Peetie Wheatstraw

Peetie Wheatstraw

Source: Fractal

Peetie Wheatstraw was born William Bunch on 21 December 1902 in either Arkansas or Ripley, Tennessee. He began his career in East Saint Louis, Illinois, in the latter twenties. American Music begins his discography on September 13, 1930, with Spider Carter who was possibly J.D. Short: 'Please Please Blues' (Brunswick 7188). Wheatstraw spread along 'Tennessee Peaches Blues' and 'Four O'Clock in the Morning' (Vocalion 1552, Vocalion 04443) the same day with Neckbones who was also possibly J.D.Short. Short was who is now an obscure Delta blues musician who used multiple aliases like Jaydee Short and Jelly Jaw Short which are more certain than others such as Neckbones and Spider Carter.

Composition: Wheatstraw

Wheatstraw's first major recording partner was Charley Jordan, their debut session together on September 19, 1930: 'School Days' and 'So Soon' (Vocalion 1569). Jordan backed Wheatstraw numerously in 1931, 1934 and 1935.

Composition: Wheatstraw

Composition: Wheatstraw

Composition: Wheatstraw

Composition: Wheatstraw

Another of Wheatstraw's major collaborators was Kokomo Arnold, they backing each other on numerous recordings in 1936 and 1937. American Music has their initial session on February 18, 1936, in New York City for Wheatstraw's 'When I Get My Bonus' and 'Coon Can Shorty' (Decca 7159). Titles by Arnold to which Wheatstraw contributed were such as 'Running Drunk Again' in October of 1936 and 'Shine On, Moon' in November of 1937.

'Meat Cutter Blues'   Peetie Wheatstraw (vocal / piano)

19 Feb 1936 in NYC   Matrix 60522-A   Decca 7187

Guitar: Kokomo Arnold

Composition: Wheatstraw

'Peetie Wheatstraw Stomp'   Peetie Wheatstraw (vocal / piano)

26 March 1937 in NYC   Matrix 91152-A   Decca 7292

Guitar: Charley Jordan

Composition: Wheatstraw

'You Can't Stop Me From Drinking'   Peetie Wheatstraw (vocal)

26 March 1937 in NYC   Matrix 91152-A   Decca 7292

Harmonica: Rhythm Willie (Willie Hood)   Piano unknown   Guitar: Lonnie Johnson

Composition: Wheatstraw

Though Wheatstraw's recording career ran only eleven years, he put down an estimated 161 titles, few other pre-war blues musicians more prolific (Tampa Red, Big Bill Broonzy, Bumble Bee Slim, Lonnie Johnson). Wheatstraw's last known recordings were on November 25, 1941: 'Bring Me Flowers While I’m Living', 'Mister Livingood', 'Separation Day Blues', et al.

'Bring Me Flowers While I'm Living'   Peetie Wheatstraw (vocal)

25 Nov 1941 in Chicago IL   Matrix 93846-A   Decca 7886

Piano: Lil Armstrong ?

Composition: Wheatstraw

'Mister Livingood'   Peetie Wheatstraw (vocal)

25 Nov 1941 in Chicago IL   Matrix 93846-A   Decca 7886

Piano: Lil Armstrong ?

Composition: Wheatstraw

Wheatstraw died at only age 39 when the driver of a car he was in collided into a standing freight train.

Further Reading: Weenie Campbell Forum   

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