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From Elvis Presley’s band to 30A’s stages, Duke Bardwell leaves a lasting musical legacy.
Photo: Lynn Crow Photography For nearly four decades, Duke Bardwell was part of the soundtrack of life along 30A. From Sunday gatherings at The Red Bar in Grayton Beach to performances at Stinky’s Bait Shack, the 30A Songwriters Festival, and countless local venues, his music brought people together and helped shape the spirit of this coastal community. For generations of locals and longtime visitors, hearing Duke play was simply part of life here.
Bardwell, who passed away at age 83, leaves behind an extraordinary musical legacy that stretches far beyond the Gulf Coast.
Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on August 19, 1943, Bardwell developed a love for music early in life. His father played trombone in swing orchestras, and Duke began playing the ukulele at age six before learning guitar, trumpet, and bass. By his teenage years, he was performing with local R&B bands, including The Dixie Crystals, and later became an original member of The Greek Fountains, a Louisiana rock band that shared stages with artists including The Animals, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and Sonny & Cher.
His talents soon took him across the country, performing with Tom Rush, opening for Loggins & Messina alongside Casey Kelly, and recording with José Feliciano and Emmylou Harris. In 1974, he joined Elvis Presley’s touring band, performing 181 concerts with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll through 1975. His bass playing can also be heard on Elvis Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis.
An accomplished songwriter in his own right, Bardwell co-wrote the widely recorded song Bayou Country with guitarist Trevor Veitch and released his solo album Angel’s Wings in 2000. His remarkable life and career later became the subject of the documentary Duke & The King.
But his years with Elvis were only part of the story. In South Walton, Duke had found another musical home.
He arrived in South Walton in 1985, joining friends at the Paradise Café, and went on to become a beloved fixture of the local music scene. In 1990, he formed the band Hubba Hubba with Franko “Washboard” Jackson. He was there when The Red Bar first opened in 1995, and over the years, he continued sharing music, stories, and stages with fellow musicians, including his son TK and his godsons. He also played bass with the beloved local band Dread Clampitt.
Revisit a memorable night at Alys Beach as Duke Bardwell joined Kyle Ogle and Luther Dickinson for their first-ever performance of “Bayou Country” together.
Around here, he was “Unca Duke,” someone whose stories and friendships meant just as much as his songs.
In a 2023 interview with HWY 331, Bardwell spoke about the community he had called home for nearly four decades, saying, “I feel more at home here than where I was born. These are my people.”
And he was certainly one of ours.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, fellow musicians, and the entire 30A community who loved him.
Hey30A AI
