Jr. Walker and The All Stars<div hidden>Junior Walker</div>
Jr. Walker & the All Stars were a prominent Motown soul band led by saxophonist and vocalist Junior Walker, known for their energetic R&B instrumentals and hits in the 1960s and 1970s.
Junior Walker, born Autry DeWalt Mixon Jr. on June 14, 1931, in Blytheville, Arkansas, grew up in South Bend, Indiana, and adopted his stage name from his stepfather. He started playing saxophone in the 1950s, inspired by jump blues artists like Louis Jordan and Earl Bostic, and formed the band initially as the Rhythm Rockers with friends including drummer Billy Nicks. By the late 1950s, they relocated to Battle Creek, Michigan, added members like organist Vic Thomas and drummer Tony Washington, and gigged locally at venues like the El Grotto club.
Discovered by singer Johnny Bristol in 1961, the band signed with Harvey Fuqua's label, which Motown acquired in 1964, leading to their official name change to Jr. Walker & the All Stars and placement on Motown's Soul label. The classic lineup featured Walker on saxophone and vocals, Willie Woods on guitar, Vic Thomas on organ, and drummer James Graves. Their raw, honking saxophone-driven sound set them apart from smoother Motown acts.
Their 1965 breakthrough single "Shotgun" topped the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, inspired by a dance Walker observed, spawning hits like "Do the Boomerang," "Shake and Fingerpop," "Road Runner," and "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)." They released 16 studio albums from 1965 to 1983, with three reaching the Top 10 on US R&B charts and eight in the Billboard 200. Success continued through 1972, blending soul, funk, and rock elements.
The band disbanded in 1979 amid lineup changes, but Walker persisted solo into the disco era, collaborated with Foreigner in the 1980s, and toured with his son on drums until his death on March 23, 1995, from cancer. Inducted into halls of fame like Michigan Rock and Roll Legends, they remain icons of Motown's instrumental soul sound.
Moody Jr.
Written-By – G. Knight, J. Bristol, W. Felder
3:15
A2 I Don't Want To Do Wrong
Written-By – M. Knight, G. Knight, J. Bristol, C. Schaffner, W. Guest
3:20
A3 Bristol's Way
Written-By – J. Bristol
3:50
A4 Don't Blame The Children
Written-By – C. Ghant, J. Bristol, M. McLeod
2:52
A5 Me And My Family
Written-By – G. Knight, J. Bristol
4:58
B1 Groove Thang
Written-By – J. Bristol
2:38
B2 Still Water Medley
Written-By – F. Wilson, W. Robinson
4:55
B3 Never Can Say Goodbye
Written-By – C. Davis
2:59
B4 Walk In The Night
Written-By – J. Bristol, M. McLeod
3:57
B5 Moody Junior
Written-By – J. Bristol
4:20
Label: Soul – S733L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Motown, Instrumental
Moody Jr. (1971) by Jr. Walker & The All Stars is a cohesive, R&B-focused Motown album produced largely by Johnny Bristol. It features a slightly less intense sound than earlier hits, highlighting a "smoother" or "soul-jazz" feel with standout tracks like "...Way Back Home," "...Me and My Family," and a cover of "...I Don't Want to Do Wrong".
The album heavily featured Johnny Bristol, who co-wrote most of the material, resulting in a more polished, soulful, and less "frantic" sound than their early, high-energy hits.
AllMusic and other reviews characterize it as a "less intense" but high-quality album within their discography, marking a shift in their sound in the early 70s.
While perhaps not boasting the massive singles of earlier, more energetic, or "raunchier" albums, Moody Jr. is regarded as a high-quality, professional, and enjoyable soul record from this Motown institution.
The album is described as having a "matured" and sometimes "hauntingly soulful" vibe. While some fans miss the raw grit of earlier hits, others praise its evolution into "smooth, funky" territory. At the time of its release, it was seen as one of his most forward-looking LPs, leaning into a "Trouble Man" or "smooth soul" aesthetic that prefigured mid-70s trends.
Peace and Understanding Is Hard To Find
Arranged By – James Carmichael
Producer – Gloria Jones, Pam Sawyer
Written-By – Gloria Jones, Pam Sawyer 3:35
A2 I Don't Need No Reason
Arranged By – James Carmichael
Producer – Hal Davis
Written-By – Leon Ware, Pam Sawyer 2:44
A3 It's Alright, Do What You Gotta Do
Producer – Willie Hutch
Written-By, Arranged By – Willie Hutch 3:29
A4 It's Too Late
Arranged By – Gene Page
Producer – Hal Davis
Written-By – Carole King, Toni Stern 2:54
A5 Soul Clappin'
Written-By – Autry DeWalt, Jerome Teasley, Victor Thomas 4:25
B1 I Can See Clearly Now
Written-By – Johnny Nash 3:18
B2 Gimme That Beat (Part 1)
Written-By – Arnold Langley, Autry DeWalt, Ronald Harville 3:27
B3 Gimme That Beat (Part 2)
Written-By – Arnold Langley, Autry DeWalt, Ronald Harville 2:48
B4 Country Boy
Written-By – Arnold Langley, Autry DeWalt, Victor Thomas 2:59
B5 Peace And Understanding (Is Hard To Find)
Written-By – Autry DeWalt, Jerome Teasley, Ronald Harville 3:05
Label: Soul – Tamla Motown – STML 11234
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Motown
The 1973 album Peace & Understanding Is Hard to Find by Jr. Walker & The All Stars is a solid R&B/Soul record, though considered a minor commercial release at the time. It showcases Walker's consistent saxophone talent and features some strong tracks, but it lacked the unified style and hit potential of his earlier work.
The album is often praised by fans for maintaining the high standard of music expected from Jr. Walker, avoiding the "supper club" arrangements that sometimes affected other Motown artists' later work. His distinctive, blues-based saxophone riffs and raspy vocals are prominently featured.
The album did not have a single producer, which resulted in a less unified sound compared to previous efforts. Production credits include Hal Davis and Willie Hutch, among others. This stylistic variety means some tracks have a smooth, jazzy feel ("I Don't Need No Reason"), while others are more spirited funk tunes ("Soul Clappin'").
Despite its lack of massive commercial success, many consider the album an underrated record, praising its deeply jazzy undertones in even the smoothest songs and outstanding recorded sound quality.
The album was one of Jr. Walker's poorest selling LPs. The single "Gimme That Beat (Part 1)" only reached #101 on the Pop charts and #50 on the R&B charts. The title track and "I Don't Need No Reason" failed to chart as singles.
The album features credible cover versions that demonstrate Walker's ability to put his own stamp on popular material:
Overall, Peace & Understanding Is Hard to Find is a worthwhile listen for existing fans of Jr. Walker & The All Stars or Motown Soul, offering high-quality music and a range of styles, even if it lacks a massive hit single.
Junior Walker Jr Walker