(Nashville, Tenn. – Aug. 27, 2015) – We are deeply saddened by the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our founder, President, CEO, friend and fearless leader Jeff Walker. Jeff passed unexpectedly on Monday, August 24th shortly after returning from vacation with his family. He was an inspiration to us all and left a tremendous impact on everyone he met with his sharp business sense and quick wit. Jeff was a “glass half-full kind of guy,” and was well known and beloved in the Nashville music industry for his humor, his boundless energy and his tireless devotion to expanding the reach of Country Music. He was a servant-leader, and pushed everyone he worked with to constantly question the status quo and to bring new ideas to the table to remain competitive in this incredibly volatile industry. His door was always open for suggestions, and he was often found with a smile on his face sharing one of his uproarious puns. A long-time CMA and CRS board member, Jeff made a profound impact not only on all of us here at Aristo, but on the entire Country Music industry. To say he will be missed would be a tremendous understatement, and we will work to continue his legacy and strive to maintain the level of excellence he expected.
Jeff is survived by his father and stepmother, Bill and Jeanine Walker, his wife, Terri, his son Jonathan and his wife Tessa, and his daughter Christy Walker-Watkins and her husband Matt Watkins. He had two granddaughters, Elle and Lucy.
Funeral services will take place on Friday, Aug. 28th at First Baptist Church of Nashville (108 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203). Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. CST with services at 2 p.m. CST. A private interment will follow. A celebration of Jeff’s life is being planned, and details will be shared as they are completed and released.
Jeff Walker
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