Chicago Sun-Times
Paralyzed bluesman returns to stage
BY ESTHER J. CEPEDA Staff Reporter

July 21, 2006

A carjacking left him paralyzed from the waist down and he's living in a Glenwood rehabilitation center, but James "Piano C. Red" Wheeler will take back the mike today with his Flat Foot Boogie Band.

Last March in South Holland, Wheeler, 73, struggled with a gunman who shot him in the back before stealing his car, leaving him confined to a wheelchair and facing a lifetime of therapy.

Today he hits a stage set up at his old workplace, the Chicago Carriage Cab Co., for his comeback performance and to receive a specially renovated taxi -- complete with the name of his band emblazoned on its sides.

Wheeler has kept his spirits up during recovery by helping coordinate the Maxwell Street Blues Fest and practicing his keyboard in his room. He's been eager to get back to his weekly Maxwell Street Market gig but has found it difficult to get around without a car.

"Now I can get my keyboard and amps down to Canal and Taylor," said Wheeler. "It's a blessing, it means everything in the world to me."

The gift comes from Simon Garber, president and CEO of the cab company. "He worked for me and was a credit to Chicago's taxi industry for many years," said Garber. "This is my way of saying, 'Red -- you have more friends out there than you know.'"

ecepeda@suntimes.com