The annual “Evening of Excellence” honored three individuals with the presentation of the prestigious
Avalon Award for Creative Excellence
The highest award given for contribution and accomplishment by Ray Walker's alma mater, David Lipscomb University
Musician Dale Clevenger, writer and editor Bret Lott and singer and song leader Ray Walker will be honored during the event.

Singing has played a very important role in Ray Walker’s life. Walker came to Lipscomb from Jacksonville, Fla., and soon became the bass singer in a school quartet. Upon graduation, Walker began a career in education. But, a business call to his alma mater would change his life. With that call Walker’s Lipscomb choral director put him in touch with the Jordanaires, the back-up group for a young singer named Elvis Presley. He soon auditioned for the group and was added as a member on June 1, 1958 (after completing his school year of teaching).

Walker embarked on a career backing up the “King of Rock-n-Roll. As a member of the Jordanaires, Walker performed throughout the world. Throughout his career, Walker has been involved in numerous musical events, youth rallies and appearances of his own. He also served as longtime songleader at Madison Church of Christ in Tennessee.


Since the Avalon Awards were established in 1995, 25 previous recipients have been honored. Last year’s recipients included singer/songwriter Amy Grant, Jerry Henderson and Sylvia Hyman.

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