Bobby BlackHat Walters

Bobby "BlackHat" Walters, recording artist, harmonica player, vocalist, songwriter and actor hails from Cleveland, Ohio and has been playing harp for over 40 years. Bobby is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander with 27 years of distinguished service which included serving as Military Aide to the President and being awarded the Coast Guard Medal for Heroism.

Bobby has had the honor of opening for Blues Legends B.B King, Taj Mahal, and Steady Rollin Bob Margolin. Bobby has shared the stage with Kenny Neal, Lil Ray Neal, Jackie Scott, Bill Deal and the Rhondels, Jason Ricci, Eddie Shaw, Daryl Davis, Ruthie Foster, Sherman Robertson, Slam Allen, Tas Cru, Memphis Gold and Slam Allen.

In 2016, the Bobby BlackHat Band advanced to the FINALS of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Bobby has won two Blewzzy Awards for "Song of the Year" (I Hear Mama's Voice, 2012 and Please Mr. BlackHat, 2015). He was also awarded two 2016 VEER Music Awards for "Best Blues" and "Song of the Year" (HRBT Blues). His CD "Accidental Blues" was up for Grammy consideration in 2016.

Bobby BlackHat brings together the finest blues musicians in Hampton Roads to perform classic, modern, as well as original blues tunes that will keep your toes tappin and your hips shakin all night long.

"I bought my first harp after hearing Lee Oskar play with WAR in 1972. The sound of his harp just mesmerized me and I knew right then and there I was gonna be a harp player too."

In 2006, BlackHat added acting credits to his resume when he participated in the filming of the History Channel documentary "Sherman's March to the Sea".