Can’t stop Catfish
Tom "Catfish" Whittem sits for a portrait on Oct. 17, 2011. Whittem, a classical blues harmonica player and semi-professional pool player, has overcome a myriad of health problems, including seven heart attacks, bypass surgeries, a major stroke and leg amputation. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
I met to photograph Catfish (a name earned because of his fantastically groomed mustache) a few times and wanted to show some more of the work that went unseen. He’s a great inspiration and has an amazing story and fighting spirit. The man just refuses to give up, and is hellbent on proving every doctor wrong. From everything I’ve seen him do and the progress he’s made in a month, I’m inclined to believe him.
And yes, the last caption does say “plays harmonica with the photographer.” Catfish busted out a solo on his Lee Oskar, and during the natural breaks in his blues rhythm, I interjected bursts of rhythmic shutter clicks, mimicking what he had just played on the harmonica. I asked if he’d ever jammed with a camera before…and this photo was his reaction. Too good not to include.
Read music reporter Jennifer Chancellor’s story for more photos.
Tom "Catfish" Whittem readies his prosthetic leg in his bedroom on Nov. 17, 2011. Whittem is able to move freely around his apartment with a wheelchair and can move himself onto beds and chairs with little difficulty. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
Physical therapist Paul Rierson helps Tom "Catfish Whittem stand and walk during a therapy session on Nov. 17, 2011. Whittem, recovering from a leg amputation, is making progress on learning how to walk and regain the strength of his other leg affected by a stroke. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
Tom "Catfish" Whittem pets his cat Sheba on a sofa in his apartment on Nov. 15, 2011. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
Two of the trophies Tom "Catifsh" Whittem has gathered from his career as a semi-professional pool player. Whittem is currently sidelined from the table because of his leg amputation but is hoping to get back on his feet and begin playing soon. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
Tom "Catfish" Whittem places one of his Lee Oskar harmonicas back into a carrying case after playing in his apartment on Nov. 17, 2011. Whittem owns several harmonicas set in different keys that all have slightly different sounds. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
Tom "Catfish" Whittem breaks into laughter while playing harmonica with the photographer at his apartment on Nov. 17, 2011. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
Another great job Jeff. Very well done.