WALKER, FRANK
(1889–1963)
WALKER, FRANK (b. Fly Summit, N.Y., October 24, 1889–October 15, 1963) Frank Walker was one of the pioneering country record producers who signed legendary acts ranging from THE SKILLET LICKERS to HANK WILLIAMS . A World War I veteran, Walker was originally a banker who switched to booking concerts. He was hired by the Columbia Phonograph Company, as it was then known, in 1921. In 1923 he signed blues great Bessie Smith to the label, his first major contracting coup. He was put in charge of the…