Biography
Golden 'Big' Wheeler, born on December 15, 1929, in Beaconton, Georgia, discovered blues music early through the sound of an acoustic guitar in the country night. He left home as a young man in 1941, eventually arriving in Chicago in July 1954, where he was inspired by Little Walter's performance at 38th and State, leading to a friendship with the legendary harp player. Wheeler took up harmonica while working as a taxi driver, influenced by regular customer Buster Brown, known for his 1960 hit 'Fannie Mae'. By 1956, he fronted his own band as a part-time musician, supplementing income as an auto mechanic to support his family.[1][3]
Wheeler immersed himself in the Chicago blues scene for decades, becoming a respected harmonica player, singer, and songwriter in the modern and electric blues styles. His debut album, Bone Orchard, released in 1993 on Delmark Records after 40 years on the circuit, featured backing by the Ice Cream Men (Johnny Burgin, Dave Waldman, Steve Cushing) in a 1950s two-guitars-and-drums style. His second album, Jump In, recorded in 1997 and produced by Bob Koester, showcased a fuller Chicago blues sound with his brother James Wheeler on guitar, Allen Batts on piano, Bob Stroger on bass, and Baldhead Pete on drums. He transitioned to full-time music in the late 1980s.[1][4]
Golden 'Big' Wheeler released only two albums but left a lasting mark as a vibrant traditional Chicago blues artist known for his swooping harmonica, original compositions, and unique voice. He passed away from heart failure in Chicago on July 20, 1998, at age 68, remembered as a personable legend of the Windy City blues scene.[1][2]
Fun Facts
- Wheeler's first exposure to blues was hearing an acoustic guitar ringing in the Georgia country night as a child.
- He began playing harmonica as a taxi driver after rides with Buster Brown, who later hit with 'Fannie Mae'.
- Despite four decades in Chicago blues, his debut album came at age 63 in 1993.
- He fronted his own band by 1956 but remained part-time until the late 1980s, working as an auto mechanic.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Little Walter - inspiration and friend after hearing him play in Chicago (influenced Wheeler's harmonica style) [1954]
- Buster Brown - harp player and regular taxi customer who sparked Wheeler's harmonica interest (Brown's 'Fannie Mae' (1960)) [pre-1956]
Key Collaborators
- James Wheeler - brother and guitarist (Jump In album (1997)) [1997]
- Allen Batts - pianist (Jump In album (1997)) [1997]
- Bob Stroger - bassist (Jump In album (1997)) [1997]
- Baldhead Pete - drummer (Jump In album (1997)) [1997]
- Ice Cream Men (Johnny Burgin, Dave Waldman, Steve Cushing) - backing band (Bone Orchard album (1993)) [1993]
- Bob Koester - producer (Jump In album (1997)) [1997]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Answering Machine (Big Daddy)
- Ready for the Blues (Big Daddy)
- Big Daddy (Big Daddy)
- Young Man Blues (Big Daddy)
- Welcome to Detroit (Big Daddy)
- Turn on Your Love Light (Big Daddy)
- Meet Me with Your Black Drawers On (Big Daddy)
- Seven Baby Blues (Big Daddy)
- The Sun Is Shining (Big Golden Wheeler - TURN MY LIFE AROUND)
- Dirty Blues (Big Golden Wheeler - TURN MY LIFE AROUND)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
GOLDEN WHEELER has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15, 2025 | 15:45 | EVIL WOMANfrom LOW BLOWS: AN ANTHOLOGY OF CHICAGO HARMONICA BLUES | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe |