Products You May Like
Gap Band member Anthony Walker — famously often called Baby Gap — has died … TMZ has realized.
Dr. Eric Walker, Anthony’s youthful brother, tells TMZ … the singer and musician handed away at an Ohio hospital final Monday — this after he skilled issues from a neck surgical procedure he was present process.
Unclear what precisely the process was imply to appropriate, or what went unsuitable — however we’re informed Anthony died in consequence. His sibling tells us the artist’s life will likely be celebrated in his hometown of Chicago later this week.
Anthony’s household tells us they thank his followers for his or her love and assist throughout this tragic time.
Anthony joined the famed R&B/Funk band in 1979 … contributing to the group as a dancer, choreographer and songwriter. Regardless of his late addition to the group — which fashioned in 1967 — Anthony went on to carry out with GAP Band for the following 23 years as a core member.
The Gap Band notably appeared on “Dick Clark’s American Bandstand,” “Don Cornelius’ Soul Train” and “Solid Gold.” Anthony even did some moonwalking for Dick himself again within the day … and he confirmed him the way to do the cool transfer that MJ has popularized on the time.
In 1985, Anthony had a significant music win due to a collaboration with Charlie Wilson — the GAP Band’s lead singer — and bandmate Billy Younger … as they produced collectively the album “Billy & Baby Gap.” Not solely was it the primary album launched as a part of a band member collab, however their single “Rock the Nation” hit No. 3 on the charts.
Throughout his prolonged profession, Anthony additionally collaborated with music legends Rick James and George Clinton. You may even hear Anthony’s percussion expertise on Snoop Dogg‘s single “Snoop Upside Your Head with DJ Pooh.”
Anthony did not simply make a splash with GAP Band … he famously fashioned a break-dancing group, often called “Tidal Wave,” within the ’70s. They as soon as even beat out the famed New York Metropolis Breakers in competitors … along with nabbing a number of different awards throughout their run.
There isn’t any doubt dance performed an enormous function in Anthony’s profession … he taught at John Travolta‘s dance studio within the early ’80s and even went on to work as a choreographer for Disney.
Previous to his passing, Anthony was spending his time performing with GapX … a bunch fashioned by different former members of the Gap Band. He was 60.
RIP