[1] Wheeler fronted his own band by 1956, although he was a part-time musician, working for years as an auto mechanic to supplement his income and provide for his family.
[1][3] In 1993, Wheeler released his first album, Bone Orchard, on which he was backed by a local band, the Ice Cream Men.
[1][3] The Ice Cream Men were Rockin' Johnny Burgin and Dave Waldman (guitars) and Steve Cushing (drums).
[4] His next album was Jump In (1997), with backing that provided a fuller sound, including his brother, James Wheeler, on guitar.
[1][3] Other musicians who played on the album were Baldhead Pete (drums), Allen Batts (piano) and Bob Stroger (bass), with Koester again producing.