Anthony Walker, Former Gap Band Member, Dead at 60
Known as "Baby Gap," Walker was a songwriter and choreographer for the group
Raymond Boyd/Getty Images
Anthony performing with The Gap Band at the U.I.C. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1983Anthony "Baby Gap" Walker, a former member of The Gap Band, has died at the age of 60.
Former members of The Gap Band known as GapX The Band shared the news on Instagram, writing that they "will miss our friend, brother and band mate."
"Gone too soon. We will never forget you!!!" they added of the late songwriter and choreographer.
Walker's brother, Dr. Eric Walker, told TMZ, which first broke the news, that the performer died in an Ohio hospital after experiencing "complications from a neck surgery he was undergoing."
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“Sad to hear about Baby Gap’s passing! He brought a youthful exuberance & enthusiasm to the GAP Band as hip hop was becoming more engrained into the culture,” one person wrote in the comment section. “So much so that he became an extension of the Gap Band brand…he & band mate Billy Young recorded an album produced by and featuring Charlie Wilson.”
“Praying that Mr.Anthony Walker rests in peace!” they added.
Another user commented, “So sorry the rest in paradise you are super talented God rest your soul.”
Ross Marino/Getty Images
Anthony 'Baby Gap' Walker and Robert Wilson during a concert on September 29, 1982 at the Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, MichiganAccording to Billboard, The Gap Band was formed in 1967 by brothers Ronnie, Charlie and Robert Wilson in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They went on to have a career that spanned over 40 decades, releasing multiple Billboard R&B hits.
Their music — which has been famously sampled by Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and others — included 15 albums with songs, such as “Early in the Morning,” “Shake,” “Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me),” and “I Don’t Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops Upside Your Head).”
Per TMZ, Walker joined the group in 1979 as a dancer, choreographer and songwriter and was a core member for the next 23 years.
In 1985, Walker teamed up with Charlie Wilson and Billy Young on the album, Billy & Baby Gap, which included the hit single, "Rock the Nation." During his career, Walker also collaborated with Rick James and George Clinton.
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