Background
Edward Lamonte Franklin was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.
Edward Lamonte Franklin was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.
His best known track was "Guitar Pete"s Blues". Franklin variously worked with a number of fellow blues musicians including Saint Louis Jimmy Oden, Jazz Gillum, John Brim, Sunnyland Slim, and Tampa Red. Despite being billed as Guitar Pete Franklin, he was equally adept on the piano.
His guitar work was influenced by the work of Scrapper Blackwell, whilst on the piano his style was similar to his mother"s one time lodger, Leroy Carr.
His first recording took place in 1947, when he accompanied Saint Louis Jimmy Oden on guitar for the latter"s single, "Coming Up Fast". Franklin"s own work started in 1949 with his single release, "Casey Brown Blues".
Franklin"s other duties included making recordings with Jazz Gillum, John Brim, Sunnyland Slim, and Tampa Red. In 1963, Bluesville Records released The Blues of Pete Franklin: Guitar Pete"s Blues, which was recorded on July 12, 1961, in Indianapolis.
The album contained his most famous song, "Guitar Pete"s Blues".
Franklin died in Indianapolis, Indiana, in July 1975 from heart disease, aged 47.