| Choker Campbell | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Walter Luzar Campbell |
| Born | March 21, 1916 Shelby, Mississippi, United States |
| Origin | Saginaw, Michigan |
| Died | July 20, 1993 (aged 77) Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Genres | Soul, rhythm and blues, rock, jazz |
| Occupations | Saxophonist, flautist, singer |
| Instruments | Saxophone, flute, vocals |
| Years active | 1935–1993 |
| Labels | Motown, Attic, Candy Apple, Campbell Artist Productions |
| Associated acts | The Temptations, Four Tops, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Martha and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, Choker Campbell and his Sixteen-Piece Orchestra, The Super Sounds |
Walter Luzar "Choker" Campbell (March 21, 1916 - July 20, 1993) was an American musician.
Born as an only child in Shelby, Mississippi, his family moved to Saginaw, Michigan, when he was only five years old. Campbell studied saxophone under several influential musicians and left school at the age of nineteen. In the early 60's he got a job at Hitsville USA (which later became Motown Records) playing with the resident band, then later as a supporting artist for several well-known Motown artists, such as the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, the Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and others. Campbell toured the USA with stops at the Apollo Theater in New York City and many other venues.
After leaving Motown Records, Choker came to Canada with his own band and played several Canadian venues. He settled in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where he started his own record label, Campbell Artist Productions, and did several recordings with Attic Records (of Toronto), and studio work with his friend, Paul Zaza.
After several years, Choker returned to Detroit, where he remained until his death.
Choker has left behind a son and two daughters in Canada, two in London, one in Halifax.
He also appeared in the film Shake, Rattle & Rock! with Big Joe Turner and Mike Connors. He made a cameo in the TV series, Mannix, with Mike Connors in the 1960s.