One of the first questions people always ask is how Pete got to be known as Cadillac Pete.

So let's get right down to the point...here is the story:

Pete was dubbed "Cadillac Pete" by his fellow musicians for a good reason, one very good reason. He is the top of the line in his field. Cadillac is the symbol of American excellence at home and abroad, known for legendary performance, second to none.

That description fits Pete to a tee; hence the name, Cadillac Pete. Once you hear him play his harp, you will understand completely.

Cadillac Pete has been playing professionally for over 20 years, and had been playing the blues exclusively for 17. He learned his craft from his father, Walter, so he has actually been playing the whistles since he was four, and it shows.

Pete is an international recording artist, having recorded most recently with The Heat and with Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys here in Wisconsin. