Known as the "Hawaiian Guitar Wizard," Weldon exhibited a range of material encompassing rag, hokum, and blues, though the majority of his more than 100 recorded songs are considered blues.
His nickname "Casey Bill" was derived from a reference to "K.C." as Casey that was in use in the '30s.
Apparently the William Weldon in 1940 living in Chicago at 445 East 41st St., age 39, born Kansas, wife Lorietta age 27 born Arkansas, his occupation: Musician/Band. In April 1935 William was living in the "Same place" and Lorietta in the Ozarks in Arkansas. Marriage record has not been found.
Records and claims differ as to his birth date: 2 Feb. 1901 (consensus), 8 Feb 1901, 8 Feb 1903 or 10 July 1909 (Broonzy) and birth place: Kansas or various places in Arkansas including Pine Bluff (Jefferson County, doubtful), Springfield and Morrilton (both Conway County).
Extensive research published in Living Blues 228 (Dec. 2013-Jan. 2014) has demonstrated that his birth name was apparently Nathan Hammond. Throughout his lifetime, various official documents alternate haphazardly between William Weldon and Nathan Hammond. Interested fans will need to reference that research to absorb the complexity involved.
The photo shown here is the ONLY known one of him, from The Chicago Defender; Jan. 11, 1941; page 21. Other images claimed elsewhere are NOT him.
Grave reportedly near Charlie Parker.
Was NOT married to or involved in a relationship with Memphis Minnie except for a recording session in 1935. Minnie's relationship, if one existed, would have been with Will Weldon (1904-1934) though no official record of that is known. No proven marriage or relationship to Geeshie Wiley though also occasionally claimed.
Known as the "Hawaiian Guitar Wizard," Weldon exhibited a range of material encompassing rag, hokum, and blues, though the majority of his more than 100 recorded songs are considered blues.
His nickname "Casey Bill" was derived from a reference to "K.C." as Casey that was in use in the '30s.
Apparently the William Weldon in 1940 living in Chicago at 445 East 41st St., age 39, born Kansas, wife Lorietta age 27 born Arkansas, his occupation: Musician/Band. In April 1935 William was living in the "Same place" and Lorietta in the Ozarks in Arkansas. Marriage record has not been found.
Records and claims differ as to his birth date: 2 Feb. 1901 (consensus), 8 Feb 1901, 8 Feb 1903 or 10 July 1909 (Broonzy) and birth place: Kansas or various places in Arkansas including Pine Bluff (Jefferson County, doubtful), Springfield and Morrilton (both Conway County).
Extensive research published in Living Blues 228 (Dec. 2013-Jan. 2014) has demonstrated that his birth name was apparently Nathan Hammond. Throughout his lifetime, various official documents alternate haphazardly between William Weldon and Nathan Hammond. Interested fans will need to reference that research to absorb the complexity involved.
The photo shown here is the ONLY known one of him, from The Chicago Defender; Jan. 11, 1941; page 21. Other images claimed elsewhere are NOT him.
Grave reportedly near Charlie Parker.
Was NOT married to or involved in a relationship with Memphis Minnie except for a recording session in 1935. Minnie's relationship, if one existed, would have been with Will Weldon (1904-1934) though no official record of that is known. No proven marriage or relationship to Geeshie Wiley though also occasionally claimed.
Gravesite Details
Grace marker placed by the Killer Blues Headstone Project.
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Records on Ancestry
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