Walter Lee
September 29, 1942 – September 28, 2008
Walter Lee, began his career in music as lead guitarist for the Boston-area rock ‘n roll combo, the Uniques, a band who had some local success after releasing two singles. He was eventually hired by Capitol Records and moved to Detroit where he is credited for bringing Bob Seger to the label. After a handful albums failed to get Seger noticed outside of the Midwest, Capitol was ready to give up on the artist until Lee persuaded the higher-ups to put out an album that captured Seger in his element, live on stage. That album was Live Bullet, and it launched Seger into the stratosphere. The ’80s found Lee running Capitol’s radio promotion department in Hollywood. His leadership as Vice President and GM at the label contributed to the success of Duran Duran, the Motels, Missing Persons, Iron Maiden, Steve Miller and many more. After leaving Capitol, Lee lead the promotion team at Morgan Creek Records. In recent years, he was a partner at Pro Sports Music, a firm that promoted music through sporting events. Walter Lee died of colon cancer on September 28, 2008.
Walter was always a saint to me and my family. I remember him giving me the second Knack record before it came out while his son David and I were at the batting cage practicing for Little League. I remember him taking me to see Bob Seger at the Forum and introducing me to Bob backstage after the show. But most of all I remember him helping me to realize that I wanted a career in music, which thanks to his inspiration I was able to do. We’ll miss you Walter.
Walter was my Manager, my Mentor, and My friend for many years. I am heartbroken and I will miss him like crazy. He was one of the kindest men I have ever known. I cant believe I wont hear his voice anymore. Thank you Walter, for EVERYTHING….RIP
I’m going to sound corny and sappy, but that’s fine.
Walter hired me in the early 90’s and really gave me the best promotion training any rookie, or even pro, could use. As I got to know him and hear his amazing war stories, I soon realized I had a great friend an ally for life. I always looked at him as a mentor and friend. Because we both share the same birthday (this past Monday) he would usually send me an e-card on the 29th of each September. (sigh…) Right now I have more emotion than proper ways to articulate them. I’m just thinking of his family, and hoping they take solace in the realization that he touched many of us with his stories and his presence. Not to mention his affinity for anyone who really connected with music or WWII history in a meaningful way. You’re surrounded by Angels now Walter. Make sure you share some those illustrious stories with them. After all, they need to laugh too.
Walter Lee was one of the best persons I have ever met. He was a great friend and devoted to his family…gosh, was he proud of his kids. I miss him terribly. Tears roll down my cheeks at the thought of not talking to him again. Our conversations began with joy and ended with joy. He was passionate in his beliefs and quite knowledgeable about many things. I know he touched many lives in positive ways and take some comfort that there is a place where we can share our thoughts (it would be great to share some of his wonderful stories too, but I cannot right now). Although I have no doubt he is surrounded by angels, I think he would prefer Red Sox.
Family and friends are invited to a funeral service to be held at:
Tuesday, October 7th 1pm
Eternal Valley Memorial Park
23287 North Sierra Highway
Newhall, CA 91321
Hello ev1..I just found out thru my inernet that Walter Passed away..and I am so very sorry.. I worked as Walter’s assistant at Capitol Records in Needham, Mass.way back in the late 60s..early 70’s right at the beginning of his major label career. I had come from Mercury Records having been promotion secretary to some greats such as Brian Interland, Stan Monteiro, and John Penney. I had so much fun with Walter! He had a picture of the Capitol TOwer, in Hollywood tacked to the board in our office and alway said, “someday..that’s where I will be!” And he made it! I will miss you Mr. Lee but will always have great memories… Rita A. Bailey (formerly Rita Toscano when I worked with Mr. Lee)
I will never forget the day that I met Walter and I will never forget the day that he passed. As a 19 year old transplant from a small town in Washington, i felt the Gods were on my side the day i met Walter Lee at The Daily Grill in Los Angeles. We clicked instantly possessing the same silly sense of humor – mostly making fun of ourselves. We grew to be fast friends and he soon became a major force in my life as a mentor and a Father-figure, as my Father, whom i have always shared an amazing relationship with, was in Seattle. I was a poor struggling musician and he was a legend in the music industry. I had no idea of this. He kept this to himself for years. He was a man of great humility.
When i moved back to the Seattle area, Walter remained a constant in my life. He became not just a mentor but a very close friend. There is not a day in which i do not hear his voice saying something completely profound, mostly about staying true to myself in every movement i make, particularly in regards to my love, music. The most profound thing he probably told me a thousand times was “Babes – don’t follow music industry trends. Explore who you are as a person and as an artist. Forget about the industry and make the music you love. Do not waiver. F opinions. Just make sure you are happy with what you are creating.”
My only regret is not seeing between the lines in our correspondence during the last year of his life. He was always so optimistic, i should have realized his cancer more serious than he had let on. I wish, like i am sure so many that i could have said goodbye and told him how much he meant to me.
I am humbled an honored to have known his love.
Victoria