Cedar Walton was born in Dallas 17th January 1934. He was taught piano by his mother and studied music at the University of Denver. In 1955 he went to New York to play jazz, but was drafted into the army, and, in Germany, played with Leo Wright, Don Ellis and Eddie Harris. After returning to New York he recorded with Kenny Dorham (1958), then played in J.J.Johnson's group (1958-60) and the Jazztet (1960-61). Later he recorded with Art Farmer (1965, 1975-77). From 1961-64 he was a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers with Wayne Shorter and Freddie Hubbard. After a period as accompanist to Abbey Lincoln (1965-66) he recorded frequently with Lee Morgan (1966-68) and worked as house pianist for Prestige (1967-68). Then he rejoined Art Blakey for a tour of Japan (1973). From the mid-1960's Walton has performed frequently as the leader of a traditional bop quartet with Clifford Jordan, George Coleman, or Bob Berg, and Sam Jones and Billy Higgins. In 1975 it took the name Eastern Rebellion. As leader of the group Soundscapes in the mid-1970's he experimented with funk rhythms and the electric piano. He later toured the US, Europe and Japan as the leader of a trio, which often included Billy Higgins. Walton has also performed as a soloist, in duos with various double bass players, and from around 1981 as a member of the Timeless All Stars.

Biography courtesy of Jazz-Map.