Anthony Walker, Gap Band's Baby Gap, has died after undergoing neck surgery. He was 60.
TMZ exclusively received the news from Anthony's younger brother, Eric Walker, who confirmed the musician died at an Ohio hospital due to complications from a neck surgery. He did not disclose the exact procedure and why the singer needed to have it.
Anthony Walker Dead at 60
Anthony's family scheduled a celebration of life in Chicago this week to honor his legacy. The bereaved loved ones also expressed their love and support after his tragic death.
On Facebook, Anthony's daughter penned a heartfelt statement following the loss as she reposted the news about his passing.
"There was one thing that you always told me you said everybody's going to know who I am! And if they don't know now they do!!! I love you so much daddy! Words cannot express How proud of you, I am," said Antinisha. "But it hurts that you can't see all this love and support. RIP Baby Gap."
She disclosed the scheduled arrangements for the patriarch in a separate post. A viewing will be held at the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Illinois on Friday, March 15, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Meanwhile, the wake and service will be on March 16, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. respectively.
Baby Gap's fans and friends left heartfelt comments as they paid tribute to the late singer.
One said, "Oh no, Baby Gap. My first small venue concert in 1982! It was epic for 14 year old me. RIP."
"R.I.P. Sending my condolences," another wrote.
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Anthony Walker's Career Through the Years
In 1979, Anthony officially joined the Gap Band and served as its songwriter, dancer and choreographer. The group debuted in 1967, but Anthony transformed into one of its key members afterward.
In the years after joining the band, Anthony and his bandmates appeared in different shows, including "American Bandstand" and "Soul Train."
Together with Charlie Wilson and Billy Young, they produced Billy & Baby Gap which had the track "Rock The Nation" that debuted at No. 3 in the charts.
Outside his work in the Gap Band, Anthony also collaborated with other musicians like Snoop Dogg, Rick James and George Clinton.
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