Aaron Walker: Town Troubadour

The cool night air settles over the historic Chamberlin Inn Garden Courtyard, as country melodies entertain locals and tourists. If you’ve frequented any Cody music venues over the last few years, you’re sure to have heard Aaron Walker singing George Straight, Zach Top, and other well-known country artists.

His smooth tenor range and storytelling knack provide an atmosphere of country paradise for concert goers. In early July, during a live show that Aaron was headlining, there was a tourist in the audience begging him to play longer. The man started offering beers and tips to the country singer for just a few more songs in the set. From upbeat country hits to classic ballads, there is a song for everyone to sing along and dance to as we drift into the warm summer nights, listening to new interpretations of old favorites.

Musical and Family Roots

Country music and family led Aaron Walker down his initial path toward music. Aaron was born in Marquette, Michigan but grew up and lived most of his life in North Carolina. When he was just a kid, his dad taught him a few chords so they could play music together. On many weekends they would travel to bluegrass festivals and play and sing music with other musicians. He grew up sitting around that circle jamming and developing his singing voice. His country music heroes were George Jones, Hank Williams Jr., and George Strait. Music became a fundamental part of who he was.

Military Service and Work

After high school Aaron tried college for a year as a collegiate rugby player at Western Carolina University. He realized it wasn’t for him and decided to join the military. He served in the United States Navy four years as an Electricians Mate stationed on the USS Harry S. Truman. This Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was based out of Norfolk, Virginia. He enjoyed being in the Navy but looked forward to pursuing a career in music after military service. Before he could pursue that dream further, a bad accident affected the movement and feeling in his left hand. He thought he’d never be able to play guitar ever again.

In 2003 he decided to make a move to Nashville knowing he couldn’t play the guitar much, but he still wanted to be a musician. He stayed for a year and tried to make a go of it. Eventually he went back home to North Carolina feeling somewhat discouraged. He decided to put his musical ambitions on hold and pursue other things. From 2004-2021 Aaron built a very successful career in the construction industry.

Way out West and Musical Influences

It wasn’t until 2017 that Aaron couldn’t fight his love for singing and playing music any longer, he picked up his guitar and began again one note at a time. He had to accept some of his limitations with his left hand, but in the end it was worth it. He attributes Cody Jinks, Sturgill Simpson, Colter Wall, and Tyler Childers as his main influences for beginning to play again.

In 2021, working as a construction estimator, he felt a strong need for a change. Aaron traveled on a cross-country road trip with his dog and camper part of which brought him through Cody, Wyoming. He didn’t know he would end up choosing to live in Cody. But when he arrived, it just felt like he was home.

In 2023, after living in Wyoming for few years he decided he’d like to make a real living as a musician. So Aaron began booking shows and performing full-time at various gigs around Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado. In 2024 he opened for Ward Davis at Cassie’s and Jalan Crossland in Cody, WY. He also had the opportunity to play in Sturgis, South Dakota with “Calvin and the Coal Cars this past February and again in March of 2025. He also ventured down to Laporte, Colorado to play at an outdoor music venue called “Swing Station”-owned by Cody native, Heather Allshouse. In 2025 he played just around 100 gigs at local venues such as the Chamberlin Inn, The Irma, The Silver Dollar, private events, and as the host of The Colonel Open Mic Night.

“I’m grateful for all the opportunities to play live music in Cody. Everybody has been super good to me. And they keep asking me to come back”

Aaron Walker’s Schedule:

• Irma: Saturday Night in the Silver Saddle Saloon through September – Winter Gigs TBD
• Silver Dollar: Thursdays through September (Don’t miss the End of the Summer show with all of the summer artists, Friday, Sept. 5 – jam session with Lee Calvin, Jillian Nordberg, Aaron Walker)
• The Colonel: Open Mic Night Host – Weekly
• Chamberlin Inn: October 3rd
• Pub Station in Billings: November 22nd, 2025 with other featured artists TBA

In the Winter of 2026, Aaron has shared his plans to do more song writing and further refinement of previously written material. If you have the chance to hear Aaron sing, take your unique opportunity to witness a marvel of musical talent and storytelling. He is fast becoming a new favorite town troubadour.

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