Gigs out West

ID: 3032 ~ Source: Carter, William, photographer. Mercy Dee Walton. Courtesy of the Arhoolie Foundation.
This file appears in: Mercy Dee Walton

In the 1960s, Walton performed in venues across Stockton, California. He played at the famous Dew Drop Inn, which started in New Orleans, Louisiana, as a club and hotel for African American performers traveling to play across the Jim Crow South.

This file appears in: Mercy Dee Walton

By Allie R. Lopez
With a bellowing voice and masterful piano playing, Mercy Dee Walton emerged as an early influence in rhythm and blues not only in Waco but across the country. Towering figures such as Ma Rainey and…