Walter Beasley is a versatile saxophonist, vocalist, and professor renowned for his contributions to contemporary jazz and R&B. Born in El Centro, California, Beasley's musical journey has been marked by his proficiency on the saxophone and his ability to seamlessly traverse various genres. His career took off with the release of his debut album, "Just Kickin' It," in 1987, which quickly established him as a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene. Beasley's soulful and expressive saxophone playing, coupled with his smooth vocals, has been a defining feature of his musical style.

Beyond his success as a recording artist, Walter Beasley has made significant contributions to music education. He holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Sarasota, and he is a professor at the Berklee College of Music, where he imparts his knowledge and passion for music to the next generation of musicians. Beasley's commitment to both performance and education underscores his dedication to the preservation and evolution of jazz and R&B.

Throughout his extensive discography, which includes over 20 solo albums, Walter Beasley has consistently demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences with his distinctive sound. Whether delivering smooth jazz ballads, funky R&B tunes, or vibrant instrumental compositions, Beasley's artistic range and technical prowess have solidified his place as a respected and influential figure in contemporary jazz.

Beasley grew up in El Centro, California. By the age of 13 he was singing in Spanish in a band called Los Elegantes, and he played in various bands and performed at clubs throughout middle and high school.

Beasley graduated from Berklee in 1984, and a year later took a short-term teaching position at the same school, which became a permanent career. He is now a professor at the school.

In 1987, he released his first, self-titled, album, and since 1998 has been one of the top ten best-selling African American saxophonists in the world. Having grown up as a fan of R&B and funk and trained in classical and jazz saxophone, his own style falls between contemporary R&B and contemporary jazz, a blend which has been called "smooth jazz".

He is not only an alto and soprano saxophonist and a singer, but also a composer and producer. He is the founder and CEO of Affable Publishing, and the owner of Affable Records.