Ken Walker (* 1956 or 1957; † February 12, 2026) was an American jazz musician (double bass, also composition).

Walker grew up in Arkansas and later lived in Denver. He began his musical career playing cello and tuba before discovering the bass at Arkansas Tech University. After moving to Denver in 1985, he was the resident bassist at El Chapultepec for twelve years (1987–1998). He played with numerous jazz greats, including Freddie Hubbard, Joe Pass, Randy Brecker, and James Moody.

His debut album as a bandleader, *Terra Firma*, was released in 2005, followed by *Down Home* in 2012. Walker was a longtime faculty member of the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. In addition to his technical skill on the bass, Walker was known for his versatile, functional, and yet free playing style, as well as his commitment to the Denver jazz scene, including performances at clubs such as Dazzle and Nocturne. He was also a member of the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame.

In the field of jazz, Walker was involved in 53 recording sessions between 1987 and 2020, according to Tom Lord, including with the Colin Stranahan Quintet, Fred Wesley Quartet, The Bob Montgomery / Al Hermann Quintet, The H2 Big Band and The Montgomery Hermann Quinlan Sextet, as well as with musicians such as Ron Miles, James Van Buren, Lew Tabackin, Valery Ponomarev, Charles McPherson, Fred Hess, Phil Woods/Carl Saunders (Play Henry Mancini), Brad Goode, Richie Cole and Curtis Fuller (I Will Tell Her).

Ken Walker Sextet - Amsterdam After Dark (from 2005's 'Terra Firma')

Ken Walker Sextet - Just One of Those Things (from 2005's 'Terra Firma')

Ken Walker Quintet - No Moe