[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 36 (Thursday, March 10, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E456-E457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF CATO WALKER III

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2011

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Memphian, 
saxophonist, manager and promoter Cato Walker III. Mr. Walker has been 
on the music scene in Memphis for many decades and was a huge proponent 
in the revitalization of Memphis's Beale Street. He also served as the 
longtime vice president of development at Performa Entertainment Real 
Estate.
  Cato Walker III was a beloved member of the Memphis music community. 
Mr. Walker came from a very musically talented and well-known family, 
and he and his family have contributed so much to the musical 
community. His father, Cato Walker, Jr. was B.B. King's original road 
manager in the 1950s while his beloved mother, Polly Walker, confirmed 
all show bookings and travel arrangements. Cato Walker III, continuing 
his family's legacy with B.B. King, became the band leader and road 
manager during the late 1970s. He also later worked with Lou Rawls, The 
Barkays and J. Blackfoot.

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  Mr. Walker has influenced future musicians through his work by 
teaching recording at the Kansas Vocational Technical Center and as an 
adjunct professor at Memphis State University. Through running his own 
record label, Strick 9, he helped advance the musical careers of many 
contemporary Memphis musicians, including Academy Award winning group 
Three 6 Mafia.
  Cato Walker has touched the lives of many and influenced a great 
variety of musicians from the 1970s to today. Mr. Walker will be 
remembered forever in the heart of not just his family and friends, but 
also Memphians and musicians everywhere. He is survived by his wife, 
VanEsta Walker, two sons, Tondtrict Dixon, and Dietrich Dixon, stepson, 
Ahmed Jenkins, stepdaughter, Angela Cunningham, and sisters, Lora 
Walker, Thelma Brim and Joanna Brown. His was a life well lived.

                          ____________________