Golden "Big" Wheeler

He was born Golden Wheeler in Baconton, Georgia. He left Georgia in 1941 and settled in Chicago, Illinois, in July 1954, where he befriended Little Walter.[3] His enthusiasm for playing the harmonica began when he was working as a taxicab driver.[1] One of his regular customers was the harmonica player Buster Brown, who later had a hit record with "Fannie Mae", in 1960.[1] Wheeler fronted his own band by 1956, although he was a part-time musician, working for years as an auto mechanic to supplement his income and provide for his family.[1][3]

In 1993, Wheeler released his first album, Bone Orchard, on which he was backed by a local band, the Ice Cream Men. Released by Delmark Records (Delmark 661), it recreated a 1950s feel, with backing two guitars and drums, but no bass guitar.[1][3] The Ice Cream Men were Rockin' Johnny Burgin and Dave Waldman (guitars) and Steve Cushing (drums). The album was produced by Bob Koester.[4]

His next album was Jump In (1997), with backing that provided a fuller sound, including his brother, James Wheeler, on guitar.[1][3] Other musicians who played on the album were Baldhead Pete (drums), Allen Batts (piano) and Bob Stroger (bass), with Koester again producing.[5]

Wheeler died of heart failure in Chicago in July 1998, at the age of 68.[2]

• List of Chicago blues musicians
• List of harmonicists