James D Walbert (September 28, 1917– June 9, 2009)

Biography

James D. Walbert was a classically trained musician who was given the title "wizard of the keyboard" by his fans. Walbert had a rich musical heritage. He was born in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee to William B. Walbert and Grace Vaughan Walbert (James D. Vaughan’s daughter). He mastered the saxophone, violin, and piano at an early age.

During the 1930s, Walbert first became known for his work as pianist for the Vaughan Radio Quartet. By the early 1940s, he had started touring solo playing classical pieces. During World War II, he was in the US Army band where he played saxophone and piano. He settled in Birmingham, Alabama in 1947 where he opened a piano studio and gave lessons until 2003. Walbert’s students included future Florida Boys member Derrell Stewart, future Blackwood Brothers member Jackie Marshall, and future Jordanaires member Gordon Stoker. Walbert later appeared on stage with many popular secular artists including Liberace, Jerry Lee Lewis, Red Skelton, and Judy Garland.

Awards

SGMA Hall Of Fame (2004)

Songwriter's Résumé

(Partial List)

Lift Your Eyes Above
Peace Like A River
Tell It, Sing It, Shout It
What a Change
Working on the Road

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