The Beatles, Patty Griffin, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, The Wallflowers, John Michael Talbot, Larry Norman, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Rich Mullins, Bob Halligan Jr, Billy Joel, Twila Paris, Randy Stonehill...
The story behind TUNE OF IGNORANCE
When Greg Walton was in 5th grade he begged his parents to buy him a guitar so he could imitate the art of such musical influences as The Beatles, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and others. He was a quick study, but soon found that his real passion for music came from the progressive ministry that was coming from his church. His participation in the junior youth choir and his deep reflection on the Bible prompted his interest in music evangelization and a stronger commitment to his Catholic beliefs. After his attendance at a weekend retreat he wrote his first song, "New Day's Gonna Shine" (when he was just 15 years old) and realized he was being called for a commissioning in his life: a life that would be devoted to service to others and a servant to God.
Although Greg Walton remains steadfast in his dedication to ministry, he has never given up on his pursuit of excellence in his music. Performance opportunities throughout his career have taken him all over the United States, Canada and Europe. He has performed at hundreds of youth rallies, LIFETEEN events, dozens of festivals and evangelical events, and some of the worlds largest gatherings including World Youth Day, Creation Festival, NCYC, Kingdom Bound and others. Greg has shared the stage with celebrated artists including PolarBoy, Ceili Rain, DC Talk, Newsboys and others. His music has been distributed by Spring Arbor Music, HeartBeat Distribution, Troubadour for the Lord and most recently, SpiritandSong Records/OCP.
In the midst of a hectic touring schedule, the constant changes in the music industry and the events following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, Greg Walton bonded to the message of a Tom Petty tune called "I Wont Back Down". Greg did a cover version of this song on his third (and most recent album) which also became the name for the CD. He initially released it as an independent project and achieved significant sales success, national airplay and prestigious reviews. The CD went on to win 3 Unity Awards presented by the UCMVA including Modern Rock Alternative Album of The Year and Rock Album of The Year. The song "Despite" also received the award for Modern Rock/Alternative Song of The Year. I WONT BACK DOWN also includes a catchy pop rock tune called "Dear Dorothy" focusing around the character from the popular book/film-The Wizard of Oz. This song has now become a platform for a workshop presentation/program he designed called-Follow The Yellow Brick Road-which is just one of the workshop programs he presents to middle school and high school students across the US where he is the keynote speaker.
Greg Walton has an impressive track record for an independent artist, but first and foremost he is a dedicated husband, father and teacher. He and his wife accepted a vocation with The Brothers & Sisters of Charity (founded by John Michael Talbot) because they wanted to have a deeper expression of faith in their lives. This led to vows focusing on Simplicity of Life, Marital Chastity and Obedience to Catholic Teachings.
In addition to his commitment to serving as a full-time music minister, Greg also believes deeply that Christian faith acts itself out in charity and partners with the relief and development efforts of organizations such as World Vision and Mercy Corps.
In Summer of 2008 Greg Walton transitions back into full-time music ministry after many years as a full time teacher at Father Ryan High School in Nashville, TN where his focus was on Theology and Apologetics. He looks forward to sharing his experiences and stories; from the stage, in his role as a keynote speaker and in his workshops. Greg continues to write music that can be used in a liturgical setting and is also preparing music for his next CD project. In August, 2008 Greg released his first radio single as a digital download through ITunes, and other digital download channels, and introduced a coordinating impact project to benefit Mercy Corps. The song has been on the CRW Global AC and CHR charts and was the winner of the 2008 Songdoor International Songwriting Competition in the "alternative" category.
Greg lives in the Nashville area with his wife and 5 children.
Greg! how have you been my friend!? im sure you probably do not remember this...but you came to Corpus Christi, Texas when i was about 14 and i remember you just cam out with an album with king of my heart on it! awesome experience i will always remember it! i hope youve been well! God bless always!
Hi Greg! Thanks for the friends request! If you haven't gotten a chance yet, come to the newzonia(dot)(com) and sign up for a passport. We are a philanthropic network for the creative professionals. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Thanks for the add; we hope you continue to use your power and influence as a musician to help us bring about a greener America! Create a GREEN day! Your Friends at Green America
I play guitar for the band FE+7 (Faith Major 7)... This is one young catholic band in Costa Rica, we play rock.
I know about you by Radio Fides (One catholic radio station www.radiofides.co.cr), your music is perfect, I like your songs I am, Despited and Lamb of God.
I hope meet you some day, I fly to the United States once a year, to California where I have an uncle.
Congratulatios for your job, your music and your ministry, Don't give up never.
