Monday, April 24, 2006

Phil Walden co-founder of Capricorn Records dies




Otis Redding signing a management contract with Phil Walden

Atlanta, GA. (4/24/06) Phil Walden, management and record company mogul has died at his home in Atlanta of lung cancer at the age of 66. Walden managed some of Soul Music's and Southern Rock's biggest stars into major success such as Otis Redding, Johnny Jenkins's Pinetoppers and The Allman Brothers Band. The debut and legend of Walden's Capricorn Records was established under a distribution agreement with Atlantic Records.

Walden's rock credentials were established riding on the back of Duane Allman's early guitar session work with Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and Arthur Conley (see Photolog Archives October 10, 2005). With the release and success of The Allman Brothers Band's first three LP's along with album contributions from artist Wet Willie, The Marshall Tucker Band, Elvin Bishop Group, Sea Level and Jonathan Edwards, Walden's long run of record label success had just begun.

Walden's music business notoriety was an enormous influence upon the presidential bid of Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter's campaign into the White House in 1976. Years later Phil Walden relocated from Macon, Ga. to Nashville to resume his business only to meet with moderate success.

Walden is survived by his daughter Amantha and son Philip Jr.