Walter L. Cunningham, Jr. (Director/Producer/Piano), Dartmouth College Gospel Choir, One Accord - Chicago, Nate "Almighty" Johnson (Producer, Engineer), Demond Nicks (Drums), Ron Hall (Bass), Mike Gallagher (Guitar), Keith Henderson (Guitar), Shawn Hibbler (Keyboards, Organ), Taurey Butler (Keyboards, Organ), Mike Z. (Reeds, Horn Arrangements)
Influences
Thomas Whitfield, Walter Hawkins, Kurt Carr, Daryl Coley
Eclectic is the word Walt uses to describe both him and his music: And it is a key to how his various careers and musical loves have come together to create a groundbreaking music gospel group and CD.
A standout in his native Iowa, Walt excelled in many different areas. Declining a scholarship to Julliard, Walt decided to attend West Point making him one of only a thousand plus black Americans to graduate from the distinguished military academy. After fulfilling his military obligation, his communication skills won him the prestigious opportunity to serve as a national spokesperson for West Point.
Walt further honed those skills in the business sector working for corporate giants Pfizer, Inc and Wilson Learning. Over a 12 year period he has worked in sales, training and development, and performance consulting, earning many awards including top regional salesman for the launch of Viagra.
During all the above Walt has always been involved with his God given gift of music. Whether it was as a lead in the many musicals, or as the cadet in charge of gospel choir at West Point, he somehow found a way to stay connected to his love of music. He has been actively involved in the local gospel music arena as a minister of music for several different Chicago-land churches and has conducted gospel music workshops across the mid-western and eastern U.S. It was at this time that he founded the community group now called One Accord.
Following his passion is what led Walt to the Ivy League where he is the Ensemble Conductor for the gospel choir at Dartmouth College. During his 4 year tenure, response has been amazing! The ensemble has become the most popular ensemble on campus with attendance numbers tripling over the same timeframe.
All the above has shaped Walt’s music of love, hope, and inspiration. His motivation is to bring this music to a world in need of something to ease their daily journey while simultaneously helping them to fulfill their divine destiny.
The first words out of my Mom's mouth after the Dartmouth concert were "My Soul Is Full". :) I'm sure it was incredible. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Hey, I’m sorry you haven’t heard from me in a while. I was busy finishing my debut album (feat. Take 6, K. Whalum, A. Laboriel, V. Colaiuta, P. Jackson Jr.). Now that it’s done, I’ll be on a US pre-release tour, playing in CHICAGO @ Katerina’s (1920 W Irving Park Rd) next Wednesday, Nov 19, 8.30 pm.
I’d love to see you there! Greetings from your Swiss brother, God bless you,
Vlada
PS: You can pre-order the CD here, http://www. vladamusic. com
I am sending much needed love to your page, and I pray that all is well in your life. I have a special announcement to make The TakeOver album Promotional project entitled "Breakthrough" release will be available online December 7th. It is an encouraging album that you will enjoy!! Please show some love on my page leave a voice mail or an advertisement to all my other friends, if you are interested in purchasing a copy. Stay Encouraged looking forward to hearing from you!!! Spread the Word God Bless You. The first 10 comments in the USA and in the United Kingdom will receive a free album on December 7th.
hey walt how r u i hope well i appreciate everything you have put in me as a musican thank u an u will never be forgotten we will see each other again it was always a pleasure playing with u
EARLY THIS MORNING, AROUND ABOUT 230AM SOMEWHERE BETWEEN HERE AND MARS, I PUT A FOUR CHORD PATTERN, WITH A COUPLE OF LIVE DRUM LICKS FOR YOU!!!! IT MIGHT NOT MAKE SENSE BUT IT WAS WHAT I WAS FEELING IT IS ENTITLED IN IT'S RAW FORM FREE STYLIN FEATURING THE WILLIAM OATMAN BAND LOLOLOLOL.....ENJOY!!!!!!! LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK, GOD BLESS!!!!!!!
Hi Walt, Thank you for believing in my music...I so look forward to hearing you and your group sing again at Unity of Chicago. I also hope you and my son-in-law, Leslie Bowe, get a chance to meet soon. I know you'll both hit it off! Blessings, Nancy
Walt! First thanks for the friend's request. I'm lovin on what I'm hearing on your page! NICE! AWESOME!
I'm praying your continued success,
In Him, + Ron Barrett +