peetie wheatstraw

Biography

Peetie Wheatstraw, born William Bunch on December 21, 1902, in Ripley, Tennessee (though some sources cite Cotton Plant, Arkansas), emerged as one of the most prolific and influential blues artists of the prewar era. He moved to East St. Louis, Illinois, in the late 1920s, where he quickly became a fixture on the local scene, performing at clubs like Lovejoy and a juke joint above a barbershop. Initially a proficient guitarist, Wheatstraw soon focused on piano, developing a distinctive, idiosyncratic style that made him a favorite among urban African American audiences[2][3].

Wheatstraw began recording in 1930, aided by blues musician Charley Jordan, and continued to release music throughout the Great Depression, a period when blues recordings were otherwise scarce. Over his career, he recorded more than 160 sides for labels such as Vocalion, Decca, and Bluebird, making him one of the most recorded blues singers of his time. His lyrics often addressed social issues, urban life, and supernatural themes, and his trademark "Ooh, well well" vocal phrase became widely imitated. Wheatstraw's popularity in St. Louis and East St. Louis rivaled that of Walter Davis, and his influence extended well beyond his immediate circle[2][4][6].

Wheatstraw's legacy is marked by his colorful persona, famously billing himself as "The Devil’s Son-in-Law" and "The High Sheriff from Hell." His music blended country blues, classic blues, and ragtime, and his playful approach to dark themes set him apart from contemporaries. He died tragically in a car accident on his 39th birthday, December 21, 1941, but his impact on blues music—especially through his lyrics and persona—remains significant[2][4][6].

Fun Facts

• Peetie Wheatstraw adopted flamboyant stage names like "The Devil’s Son-in-Law" and "The High Sheriff from Hell," which became central to his persona.
• Despite being photographed with a guitar, Wheatstraw played piano on the majority of his recordings, only occasionally returning to guitar in studio sessions.
• His signature vocal phrase "Ooh, well well" became so popular that it was imitated by many other blues singers.
• Wheatstraw died in a car accident on his 39th birthday, December 21, 1941.

Associated Acts

• Peetie Wheatstraw & His Blue Blowers

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Charley Jordan - Introduced Wheatstraw to recording and helped him secure deals with Vocalion and Decca Records. (Early recording sessions, including Wheatstraw's debut.) [1930s]

Key Collaborators

• Kokomo Arnold - Provided guitar accompaniment on Wheatstraw's recordings. (Various Vocalion/Decca sessions.) [1930s]
• Lonnie Johnson - Frequent guitarist on Wheatstraw's records. (Numerous sides for Vocalion and Decca.) [1930s]
• Charley Jordan - Recorded together and performed as accompanists for each other. (Early 1930s sessions.) [1930s]
• Papa Charlie McCoy - Guitar accompaniment on recordings. (Studio sessions.) [1930s]
• Teddy Bunn - Guitar accompaniment. (Studio sessions.) [1930s]
• Champion Jack Dupree - Piano accompaniment. (Studio sessions.) [1930s]
• Lil Hardin Armstrong - Collaborated in jazz-inspired sessions late in Wheatstraw's career. (Late 1930s sessions.) [Late 1930s]
• Jonah Jones - Trumpet accompaniment in jazz-inspired sessions. (Late 1930s sessions.) [Late 1930s]

Artists Influenced

• Robert Johnson - Borrowed lyrics and musical themes from Wheatstraw, especially supernatural and devil-related motifs. (Songs like "Police Station Blues" and other devil-themed works.) [1930s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Gangster's Blues (Peetie Wheatstraw Vol. 7 1940-1941)
2. Police Station Blues (Peetie Wheatstraw Vol. 1 1930-1932)
3. Devil's Son-In-Law (Peetie Wheatstraw Vol. 1 1930-1932)
4. Ice And Snow Blues (Peetie Wheatstraw Vol. 1 1930-1932)
5. Throw Me In The Alley (Peetie Wheatstraw Vol. 2 1934-1935)
6. Suicide Blues (Peetie Wheatstraw Vol. 7 1940-1941)
7. Peetie Wheatstraw Stomp (Peetie Wheatstraw Vol. 4 1936-1937)
8. Shack Bully Stomp
9. Police Station Blues - 1932 Version (Back To The Crossroads: The Roots Of Robert Johnson)
10. King of Spades - 1935 Version (Back To The Crossroads: The Roots Of Robert Johnson)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #blues