Born and raised in the heart of New Orleans, Stephen Walker carries the unmistakable sound of the city in every note he plays. A musician shaped by faith, family, and the vibrant streets of the Crescent City, Stephen’s journey began in a place where music wasn’t just heard—it was lived.
His father, Bishop Lawrence Walker Sr., was a preacher who filled the church not only with sermons but with sound. With no musicians to back his ministry, Bishop Walker handed out instruments to the children in the congregation. It was here, in the pews of his father’s church, at the age of five, that Stephen first learned to play an instrument that began his lifelong devotion to music.
Stephen’s roots are in gospel, and that spiritual foundation still echoes in his music today. But gospel was only the beginning. He learned piano, clarinet, and trumpet before finding his true voice in the trombone at age twelve. That horn quickly became an extension of himself—first in church, then on the streets of New Orleans, where he joined the city’s storied second line parades and brass bands.
By junior high, Stephen’s talent was undeniable. At Gregory Junior High School, he was chosen as drum major, leading the band not only on the football field but through city-wide parades, commanding both rhythm and respect. His passion and dedication to music led him to the prestigious New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), where he refined his craft and deepened his understanding of jazz and performance.
Stephen’s talent caught the attention of some of the city’s most revered musicians. He was mentored by Grammy-winning trombonist and producer Delfeayo Marsalis, and at just sixteen years old, he was off on his first international tour to Greece with Grammy-winning trumpeter Irvin Mayfield.
Over the years, Stephen Walker has become a pillar of the New Orleans music community, sharing the stage with a who’s who of local legends: 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 more.
From the Preservation Hall stage to festivals around the globe—including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, and Satchmo SummerFest—Stephen brings the soul of New Orleans with him wherever he plays. Whether it’s traditional jazz, bebop, funk, Latin, second line, or contemporary jazz, his trombone tells the story of a city, a culture, and a man who was born to play.
{photo credit: Stephen Walker’s Facebook page}
What’s your first memory of red beans and rice?
I live in New Orleans, so red beans and rice were just always around. I think I was maybe three or four the first time I remember eating it, probably at home, and my mom or dad made it. It wasn’t some big moment or anything, it was just part of the week. You grow up with it without really thinking about it.
Was red beans and rice a regular thing in your house growing up?
It wasn’t anything special in our house, it was just food. Red beans and rice were something we had all the time, especially when my parents wanted to make something simple and filling. It wasn’t treated like a big deal or a ‘special meal.’ It was just part of the routine, like spaghetti or baked chicken. I didn’t really think much of it back then; it was just one of those meals that showed up regularly, and you ate it because that’s what was for dinner.
Do you still eat red beans on Mondays?
I eat red beans whenever I’m in the mood for them, there’s no set day. I know Monday is the tradition in New Orleans, but for me, it’s more about the craving than the calendar.
What makes the perfect pot of red beans?
For me, a perfect pot of red beans means the beans are soft but not mushy, and the seasoning is just right—not too salty. It’s all about that perfect blend of spices where nothing overpowers anything else. I like it with smoked sausage or a little piece of pickled pork if I have it. And it’s got to be served over rice—simple, but it hits every time.
What does red beans and rice mean to you?
To me, red beans and rice is just another food. I grew up on it, so I don’t look at it like it’s something special. It’s just always been there, part of growing up in New Orleans. I know it means comfort or tradition to a lot of people, but for me, it’s just one of those regular meals I’ve had my whole life.
Is there a person or place you always think about when you smell a pot of red beans simmering?
Not really. There’s no specific person or place that comes to mind it’s just a familiar smell I’ve known my whole life.
What does red beans and rice mean to New Orleans?
Red beans and rice is part of the rhythm of New Orleans. Even if it’s not something I see as special, I know it means a lot to the city—it’s tradition, comfort, and community all in one simple dish.
Where’s your favorite place anywhere in New Orleans
I don’t really have a favorite place. I’m from here. The whole city feels like home.
What are you currently working on? Any project you would like to pass along?
I’m working on a project called Swinging in New Orleans—a YouTube channel I co-founded that showcases real New Orleans musicians playing the music that defines this city. We record live sessions to highlight local talent and keep the culture alive for people both here and far away.
We also started a GoFundMe to help support the musicians involved and cover production costs. Many of us are working musicians, so the extra support goes a long way.
To stay up to date with the latest information on Stephen Walker, follow him online:
- Website: https://www.stephenwalker504.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenwalker504/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwingingInNewOrleans
- GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-new-orleans-jazz-alive-support-local-musicians
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Eric Olsson is the food blogger of RedBeansAndEric.com. He publishes new recipes and interviews weekly. He has developed recipes and written articles for the famous Camellia brand in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been mentioned in Louisiana Cookin‘ magazine and has had recipes featured in Taste of Home magazine – with his Creole Turkey recipe being runner up in their annual Thanksgiving recipe contest. He lives outside of Detroit, Michigan, with his wife and four children.
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