Harry Van Walls

about

Harry Van Walls (born Harry Eugene Vann on 24 August 1918 – died 24 February 1999) was an American rhythm and blues piano player, songwriter, studio musician, and professional recording artist. Van "Piano Man" Walls was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky, and grew up in Charleston, West Virginia. His mother was a piano teacher. His stepfather was named Walls, so he took the name Van Walls (often written as Vann Walls). He left home as a teenager and toured the Southern United States with carnivals, circuses, and variety caravans. He returned to Charleston in his mid-20s and played as a solo pianist in local clubs and on WCHS (AM) radio. In the early-1940s, he began playing in Cal Greer's band and later formed his own band based in Columbus, Ohio. In the late-1940s, saxophonist Frank "Floorshow" Culley convinced Walls to join the new Atlantic Records label in New York City as Atlantic's house band pianist. Notable songs either written by or featuring his musicianship include the following: "Sweet Sixteen" (Big Joe Turner) "Chains Of Love" (Big Joe Turner) "5-10-15 Hours" (Ruth Brown) "One Mint Julep" (The Clovers) "Tomorrow Night" (LaVern Baker) "Any Time, Any Place, Anywhere" (Laurie Tate) In 1950, Walls recorded and released the single "Tee Nah Nah"/"Ain't Gonna Scold You" on Atlantic (catalog #904) which featured vocals by Spider Sam (the pseudonym used by Brownie McGhee). Walls also recorded and released the 1950 single "Easter Parade"/"Air Mail Boogie" on Derby Records (c

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albums

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Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974 Vol.1 (1947-1952)

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Atlantic Rhythm & Blues: 1947-1974 [Disc 1]

Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974

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Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974, Vol. 1 (1947-1952)

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Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-74 (disc 1: 1947-52)

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Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974

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Atlantic Rhythm & Blues (1947-74) - Disc 1 (1947-52)

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Atlantic Rhythm & Blues: 1947-1974

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Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974: Volume 1, 1947-1952

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Atlantic Blues: Piano

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Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 Disc 1 (1947-1952)

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Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974, Vol. 1: 1947-1952

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