Cory Walker is a Nashville banjo player who grew up in Lithia, Florida, near Tampa. He played banjo with Sierra Hull and Highway 111 as a teenager, filled the banjo chair in Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder in 2014, and joined the Dillards in 2019 and East Nash Grass in 2020. His solo album School Project came out on Mountain Fever in 2023.
Why Walker matters
Bluegrass Today calls Walker one of Nashville’s most accomplished banjoists. He moves between the classic sound of Kentucky Thunder, the history of the Dillards, and the modern drive of East Nash Grass.
Life and career
Walker grew up playing with his brothers, Jarrod on mandolin and Tyler on guitar. In 2003 he appeared on the IBMA Awards show with the Young American Bluegrass Idols. In 2005 he played in the IBMA’s Kids on Bluegrass program. He and Jarrod performed as the Bluegrass Parlor Band.
In 2007 he joined Sierra Hull and Highway 111 on banjo. In 2014 he filled in with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, taking over from Justin Moses. In 2015 he and Jarrod joined Bradford Lee Folk and the Bluegrass Playboys. In 2019 he joined the Dillards, and in 2020 East Nash Grass. His album School Project (Mountain Fever, 2023) features guests including Tim O’Brien, Sierra Ferrell, and Rodney Dillard.
Playing style
Walker plays Scruggs-based banjo, and he also plays guitar and resonator guitar. His video of Foggy Mountain Special with David Grier and Stuart Duncan shows his traditional base.
Influences and legacy
Walker came up through youth bluegrass programs and Florida’s bluegrass scene. He has played beside Sierra Hull, Ricky Skaggs, Rodney Dillard, and fiddler Maddie Denton.
Signature tunes and songs
Foggy Mountain Special Bugle Call Rag Cripple Creek, with Maddie Denton.
Essential recordings
New Branches (2007) School Project (Mountain Fever, 2023)
Watch and listen
Walker plays Foggy Mountain Special with David Grier, Stuart Duncan, Casey Campbell, and Dennis Crouch.
What to learn from Walker
Learn Foggy Mountain Special, a Flatt and Scruggs tune. The technique to steal is restraint. A slow tune shows every note. Play it at an easy tempo and make every note clear and in time.
Sources
Walker, Cory, BluegrassBios.com Cory Walker archives, Bluegrass Today
Related players
See the banjo players hub and the bluegrass banjo guide for more pickers. Walker has played with David Grier, Stuart Duncan, and Maddie Denton.