Country singer and songwriter. Hyatt was born on October 25, 1950, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. In 1971 just before graduating from high school, he formed the musical group, 'Uncle Walt's Band' along with Champ Hood and David Ball. After graduation they played locally in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but after getting nowhere they moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where they played the club scene for a few years before moving and settling in Austin, Texas, for good in 1978. The band broke up several times in the 1970s but always got back together. During one of these many breakups, Hyatt in 1976, also formed the musical group, 'Contenders' which was a locally based group in Nashville, Tennessee, which included Steve Runkle, Tommy Goldsmith, and Jimbeau Walsh. In 1980 'Uncle Walt's Band' appeared on the television series, "Austin City Limits." This was followed by the release of 'Get Out Of Dodge.' The band continued to play together until 1983 when they disbanded, so that they could pursue solo projects. Hyatt released his solo album, "King Tears," soon after. The band recorded on the Sugar Hill Record Label and recorded many songs including, 'As The Crow Flies,' 'Deeper Than Love,' 'Too Far To Fall,' 'Green Tree,' 'Motor City Man,' 'If I Don't Stop Crying,' 'Desiree,' 'Outside Looking Out,' 'Aloha,' 'Open Up Your Heart,' 'Leon On Your Mind,' and 'Shine One.' Hyatt died along with 108 other people in the crash of ValueJet Flight 592 on May 11, 1996. The plane was travelling from Miami, Florida, to Atlanta, Georgia, when it crashed into the swamplands of the Florida Everglades. He was 45 years old. After his death several well-known musicians recorded the tribute album, "Uncle Walt's Band And Friends Celebrate The Songs Of Walter Hyatt." He has no resting place, but he has two memorial benches in his honor.