Inducted 2004

James D. Walbert is an extraordinary pianist and composer. 

Known as the "wizard of the keyboard," he is related to two current members of the SGMA Hall of Fame. He is the son of W. B. Walbert and the grandson of James D. Vaughan. 

He began his Gospel Music career in the 1930s as pianist for the Vaughan Radio Quartet for which he played internationally. He has performed in concert with Liberace, Jerry Lee Lewis, Red Skelton, and Judy Garland. 

He brought a flamboyant style to the Gospel Music stage, much to the chagrin of his father. James Walbert is a classically trained musician, and is a very gifted piano teacher in both the sacred and secular fields.