Rentiesville Blues Hall of Fame Inductee Jerry Wallace, known to the music world as “Pete,” has established himself as one of Oklahoma City’s premier R&B and Blues bassists through a career defined by rhythm, versatility, and soul. His journey with the strings began in 1974 at the age of 11. After four years of dedicated practice perfecting his craft, he transitioned into the professional circuit, spending six foundational years touring and performing with the Gospel Truthettes.

Throughout his formative years, Pete remained a fixture of the Oklahoma music scene, sharpening his technical skills in the Douglas High School Stage Band from 1979 to 1982. This academic discipline provided the perfect springboard into the world of R&B. In 1982, he played his first R&B gig with Brian McKinney, a performance that launched a prolific era of collaboration with several notable groups, including: Full Effect Band and The California Malibu’s BLT Band. In 1992 Pete took center stage as a band leader, founding The Kalazh Band. Over the next 20 years, the group became a powerhouse of entertainment, performing at premier venues across Oklahoma and Texas and cementing Pete’s reputation as a cornerstone of regional rhythm.

His career is distinguished by the legendary company he keeps. Pete has shared the stage and played for some of the most iconic figures in Blues and Soul history, including: Johnnie Taylor, Shirley Brown, Floyd Taylor, Tyrone Davis, Bobby Womack, Big G, Big E, Clarence Carter, Mel Waiters, and Marvin Sease. Today, Jerry “Pete” Wallace continues to represent the heartbeat of the Oklahoma City sound, bringing decades of expertise and a deep, soulful groove to every stage he touches.