Junior Walker on Letterman, November 25, 1985

Junior Walker, with Yes's Jon Anderson, performs "What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)." Both then chat briefly with Dave.

[@felixmadison5736]

"What Does It Take" is a song you can play on a loop 24/7, and never tire of listening to it.

[@vaman5591]

Ima do that right now! Peace out

[@kennethlatham3133]

Hell yes, it is!

[@Karmen2010]

One of my favorite songs ever

[@edgehabitat]

And dance and dance.

[@patrickkelcey2435]

An Aussie band named The Revelaters (I think that's how it's spelt) also recorded this and it's also very listenable

[@TREVORJB101]

He's buried in my hometown of Battle Creek, MI. Small, humble marker for such a legendary musician.

[@seizethedayandlive]

Oh damn. I hope he lived a happy life; incredible music; he will be missed.

[@sugardoll7900]

Honey let me know I'm just so sad thank you I'm feeling this

[@joescott6178]

He's a roadrunner.

[@eddieradford113]

What year did he pass away

[@carlwilliams737]

Don't worry. His music is his memorial

[@Wilfredoviquez]

All my life I listened to this song, since the 70s and until now I could see who played that great sax, RIP Junior, thank you.

[@perryhunter4751]

Junior Walker is truly Unsung. What a talented, gifted and impactful artist of Americana. Unheralded. Unsung.

[@fredajordan5704]

Unmatched, what a huge talent.

[@Chosen1-561]

Yes he is truly unsung, one of the greats

[@ronquan5382]

Jr. Walker and this song plus "Roadrunner" have kept rocking for almost 50 years now and I'm still doing a few steps at age 80. Many thanks, brother, you taught this Chinese-American brother how to keep the rhythm going and that's saying a lot for a Chinese soul brotha.......(smile).

[@1761Charlie]

When the "Big Man" . . . Clarence Clemons opened his club in Red Bank, NJ . . . his first guest act was Jr. Walker and the All Stars!!! Clarence put me on the guest list and Laura and I danced the night away!!! I'll never forget!

[@fredajordan5704]

Junior Walker got it all. What a man, what a talent.

[@dharris4244]

Words can not describe how Great Junior was.

[@miraculus7]

I know that's right

[@antoineemory6772]

THESE EYES WAS MY FAVORITE JAM FROM JUNIOR.

[@eliasgolf2024]

I tried, I tried, I tried, every way I could...

[@Tony-mh3dm]

Ah come on

[@elizabethdixon1009]

All I can say he was very underated and Motown didn't give him that platform like some of the big time Legends. Mr. Walker was a Legend and a genius Continue to R.I.P.,Mr. Walker.

[@johnanders6234]

Jr. Was so underrated as a singer.xThe man could blow. As well blow the sax. Love me some JR.

[@anthonytaylor7928]

Did u hear Dave say. One of the most distinctive sounds in popular music? There is nothing underrated bout that comment what a dumb comment why do folks use the word underrated on KZbin

[@michaelhitchcock3987]

Junior Walker is the greatest saxophone player that ever lived! Nobody needs me to tell them that though! Legend!🎷

[@theccpisaparasite8813]

No, not even close, but still a damn good one. I'd take 'trane, Bird, Coleman Hawkins, or Sonny Rollins over him easily. Thats only a partial list of players that are top of the game. They could play anything infinite creative. When the Stones were looking for the best in the business, they went for Sonny and were almost too intimidated to ask him. Anybody who knows anything about saxophone knows that these guys are absolute legends

[@Tony-mh3dm]

Ummm NOT

[@ricardocorbie6803]

It’s all subjective, but yeah I agree with you!! ❤❤❤❤ Love me some Junior Walker!!

[@drwhatson]

They are all Jazz musicians - Jr. Walker never claimed to be. He was a Soul musician like King Curtis and session man Mike Terry and in that regard ranks among the all-time greats.

[@bbb8997]

@@theccpisaparasite8813 but could they sing ? Jr had a sound that you knew instantly was him. when foreigner went looking for a sax player on "urgent" they got Jr. Jr's songs will be around when all technical jazz players are only remembered by musical snobs. listen to Boots Randolph wailing on REO Speedwagon's "Little Queenie" . no disrespect to jazz greats, I have original lps of all you mentioned & a zillon more. multi cd boxsets too. guitar legendary slinger Roy Buchanan covered Jr's "Hot t Cha" on his live stock album. Check it out. btw/ Paul Desmond, Sonny Stitt should be on your list.

