Weldon H. Phillip "Juke Boy" Bonner was born March 22, 1932 in Bellville, Texas. He became interested in music at age six and sang in a small gospel group while still in elementary school. He was nicknamed "Juke Boy" at an early age as he frequently sang in local bars accompanied by the local juke box. By the age of 12, he taught himself how to play the guitar. In 1948, Juke Boy won a talent contest which led to a spot on KLEE radio in Houston. Juke Boy journeyed to Oakland in 1956 and recorded his debut single "Rock with Me Baby" for the Irma Label. He traveled through the South as a self-styled "one man trio." In 1960, Bonner recorded for Goldband Records.

Selected Recordings by Juke Boy Bonner
CD-744 / Bayou Blues Blasters
	"Just Got to Take a Ride" / streaming mp3 * streaming realaudio
FC-12038 / Bluesville
	"Blue River Rising"