Professional audio. Live production. Done right.

Walden Sound began in 1981 when Bill Walden and his son Chris Walden started providing DJ services for special events and private parties. As their popularity grew, so did the size and capabilities of their sound system. That investment opened new doors, allowing the family business to expand from private events into live sound production for concerts and performances—including opportunities to work with artists they had admired for many years.

In 1986, Bill completed his first church sound-system installation, adding another important division to the growing business. Since then, Walden Sound has designed, installed, upgraded, and serviced hundreds of audio systems for churches of all sizes. As technology evolved, those services expanded to include video cameras, recording systems, projectors, screens, livestreaming equipment, and other multimedia solutions.

One of the company’s most memorable projects was a 1992 installation at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, the home church of Whitney Houston and her family. During the project, Bill worked closely with Whitney’s mother, renowned gospel singer Cissy Houston.

Bill’s technical foundation began with an associate degree in Industrial Maintenance from Randolph Technical College in Asheboro, North Carolina, which he earned in 1979. Throughout his career, he continued developing his knowledge by attending the Electro-Voice Commercial Installation Academy in Atlanta, Yamaha Audio-versity training for digital mixing consoles in Nashville, and numerous industry conferences covering sound, lighting, multimedia technology, and professional system installation.

Bill also believed strongly in sharing his knowledge. He taught sound, lighting, and wiring technology to students in the Drama Department at Hillside High School in Durham, North Carolina. He also provided instruction at churches, seminars, and conferences throughout the region.

Over the decades, Walden Sound has provided professional sound, lighting, and staging for festivals, concerts, church programs, and special events across North Carolina and throughout the United States. These events have included the Lexington Barbecue Festival, the Down East Festival in Rocky Mount, Greensboro City Stage, the Inspiration ’88 Tour, Family Reunion Gospel Concerts, the Blockbuster Gospel Showdown, Richard Smallwood Live in Fort Lauderdale, Zoo To Do at the North Carolina Zoo, and the Luther Barnes Gospel Classic.

The Walden Sound team has also had the privilege of working with many respected national recording artists, including Shirley Caesar, Lee Williams, Rance Allen, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Joe Sample, Taylor Swift, and The Funk Brothers—the legendary musicians behind the Motown sound—along with many others.

As the business grew, so did the involvement of the Walden family. Bill’s son Joey Walden developed a passion for capturing and mixing the music that surrounded him. After attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and playing football for the Tar Heels, Joey returned to work full-time alongside his father around 1999.

Joey later established Dub Recording Studio, where he has spent more than 25 years developing his craft as a recording and mix engineer. Local, regional, and national artists have recorded at the studio, with projects receiving national radio airplay, appearing on Billboard charts, and earning industry recognition—including work connected to a Stellar Award-winning project.

Chris contributed his talents through website design, video production, and other creative services, while Bill’s daughter, Angela Walden, supported the business through graphic design, banners, posters, and promotional materials.

After Bill’s passing in 2019, the family remained committed to preserving what he built. Today, Joey and his brother Chris continue the Walden Sound legacy as business partners, combining decades of experience with modern production technology.

Walden Sound’s services now include professional DJ entertainment, live concert production, sound-system rentals, lighting, staging, recording, livestreaming, video production, church system installation, technical consulting, and hands-on training.

The next generation of the Walden family is also helping carry the legacy forward. Joey’s son, Tyler Walden, works alongside his father and uncle Chris as a DJ and member of the event-production team. In addition to providing music and entertainment for events, Tyler assists with equipment, transportation, setup, and other production needs. He also contributes his skills in photography, videography, and social media, helping Walden Sound capture its work and connect with a new generation of clients.

Chris’s youngest daughter, Aaliyah Walden, also supports the family business by assisting with equipment setup and other event-production needs. Together, Tyler and Aaliyah represent the third generation of the Walden family to become involved with Walden Sound, continuing the knowledge, work ethic, creativity, and commitment to service established by their grandfather, Bill Walden.

More than four decades after its beginning, Walden Sound remains a family-owned company built on faith, experience, professionalism, and a genuine love for music and people. Our equipment and technology have changed considerably since 1981, but our purpose remains the same: to provide dependable service, exceptional sound, and an experience our clients can trust.

Bill always gave God the glory and honor for the favor and opportunities bestowed upon the family. He was deeply grateful for the inspiration and prayers of his mother, the Reverend Dr. Mattie M. Walden; the love and support of his wife, Melinda; and the encouragement of his family, friends, clients, and community.

Today, the Walden family continues to honor that foundation while building for the future.