, musical style, influences, and the albums and songs that made him famous.
Walter Roland's musical style was heavily influenced by his childhood spent in Mississippi. Growing up in the deep south, Roland was exposed to the sounds of the Blues and Jazz, which would go on to shape his music style and become his biggest influences. Roland's playing was characterised by a lively boogie-woogie sound, something that added to the energy and appeal of his music. He went on to become a revered pianist in the genre, with his music hailed as an inspiration to many in the field.
Roland's discography is quite expansive, with over 100 recorded tracks to his name. One of his most famous albums is The Music of Blue's Piano, which was released in the 1960s and comprised of 14 of his most notable tracks. The songs included on the album range from the soulful Squeeze Me to the up-tempo beat of Catfox Walk. The album was a hit, and Roland's music quickly gained in recognition among lovers of the blues genre.
But even before the release of The Music of Blue's Piano, Roland has already made a name for himself with his music. His song Jookit Jookit, recorded with his band, gained nationwide popularity in the early 1950s. The song's popularity was reinforced with a performance on Bandstand, a popular music program of the time. Soon, Roland was drawing crowds wherever he performed, and his music was on the movies and television.
Roland's talent and unique style earned him the recognition he deserved as a pianist, not only within the Blues and Jazz world but also throughout the wider music scene. From playing in small bars in his youth, he went on to become a respected pianist, composer, and singer, with his music loved by many. His music became one of the recognisable sounds of the blues genre, and his influence can be heard in the music of others who came after him, like Little Richard, Fats Domino, and Ray Charles.
In conclusion, Walter Roland remains an outstanding figure in the Blues and Jazz world. His music not only helped to shape the genre but has also served as an inspiration and source of reference for many musicians who came after him. From his beginnings in Greenville, Mississippi, to becoming a respected pianist in the genre, Walter Roland's music journey has been a remarkable one. Although he is no longer with us, his music remains alive and appreciated by Blues and Jazz lovers over 50 years later. It is no doubt that a musical icon like Walter Roland will forever be remembered for generations to come.
