Alvin Spencer Walker II, 51, passed away peacefully on Monday December 5, 2022. He was born May 21, 1971 in Allentown, PA. Alvin was preceded in death by his mother the late Myrtle Walker. Alvin is survived by his father, Alvin Walker; sister, Sonya Walker and nephew, Calvin Holloway III. He graduated from Phoebus High School, later attending Virginia Commonwealth University. As a trombonist, Alvin has walked the Earth for many years as a member of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. He has also led his own groups, as well as performed and recorded with others in New York, Los Angeles, Seattle and Japan, including occasionally touring with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. As a member of the Basie Band, Alvin has performed and recorded with such artists as Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Benny Carter, Tony Bennett, Hank Jones, Tito Puente, Herbie Hancock, Rosemary Clooney and Jamie Cullum, including three Grammy-winning albums. He has also had the opportunity to perform for such dignitaries as Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and Secretary of State Colin Powell, as well as the honor of recording with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. In 2002 Alvin left his native Hampton, VA and moved to New York, working with former Jazz Messenger Valery Ponomarev's bands, Columbian composer and pianist Hector Martingnon's Bandagrande, Grover Mitchell's New Blue Devils and the High & Mighty Brass Band. In honor of his wishes there will be no service.

He also has won various awards during his career:

Musicfest U.S.A., Award for Outstanding Performance, 1989

Outstanding Soloist District VIII Stage Band Festival, 1988

Outstanding Trombonist District VIII, Stage Band Festival 1989

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, 1989

Who's Who in Music 1987, 1988, 1989