[@pammcmonigle6061]

I love this song! Even in May of 2024!

[@jmua8450]

One of the best songs of all time. Jr Walker is missed!

[@corrynthiaiam9205]

I bet 2nd one is shotgun

[@Suzyfromtheblock]

I wonder where the other guys were his original group

[@eliasgolf2024]

Clearly one of the best songs ever.

[@Tony-mh3dm]

You can still listen to his songs. His sings are still here.

[@malfred5434]

Junior walker and The All Stars. Is His Original Group

[@chefjimmie1]

The man was such an influence on the Motown sound.

[@johnreed9050]

When I think Motown this song comes to mind

[@johnhardy1931]

Rest in peace junior Walker one of the baddest saxophonist there was

[@jesavino1255]

What a great Talent.

[@Chosen1-561]

Man , Jr walker was truly something special , he is without a doubt one of the greatest sax 🎷 players ever, he’s in there with don myrick , Grover Washington jr ,to name a few 🫶🏿

[@rodqueen2910]

wow what a gem. ..Junior Walker a gift on my lifetime

[@jamesmorrison7847]

When you heard "Shotgun" on the radio you just had to get up and dance.

[@dennissmith9067]

He really was the greatest Sax player ! Superb !

[@fredajordan5704]

Dennis SMith : Absolutely. Simply divine.

[@cecenicolevnuzb7388]

YEEEESSSSSS rest in HEAVEN King Junior walker i miss him and his beautiful music he played a beautiful saxophone ❤❤️🎶🎵🙏🏾👍🏽🌹

[@amandawade6148]

This song brought the 60’s into the 70’s. This is so awesome!!❤

[@williamweiss3620]

I was driving somewhere and had the 60s channel on my radio and Junior Walker came on playing his fabulous song what does it take to win your love for me and I had forgotten just how wonderful that song was and what a great talent he was. I wish I could have met him he seemed to be so humble but truly one of the greatest musicians to live in this world.

[@michaeldean9338]

Possessed a pretty solid altissimo register, as well. Gone much too soon. Thanks for the post, Don.

[@frankmorris2603]

This guy's contribution to Foreigner's single Urgent is unbelievable. It struck me from the first time i heard it and still now. Crazy genius musician.

[@toyahill4151]

I was shocked I remember hearing urgent song my mother always has that radio plus singing urgent so urgent!

[@frankmorris2603]

@@toyahill4151 Incredible track.

[@davidbaldwin1591]

Also 1984's hit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enTOe2iifLWkfNU

[@84sp84]

This is music, pure unaided talent. Junior was soooo good and the Late Night Band as well, live and unfiltered. “Artists” today can’t touch this.

[@eddieradford113]

One of the best sax players of all time.

[@kevindick7485]

I am sorry I did not get introduced to this great sax player in my life . His style and tone incredible !

[@hot88s23]

Love Junior Walker.

[@winstonthompson782]

The most soulful sax i’ve ever heard. I first heard Junior Walker in 1970 at a roller skating rink in Brooklyn New York and his music made me feel so alive. I still listen to him today.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

At a roller skating rink

[@sufyanah]

Was it at Empire?

[@desmondmorrison7317]

Old School Classic Love it RIP Junior Walker, your music lives in our hearts forever

[@myobfool]

He just looks so happy in this video.

[@kathyjohson1273]

Love this "what does it take" & "These eyes"

[@ardsley2239]

Junior strutted his stuff like a man and played that funky music whilst my boys were over there in viet nam being wiped out ..sad tme for the Vietnamese and this fellas meanwhile I was simply living my life virtually ignorant of just what was really happening over where 70,000 never did come back..what a pity..thanks to junior,Wilson pickett,otis,Jackie Wilson etc made us so happy..

[@randyelliott9152]

Marvin Gaye.....

[@jalebjaba1487]

Curtis Mayfield,Marvin Gaye ,Smokey ,The Motown Review was being played there religiously.

[@teresagarcia5315]

That Vietnam Crazy was horrific! For their civilians/our soliders&families

[@timbarnes3581]

@@jalebjaba1487 Don't forget the Animals "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" a Vietnam Vet favorite

[@masspence1]

such a talented group.

[@worsley1]

So cool, what a show.

[@hilmarwensorra1215]

In very VERY loving memory of the ONE & ONLY Mr. Junior Walker (1931 - 1995 R.I.P. Gone but NOT forgotten).

