Bunker Hill and His Only Hit “Hide and Go Seek”

Introduction to Bunker Hill

Bunker Hill (born David Walker on May 5, 1941 – died in the 1980s) was an American R&B/soul/gospel singer, born David Walker in Washington D. C. He started out as a boxer, a heavyweight contender who previously sparred with Archie Moore. Walker then left the boxing profession to pursue a singing career. In the late 1950s he joined a traditional gospel band Sensational Wonders, that would become Mighty Clouds of Joy. In the early 60s music era, Walker encountered guitarist Link Wray of Link Wray and Ray Men, which also included Link’s brothers Doug and Vernon. It was Vernon who offered Walker a chance to record a secular song called “Hide and Go Seek.” Since the deeply religious Walker couldn’t afford to put his own name on the record (or else he would be found by Mighty Clouds of Joy), he was instead given the stage name of Bunker Hill. When “Hide and Go Seek” was released, it became a Top 40 pop and R&B hit during in 1962. He also cut few more singles “Red Riding Hood and the Wolf” and “The Girl Can’t Dance.” Despite his alternate identity, he was still found out by Might Clouds of Joy and as a result was booted out of the band. After this he sang in a few gospel groups before going into obscurity. He died in Texas sometime in the 1980s; the circumstances of his death haven’t still been yet confirmed.

The early life of Bunker Hill

Bunker Hill was an American rhythm and blues/gospel singer best remembered for his hit single “Hide and Go Seek.” He was born David Walker on May 5, 1941 in Washington, D.C. Before entering the music industry, Walker was professional boxer and he even had Archie Moore as a sparring partner at one point of his boxing career. In the late 50’s, he pursued music and began singing gospel songs. He became a part of a gospel group Sensational Wonders, who would eventually become Mighty Clouds of Joy. 

Hill’s brief recording career with the hit “Hide and Go Seek”

In 1962, manager Ray Vernon asked Walker to record a secular novelty song. He soon accepted the offer. Walker was given with the stage name Bunker Hill so he may not lose his position with the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Signed to Mala Records, Hill recorded several tracks with a backing band which featured Vernon’s brother Link Wray. One of the songs they recorded was “Hide and Go Seek” that would become Hill’s breakthrough hit. On the Billboard Hot 100, the song registered at #27 on the Billboard R&B chart while it was at #33 on the Billboard Hot 100. Eventually, the people of their church discovered that he was hiding under his pseudonym and he was soon asked to leave the Mighty Clouds of Joy. However, some sources say he continued singing with the Mighty Clouds of Joy before quitting the music industry sometime during the late 1960s.

Later years

After his music career ended, Bunker Hill later drifted into obscurity. It is believed that Hill died in Texas during the late 1980s, although this has yet to be confirmed even up to this day.

Bunker Hill’s discography (may be impartial)

Mala Records

(Jun 1962)

Bunker Hill

  • A: Hide And Go Seek, Part I
  • B: Hide And Go Seek, Part II

(Nov 1962)

Bunker Hill

  • A: Red Riding Hood And The Wolf
  • B: Nobody Knows

(Sep1963)

Bunker Hill

  • A: The Girl Can’t Dance
  • B: You Can’t Make Me Doubt My Baby

Norton Records

Link Wray And The Raymen

  • A: Friday Night Dance Party

Bunker Hill And The Raymen

  • B: The Girl Can’t Dance

(2006)

Bunker Hill

  • A: Hide And Go Seek – Part 1
  • B: Hide And Go Seek – Part 2