Big Walter Price, born Walter Travis Price on August 2, 1917, near Gonzales, Texas, was an influential figure in the Texas blues scene. Known also as "Thunderbird," Price was a blues singer, songwriter, and pianist. He moved to San Antonio in 1928, where he began his music career, releasing his first song "Calling Margie" in 1955. That same year, he relocated to Houston, where he would reside until his death on March 7, 2012.

Price was associated with Peacock Records in the 1960s, releasing several singles including "Shirley Jean," which was notable for establishing his reputation. His song "Pack Fair and Square" was covered by the J. Geils Band, bringing further recognition to his work. Despite his contributions to blues music, Price did not achieve national fame but was celebrated as a blues legend, particularly in Europe where he had a dedicated fan base.

Throughout his career, Price faced challenges with record companies and was involved in several lawsuits over royalties. He was honored with numerous proclamations from the city of Houston, including the declaration of June 6, 1989, as "Big Walter Day." Price was also recognized as Artist of the Year at the Juneteenth Blues Festival in 1989.

In addition to his music career, Price appeared in the movie "Sugar Hill" and worked as a disc jockey at KCOH radio station in Houston. He was also a businessman, owning a music store and the Dinosaur Publishing Company. Despite his lack of formal education, Price was a confident and resilient figure in the blues community, leaving a lasting legacy in the genre.