The Wheel Man

"Watermelon Slim incarnates the deepest and truest roots of American music. Combine Jimmy Rodgers, the Carter family & Bob Wills with Blind Lemon, Sonny Boy Williamson and Wilson Picket - and you have Slim - a one-of-a-kind pickin 'n' singin Okie dynamo."
- Jerry Wexler, Legendary Producer (Ray Charles)

Bill Homans, a.k.a. "Watermelon Slim” is one of the most intriguing bluesmen out there. Watermelon Slim first appeared on the music scene in the early 1970s as the only Vietnam veteran to record a full length LP during the war.

In subsequent years, Slim played with a variety of famous blues stars, but only recently has he become a full-time bluesman. His previous job was hauling industrial waste, but after a near-fatal heart attack, Slim's renewed perspective on mortality prompted him to get back to doing what he loves. Why drive industrial waste around Oklahoma to dispose of when one can drive band mates around the US to play music and entertain?

Slim's Northern Blues debut, 'Watermelon Slim & The Workers', has received a near-record six Blues Music Award nominations, won Mojo Magazine's 'Best Blues Album of the Year', collected nominations for 'Album and Artist of the Year' on popular blues ezine Blueswax, won 'Blues Album of the Year' at the Independent Music Awards, and received a nomination for 'Best International Artist' at the Maple Blues Awards, proving that he is truly the new 'King of the Blues'!

'The Wheel Man' features special guest appearances from Magic Slim and Dave Maxwel.