Gospel Heritage
The Walker Family
The Spirit of Como, MI
We’ve been visiting Como, Mississippi regularly since 2005. Just 45 miles south of Memphis, Como is a deeply special place; a small town with an outsized musical spirit. It’s here that we first heard some of the most powerful gospel music we’ve ever experienced.
At the heart of that sound is the Walker Family; a gospel group whose talent, warmth, and faith left a lasting impression on us. We had the privilege of spending time with the Walkers, documenting their music and their story. We love this family and hope these recordings serve as a tribute to their legacy and the spirit of Como.
In April 2010, producer Michael Reilly traveled to Como, Mississippi, to record the Walker Family Singers in their home. This session marked Reilly's third endeavor to capture the a cappella gospel traditions of the region for Daptone Records. Having first encountered the Walkers during his initial project, Como Now: The Voices of Panola County, Reilly was inspired by their profound musical heritage. The resulting album, Panola County Spirit, showcases the family's deep-rooted gospel harmonies, recorded intimately in their living room. This collection stands as a testament to their unwavering faith and musical legacy.
You can purchase Panola County Spirit directly from Daptone Records:
For a deeper appreciation of their work, listen to the NPR feature on their rendition of "Jesus Gave Me Water":
360 VIDEO The Walker Family Singers perform at the End of All Music in Oxford, MS for their record release - Panola County Spirit on Daptone Records. 3/19/2016
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