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Chet Weldon

About The Artist

They called Chet Weldon the "Driftin' Brakeman", a native of Valdosta, Georgia. He made his first guitar - out of a cigar box - when he was just ten years old. Later on, his dad bought him a regular six-string guitar and before you know it, he had formed his own string band. When Chet was 15, the family moved to PLant City, Florida where he promptly formed another band and did night club, radio and other stage appearances.

Chet got his nickname naturally as he was a brakeman on the Santa Fe Railroad from the time he turned 21. He did his singing in between railroad trips.

He was also featured on the Big D Jamboree in Dallas, Texas and also KNVC in Winslow, Arizona and was said to be looking for a recording contract in late 1953.

Credits & Sources

  • Cowboy Songs No.32; March-April 1954, American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT.