Meet Johnny
Johnny Walker Jr., is a celebrated cellist and musical visionary based in Washington, D.C. He is known for his dynamic artistry, soulful interpretations, and deep-rooted versatility across classical, jazz, gospel, and contemporary styles. His signature style blends lyrical sensitivity with rhythmic fire — making him a favorite among composers and arrangers seeking a cellist who can communicate with both precision and passion.
Johnny started playing the cello at the age of 10. His primary cello teachers were Élise Sharp, and Denna Purdie (ret.). He holds a B.A. in Music Performance from the University of Maryland (UMBC), where he studied under Gita Ladd and also with some of the nation’s leading string pedagogues from the Juilliard School and the Peabody Conservatory. Johnny has participated in masterclasses by Norman Fischer and Carlos Prieto. His performance credits span major venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theater, and NPR’s Tiny Desk. He also has performed internationally in Montréal, Canada and Nassau, Bahamas.
Johnny’s musical journey is defined by a fusion of formal training and cultural immersion. He is in high demand around the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Johnny has performed with chamber ensembles, symphony orchestras, and genre-spanning bands. He has shared stages with an extraordinary roster of artists including Smokey Robinson, The Eagles, Yo-Yo Ma, Yolanda Adams, Joshua Bell, The LOX, Esperanza Spalding, Muni Long, Jerald Daemyon, Meshell Ndegeocello, Illa J, Snoh Aalegra, Jessie Reyez, Big Sean, Jeezy, and Samara Joy.
His work also includes collaborations with De La Soul, Big Sean, Karen Briggs, MC Lyte, KEM, Regina Belle, Vanessa Williams, Derrick Hodge, Oleta Adams, and Phil Perry among many others.
Johnny is a dedicated educator and mentor, nurturing the next generation of string players in the D.C. region and beyond. He is a teaching artist for Washington Performing Arts and Levine Music. Johnny performs with his band Kontrolled Khaos, the Color of Noize orchestra, and independently as a freelancer.
Johnny can currently be seen performing on Peacock’s original series Paris & Nicole: The Encore, and was the Principal Cellist on Jeezy’s “TM: 101” 20th Anniversary Live Tour. He also participated in the Guinness World Record as the Principal Cellist of the Largest Orchestra for a Hip-Hop Music Concert.
Johnny proudly performs on a 2007 William Hu Snow Cello, a Luis & Clark carbon fiber cello, a Quintus carbon fiber cello, and an NS Desin CR-5 electric Cello.