[@cecenicolevnuzb7388]

NO NEVER FORGOTTEN THIS COMMENT HAD ME TEARING UP RIGHT NOW 🌹🙏🏾🎵🎶❤️💖✨ WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MAN HE WILL ALWAYS BE EXTRAORDINARY AND SPECIAL HIS MUSIC FOREVER LIVES ON

[@sylviabolan688]

Junior Walker, Fabulous!!!🎀

[@todds6048]

Killer! What an incredible talent!

[@westrotter7847]

That was when Dave Letterman's show was the best show on any channel !!! I used to hurry home from 2nd shift just to catch his show. He brought the biggest talent to tv and the American people loved him for it !!!!❤

[@KevXRDuke]

One of my customers was a producer of Dave's show on NBC. I bartended on the Jersey Shore. Dave is also a Fraternity Brother. He was going to take my friend on I backstage to meet him. Unfortunately he had to leave immediately after the show. Actually we were in no shape to meet him. We went to McSorleys Ale House and had a few before the show. They served you like 5 mugs at a time. George Carlin was the guest and like the oldest Brownie or Girl Scout. The show was taped around 5. We took the train back home and prepared to watch it. Obviously we kept on drinking, we passed out and missed it. My buddy, who I still talk to or text everyday still has a copy of it.

[@thelmaconnolly6002]

Great song, great band!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Blend-24]

Oh the memories . . . cruising my high school with Shotgun blasting and later on this song came out and it was another top hit. RIP Jr Walker, we miss the hell out of you.

[@dzadza7775]

As fresh as ever. Unforgettable sounds that touch your very heart and soul. ❤

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Junior Played put together One of the Great Sax Solo's in Rock history! Foreigner's Urgent

[@lavernemadison9735]

Unique sound! Love it!

[@leonadams1942]

who remembers watching this when it first aired back in '85?

[@KevXRDuke]

Before Dave became a curmudgeon.

[@chimneydriptray2439]

Jr walker will never die he lives on in our hearts and minds with his great music.

[@stephenord3403]

If this song doesn't do ya, nothing ever will

[@marylively7815]

Great memories....Junior great Sax player....will be missed!

[@SS-ii6nz]

Mr. Jr. Walker is a musical genius and the best Saxophone player that ever existed in the world. I credit the Motown staff for their legacy of having this artist on their team. Motown legends like Mr. Walker will be a part of music history forever.

[@fast4wood]

AWESOME!

[@warriorv9359]

My favorite oldie on my birthday oh hell yeah !!! What a birthday present Jr Walker badesst cat on the planet

[@ruthlundy4497]

When late night was REAL . Great music 😊

[@marvinsmith8015]

Junior Walker is absolutely awesome, nothing more to say!!

[@MsLaylaB]

Junior Walker -- PERFECTION!

[@dennishahn1536]

Junior is the Man for soul playing .

[@tinadavies4195]

Goosebumps..all over just the best saxophonist and great tunes.

[@chuckdieselkicksdisks2380]

What does it take - '85! Great live version. Sounds just as good as the 1969 what does it take! Thanks for sharing

[@corrynthiaiam9205]

You should see him performing Shot gun

[@paulinechapman9319]

Please check out the version by Paul Carrack...will blow you away..no jiving...🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@chuckdieselkicksdisks2380]

@@paulinechapman9319 cool will check it

[@MN-dv8wc]

Summer of 69 Monroe Mich. CKLW Motown great days .

[@theresap.3305]

@@paulinechapman9319 it’s a nice version, but Jr.’s has amazing “soul” vibes. I would take a drive listening to Paul’s jazz version. With Jr.’s, it makes me want to dance.

[@jeffking981]

What a song. Music just does not come better than Junior walker and the all stars. Absolute fab. Just love this song. ❤

[@lilgrease7292]

My man! Waaay underrated!!

[@SunnyIlha]

Man, Jr W. rock dat room

[@PAKiller1]

I’m from Detroit, and this is the 1st video I have ever seen of Jr Walker live

[@moffettcoates6455]

Outstanding

[@gloriahill5012]

sounds just as good as it did in 1969, greatest sax player. That little remix was great.

[@fredajordan5704]

Gloria Gill : I love this version even more...

[@GlynisGREY]

Love love this song takes me back to my early teens Happy memories ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@stevekenny6183]

For all ‘soulies’ this man was and is a legend.

