R.I.P. Walt Anderson

I received word yesterday (Sunday, 3/6/22) that Walt Anderson had died that morning. That’s all the information I have. After Tommy Vann’s death just weeks ago, another Echo of the past. Walt was many things, including a helluva guitar player. I was with and the Echoes for a short time circa 1972 and only knew him for that brief period, but he was a helluva player. 

Going back again to Hollywood Park I see Walt, standing stage right, quiet … focused. Also singing backup – they all sang.

At the time I knew Walt he was going to school for air traffic control. I thought that was interesting.

With Tommy and Walt both going out more or less together, it seems a good time for a shout out to those Echoes still standing, From early Hollywood Park on, and going strictly from memory (so correct me if I’m wrong), here are those Echoes still with us:

• Gary Loomis
• Jimmy Loomis
• John Piluk
• Walt Caldwell
• George “Doc” Dochterman
• Rody Barthelmes
• Mike Hodgeman

When Randy Fillmore and I cooked up BaltimoreJam 20 years ago I never envisioned becoming the Grim Reporter, but that seems to be my current role. I try to pay a small tribute as the inevitable occurs. If I didn’t personally know our departed brother or sister I depend on those who did to provide a few details of their story. And as each new year rolls around and the In Memory list continues to grow, I find myself thinking about a much younger person I might enlist to keep the list going forward … and eventually add me to it. 

Goodbye, Mr. Anderson.