Phillip Walker | Blues musician, 73

Blues guitarist and singer Phillip Walker, 73, who backed Etta James, Lowell Fulson, and other stars, died Thursday of heart failure in Palm Springs, Calif.

Mr. Walker performed for more than 50 years, recording many solo albums and touring with zydeco legend Clifton Chenier for two years. In 1959, he moved to California, where he earned a reputation as one of the region's top guitarists. He even joined Little Richard's band for a brief time.

Over the last decade, he continued to record albums and tour, including an October 2009 stint in South Africa. His most recent album, Going Back Home, was released in 2007. - AP