[@chuckford5927]

This is what real talent looks like...RIP Brother Mixon (Jr. Walker). You definitely left your mark on the music world.

[@bobbiewallace4008]

I miss David Letterman he loved good music and always had Al Green on.

[@rontelfer6678]

The first time I bought an LP by Junior Walker (Whopper Bopper, Show Stopper) I was in a second-hand store in Chipata, Eastern Province, Zambia. I guess it must have been in the late '70s. Despite its poor condition, it has remained a great favorite.

[@MrDiedaily]

I still remember my father who was also a professional sax player. Hearing this brings back memories of him when he would take me to band practice. Hearing the sax played.

[@daianefranca9939]

I Love this song♡

[@mikevolpe5995]

Daiane, so do I. Great song!

[@noelbourne2215]

Old school jam!!! Nothing like it . Rest in Peace Mr. Walker❤

[@LeosHouse]

What a remarkable song! Not to mention Mr. Walker 💙.

[@blackprix]

Absolutely one of the greatest and one of my all-time favorites! I am so happy I got to see him in person in Atlanta in 1979, that appearance made my life complete

[@alexandrebeani5376]

Isso sim é talento, sem inventar sem querer ser mais ou maior que ninguem , um talento nato tanto pra tocar qto pra cantar ... Jr Walker sensacional ❤️😍

[@Suzyfromtheblock]

God bless him xxxx a true star xxx

[@leeshepherd5669]

I had a small radio I carried with me while living in the country on a farm..When this song came on when it first came out all the worries in the world would go away /..I was on cloud nine feeling so good... That awesome sweet sound from the sax first note...Lifted me high!!

[@amandawade6148]

I love this!! I had my transistor growing up in the 60’s and this song always made me happy!!

[@pdtaylortt]

Thank you for posting this I love his tone 👍

[@theresap.3305]

💚💛 Mr. Junior Walker RIP I loved his music even as a child.

[@primerointern2427]

Such Soul!!!

[@edwingall7890]

God, how good is this!?! Incredible.

[@lockhartreacts3304]

Look at the band just grooving. This song makes you move. Your body can't help it.

[@jameswarren2653]

The 70's everytime I hear this classic.

[@anthonytaylor7928]

Legendary sound

[@busalbchristophe388]

Trop bon!! superbe!!

[@lessansculottes1498]

En cherchant le sax original de Urgent de Foreigner, je me retrouve ici, no regrets !

[@gregoryprouty4872]

Fantastic performance from a brilliant young man and a great song 🎵 for all ages ❤ Letterman is also fantastic. Listened to this song in 1968 Baltimore , Md .

[@hshflowersknowledge2814]

Always love his sax playing you can feel the emotions Rest In Peace your great gift will always be remembered.

[@meirenascimento5863]

He was amazing

[@lady-alicia3241]

I LOVE ❤️ THIS SONG. THIS ONE IS FOR YOU BABE I MISS YOU SO MUCH. R. I. P. 🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷🎶💞💃💃💃💃💃💋💋💋

[@johnpickering4579]

wow! thanks for posting!

[@stevenleslie8557]

Memories. God bless you Mr Walker

[@KameraShy]

Back when letternan mattered

[@rzxkp7none275]

Thank you. Good music

[@gypzs9]

Love the soulful Mr Walker. Dare you to listen to “Shotgun” anytime and not dance! Isn’t possible 😁Thank you to Junior, who contributed joy to this world with his music.

[@MarklovesAngels]

I hope, I really hope that the man knew how much listening joy he brought to scores of people. God bless him.

[@bevberesford847]

I saw him 1971 in stretford at the Village with Edwin Starr. Unforgettable❤❤

[@nancyward8589]

One of the better saxophonists I've ever heard - EVER

[@billmitch920]

(from Bolivia) thanks to KZbin his sound will never die !

[@Licciojackgiacalone]

Man, you can tell that band was having a blast. They were rocking.

[@greggakkerman]

How cool that one of the greatest rock band singers of all time is content to stand in the shadow of Junior just to play some tambourine.

[@HectorHernandez-gl2qg]

Éstos vatos son lo máximo,lo disfrutamos en países qué ellos ni siquiera sé imaginan,lo máximo con su musica.

[@bobblues1158]

Junior has that sweet soul sound that i have learned from and it´s beauty!

[@philhongkins5520]

Phenomenal. Am go blow for ya ... 🙏🧡💜💙