Born and raised in the city of New Orleans, trombonist Stephen Walker began his musical journey at the young age of five. His father, a preacher, encouraged children in the church to play music during services, planting the seeds for Stephen’s lifelong passion for music.

Starting with piano, clarinet, and trumpet, Stephen found his true voice on the trombone at age twelve. What began as a practical choice quickly became a deep commitment, leading him from playing in church to second line parades and marching as drum major for Gregory Junior High School.

Stephen went on to study at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) alongside many of the city’s top young musicians. By sixteen, he was touring internationally with Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Irvin Mayfield. Mentored by Grammy-winning trombonist and producer Delfeayo Marsalis, Stephen has grown into one of the city’s most versatile musicians, performing, recording, and composing across a wide range of styles.

He has shared the stage with Harry Connick Jr., Branford Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Kermit Ruffins, Trombone Shorty, Davell Crawford, Deacon John, Doreen Ketchens, Shannon Powell, James Andrews, Herlin Riley, Bob French, Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown, Calvin Johnson, Leroy Jones, Shamarr Allen, and many others.

Stephen’s debut album, Midnight Cocktails, celebrates this versatility, blending gospel roots, traditional jazz, funk, Latin, and contemporary sounds. Whether performing at iconic venues like Preservation Hall, Snug Harbor, and The Blue Nile or touring internationally, Stephen brings the soul of New Orleans to audiences everywhere.

Stay tuned as the musical journey of trombonist Stephen Walker continues to unfold.