Mike Wheeler (musician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mike Wheeler
Wheeler at Kingston Mines 2015
Background information
Birth name	Michael Lewis Wheeler
Born	(1961-06-30) June 30, 1961 (age 64) Chicago, Illinois, United States
Genres	Chicago blues, electric blues
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, vocals
Years active	1984–present
Labels	Delmark
Associated acts	Carl Weathersby, Peaches Staten, Big James and the Chicago Playboys

Mike Wheeler, born on June 30, 1961, is a talented musician from Chicago, Illinois. He writes songs, sings, and plays the guitar. He is famous for his Chicago blues music. Mike started his music journey playing with Lovie Lee, a piano player for the legendary Muddy Waters.

He has performed with many famous blues artists. These include Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, and Shemekia Copeland. In 2001, Mike started his own group, the Mike Wheeler Band. His album, Self Made Man, was released in 2012 and was very popular. In 2014, Mike was honored by being added to the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. You can often find him performing at the famous Kingston Mines blues club in Chicago.

Mike Wheeler's Life and Music Career

Michael Lewis Wheeler was born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 30, 1961. His music career has lasted for over 30 years. He played his first professional show in 1984. This was with Lovie Lee, who played piano for the famous blues musician Muddy Waters. The show took place at Lilly's, a bar in Chicago.

Mike's mother was his first music teacher. She played many blues records at home. These included songs by Muddy Waters and B.B. King. She also played R&B and soul music. Mike has recorded and played with many Chicago blues bands. Some of these include Sam Cockrell and the Grooves, and Big James and The Chicago Playboys.

He has also performed with well-known blues artists. These include Jimmy Johnson, Son Seals, and Willie Kent. Mike has toured in Europe, sharing his music with fans there. He has also played at the big Chicago Blues Festival. In 2014, he was recognized as a Master Blues Artist. This honor placed him in the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. He often plays at the famous Kingston Mines blues club in Chicago.

The Mike Wheeler Band

Mike Wheeler started his own band in 2001. It is called the Mike Wheeler Band. What's cool is that all the original members are still in the band! The bassist, Larry Williams, was a childhood friend of Mike's. The band has played for audiences all over the world. Mike is known for his exciting stage presence. He has a great way of connecting with the crowd.

Cleo Cole is the band's drummer. He started playing drums when he was just 10 years old. Cleo studied music at the Music Conservatory of Chicago. He has also performed for international audiences. Brian James plays the keyboard for the band. He has a degree in Fine Arts. Brian has also been the music director for many artists, including Lonnie Brooks.

Mike Wheeler's Music Style

Music reviewers have described Mike Wheeler's sound as unique. They say his music mixes funk and jazz styles. He is known for telling stories through his songs. His music always has a positive and uplifting energy. One critic, Cummings-Yeates, said that Mike has a perfect mix of musical skill, storytelling, and singing talent.

A critic from the Chicago Reader newspaper, Whiteis, talked about Mike's guitar playing. He called it a "typical Chicagoan blend." This means it has a mix of fancy Texas style and rough, back-alley aggression. Blues critic Al Hensley noted that Mike's "red-hot" guitar style reminds him of other great guitarists. These include Carl Weathersby and Eddie Hazel. Hensley also praised Mike's songwriting. He said Mike has "extraordinary talent" for writing songs. Mike wrote 12 songs on his album, Self Made Man.

Mike Wheeler's Albums