Born near Seattle Washington in 1952, Learned to play from a variety of sources, including internships with legendary Bluesmen like Furry lewis & Bukka White. The latter two encouraged me in the mid 70's to take what they taught me, find my own style through it, and then through schools, and concerts play it forward for future generations. By the late 80's I was at the point I started touring doing just that around the world with my program "Hope, Heroes' & the Blues" I've seen over 500,000 students since then across five continents. Now celebrating by 25th anniversary of that program I hope to see 100,000 students. I first started playing for young (as well as adults) with special needs over 20 years ago, when I was asked to be on the roster of performers for VSA. As well as being still on that roster , for the last 7 years I've been on the artist roster of Raising the Blues... a non profit org... to bring the healing power of Blues (& related music) to audiences with special needs and that have limited access to the arts. More Info
My creative work
Blues in the Schools: For the second year, the MO Blues Association, Inc. has provided funding to allow TJ Wheeler, an accomplished musician, to spend a week at East Elementary teaching students about blues music. The kids at East learned everything from the history of the blues to different kinds of homemade instruments. TJ Wheeler then led the students in a concert at the end of the week.
