Anthony “Baby Gap” Walker, former member of The Gap Band, has died at the age of 60.
The former members of The Gap Band, better known as GapX The Band, shared the news on Instagram, writing that they will “miss our friend, brother and bandmate.”
“Gone too soon. We will never forget you!!!” they added the late songwriter and choreographer.
Walker’s brother, Dr. Eric Walker, told TMZ, which first broke the news, that the performer died at an Ohio hospital after suffering “complications from neck surgery he underwent.”
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“Sad to hear that Baby Gap has passed away! He brought a youthful exuberance and enthusiasm to the GAP Band as hip hop became more ingrained in the culture,” one person wrote in the comments section. “So much so that he became an extension of the Gap Band brand … he and bandmate Billy Young recorded an album produced by Charlie Wilson.”
“I pray Mr. Anthony Walker rests in peace!” they added.
Another user commented: “I’m so sorry you’re stuck in paradise, you’re super talented, may your soul rest in peace.”
Anthony ‘Baby Gap’ Walker and Robert Wilson during a concert on September 29, 1982 at the Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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According to Board, 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 albums Board R&B hits.
Their music — 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 Down).”
According to 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.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education