First Listen: Charles “Wigg” Walker defies time again

(November 11, 2024) In the world of sports, athletes are normally expected to retire between their 30’s and 40’s because they’ve already reached their prime.  However, in music, an artist can keep creating, recording and performing way beyond those years and reach new heights in their craft.

One artist doing just that is Nashville’s “reigning Sultan of Soul” – Charles “Wigg” Walker.  Walker is in his 80’s – a decade of life where many people slow down – but he’s going full speed ahead, proving that age is just a number with his new single, “(Feels Like) Things Are Comin’ Our Way.

The single – which comes almost 70 years after Walker’s career began – is described as “a disco-inflected slice of optimism that looks towards a brighter future.”  In other words, it’s a feel-good song. That’s what grabbed my attention the first time I listened to it.  The vibe is 100% classic soul, and every instrument in the song is well-placed.  Plus, Walker’s vocals sound youthful but seasoned on this track. 

“(Feels Like) Things Are Comin’ Our Way” is from Walker’s first new album in over a decade, This Love Is Gonna Last, which is scheduled for release on January 24, 2025. This album – which was produced with Walker’s frequent collaborator Charles Treadway – is dedicated to his late wife, Marva, who passed away earlier this year.  Commenting on his new single, Walker said: “This song sums up this whole album for me really. After all the places I’ve been and all the bands I’ve performed with and all the recordings I’ve made, it feels like things are finally starting to come my way.”

That’s a win in my book!  Jam with Charles “Wigg” Walker below.

By Darnea N. Samuels

Charles Wigg Walker

"(Feels Like) Things Are Comin' Our Way"

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