Doc Wheeler

"Doc" Wheeler (b. Wheeler Moran in Munce, 1910 - ?) -- Trombonist, composer, arranger and band leader. Doc Wheeler played trombone in the Reginald DuValle's Blackbyrds, which was the house band when the Walker Theatre opened in 1927. Early in his career, he moved to New York City and joined the Sunset Royals Orchestra, which he transformed into "Doc" Wheeler and his Sunset Orchestra. Members of his group also played stints with the bands of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. A popular attraction on the Savoy Room, the Cotton Club, and the Apollo Room, "Doc" Wheeler and his Sunset Orchestra had a contract with RCA and then recorded with Bluebird. Wheeler's band also backed the Indianapolis group the Ink Spots during performances in Harlem. In fact, Wheeler arranged "If I didn't Care," the biggest hit by the Ink Spots. Later in life, Wheeler enjoyed a career in Gospel radio broadcasting with WWRL on Long Island.