The Soul Guru If you listen closely, you’ll hear deep soulful sounds reverberating from an apartment at the Masonic Village at Dallas. Retired from his days on stage, at the recording studio and in the classroom, Wally Richardson still doesn’t miss a beat on his guitar. Born to a spirited gospel singer in Harlem, New York, Wally first explored his musical prowess on the piano and through his voice. He found his true calling at age 15 when his brother, Al, suggested he pick up a guitar. His father bought him his first
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amp and guitar, and he hasn’t put it down since. Wally frequented the Apollo Theater in Harlem, which featured the likes of Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Eckstine and many other acts. “The music was very open,” he said. “It would just light you up and inspire you. I’d admire the different musicians and the way they played. As a kid, seeing them let go, I knew that was what I wanted to do.”