James Wheeler (4)

Blues guitarist and singer. Younger brother of Chicago blues harmonica player Golden "Big" Wheeler. Followed his brother to Chicago in 1956. After arriving in Chicago, he played guitar with Billy Boy Arnold, then formed and lead his own band called the Jaguars who backed artists such as B.B. King, Millie Jackson, O.V. Wright & Otis Clay, among others. After the Jaguars disbanded in 1972, he played and formed & led Otis Clay's touring band for 3 years. After a tour with The Impressions, in 1976 he took a non-music day job and only played weekend gigs sporadically for 10 years. Returned to music full time, playing with Otis Rush for 8 years from 1986 to 1993. Also played & toured with Otis Clay and Willie Kent. Was an original member of Chicago blues band Mississippi Heat. He released his first solo recording on Delmark Records in 1998 and another in 2000. ([u]BORN[/u]: August 28, 1937 in Albany, GA, USA; [u]DIED[/u]: December 25, 2014 in Chicago, IL, USA.) Note: For the saxophonist of the same name, use James Wheeler. Note: For songwriting, arrangement & production credits for the Chicago Blues keyboard player also known as "Piano C. Red", use James Wheeler (6)