Uncle Walt’s Band

(B. 1950, D. May 11, 1996)

Former Austinite Hyatt was one of the unfortunate souls aboard the Valujet flight that crashed into the Everglades. The 46 year-old singer-songwriter, who had been living in Nashville since the mid-’80s, was best known as the titular center of Uncle Walt’s Band, the early ’70s combo featuring Hyatt, Champ Hood and David Ball. Hyatt was an inspiration to, among others, Lyle Lovett, who returned the favor in 1989 by producing Hyatt’s “King Tears”  album for MCA.  Hyatt’s most recent album, “Music Town,” is on Sugar Hill Records; proceeds from the sale of  that record (as well as two Uncle Walt’s Band reissues) will benefit Hyatt’s wife and three daughters. Donations in  his memory should be sent to the Second Presbyterian Church, c/o Hyatt Family Fund, 3511 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37215. ~By Jason Cohen