walden was a member of rock bands in miami, florida, after he graduated from college. atlantic released his first album, "garden of love light", in 1977 with a single that reached the r&b chart. this was followed by "i cry i smile" and "the awakening". the latter album reached no. 15 on the r&b chart. his singles continued to be popular in r&b during the 1980s. these included a duet with patti austin and an appearance on the soundtrack for the movie "bright lights, big city".