Musician: Edward Lamonte “Guitar Pete” Franklin

Guitar Pete Franklin was another Indianapolis blues guitarist who sometimes performed with Shirley Griffith. Born Edward Lamonte Franklin here in Indianapolis, his parents hailed from Tennessee. Both played piano and his mother knew many of the local singers, including Carr, who lived for a while in their home near the end of his life. Pete took up guitar when he was 11, learning by listening to and watching guitarists who came by the house like Blackwell. He could also play the piano in Carr’s style.

Franklin made a living playing in the Indiana Avenue clubs, learning to play in jazz styles as well as the blues. He joined the Army in 1945, serving as an entertainer. Following his discharge, he made his way to Chicago, recording and socializing with the town’s bluesmen. He made enough money that upon his return to Indianapolis, he bought a Model A, painted it red and added a sign that read “Guitar Pete.”

Listen to the recording The Blues of Pete Franklin for the Bluesville label in July 1961 here.