Songwriter and choreographer Anthony Walker was better known as “Baby Gap.” The Gap Band formed in 1967. Anthony joined the band in 1979 and continued to perform with the band for the next 23 years. In recent years, he also performed with GapX, a group formed by members of the Gap Band.
According to Anthony’s brother, Dr. Eric Walker, Anthony has died. Eric told TMZ that his brother had neck surgery and died as a result of complications with the surgery. Anthony was in a hospital in Ohio at the time of his death. Eric did not mention what the neck surgery was attempting to correct or what the complications were that happened as a result of the surgery. Anthony was 60 years old.
GapX announced the news of Anthony’s death on Instagram. Alongside a picture of “Baby Gap,” they wrote in the caption, “GapX The Band will miss our friend, brother and band mate Anthony “Baby Gap” Walker. Gone too soon. We will never forget you!!!”
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The Gap Band performed on multiple TV shows during the height of their stardom including “Soul Train,” “Solid Gold” and “Dick Clark’s American Bandstand.” During the “Bandstand” performance, Anthony even attempted to teach Dick Clark how to do the moon walk. You can see this fun and memorable interaction yourself in the video below.
In 1985, Anthony collaborated with Gap member Charlie Wilson to release the album “Billy & Baby Gap.” One of the songs on the album, the single “Rock the Nation,” made it to number 3 on the charts.
Dancing was a big part of Anthony’s career. In the 1970’s, he formed a breakdancing group called “Tidal Wave.” Then, in the 1980s, he worked at John Travolta’s dance studio. He later worked for Disney as a choreographer.
Walker died on March 4th. A celebration of life is planned for him in his hometown of Chicago.
