James David Walker Jr. (August 13, 1921 – December 20, 2012), better known by his stage name Jimmy McCracklin, was an American pianist, singer, and songwriter.

Tom Mazzolini of the San Francisco Blues Festival said of him, "He was probably the most important musician to come out of the Bay Area in the post-World War II years.

[6] He joined the United States Navy in 1938, later settled in Richmond, California, and began playing at the local Club Savoy owned by his sister-in-law Willie Mae "Granny" Johnson.

A house band composed of Bay Area based musicians alternated with and frequently backed performers such as B.

[9] His popularity increased after appearing on American Bandstand in support of his self-written single "The Walk" (1957),[10] subsequently released by Checker Records in 1958.

7 on the pop chart,[11] after more than 10 years of McCracklin selling records in the black community on a series of small labels.

[12] In 1967, Otis Redding and Carla Thomas had success with "Tramp", a song credited to McCracklin and Lowell Fulson.

I just took the 'Blues' off and Joe finally told me, that’s Jimmy McCracklin’s name, but you tell ‘im I gave you permission to steal it."