James Wheeler

James Wheeler

James Wheeler is a blues guitarist from Albany, Georgia, born in 1937 and active in Chicago blues and electric blues. He moves to Chicago in 1956, following his older brother Golden Wheeler, and begins playing guitar after the move, jamming with local musicians.

Early influences and Chicago beginnings

Wheeler’s first musical interests are big bands, especially Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington, and he names Louis Jordan as his first idol. In Chicago, his brother Golden has already begun playing harmonica in clubs and knows a number of blues musicians, including Little Walter. James Wheeler’s first major break comes when he plays guitar with Billy Boy Arnold.

The Jaguars and later touring work

In 1963, Wheeler forms the Jaguars, a band that backs B.B. King, Millie Jackson, O.V. Wright and Otis Clay. After the Jaguars break up in 1972, Otis Clay asks Wheeler to assemble his touring band, and Wheeler stays with that group for three years. He then tours briefly with the Impressions before taking a non-music day job and playing weekend gigs for about a decade.

Return to full-time music and recordings

In 1986, Otis Rush calls Wheeler for a weekend performance that becomes a full-time engagement lasting until 1993. Wheeler later records and tours with Mississippi Heat, Magic Slim and Willie Kent. He issues his solo album Ready on Delmark Records in 1998; it includes ten original songs and three covers, with brother Big Golden Wheeler on harmonica and Ken Saydak on piano. His second Delmark release, Can’t Take It, follows in 2000 and consists of original compositions, again featuring the same band apart from Ron Sorin replacing Big Golden on harmonica.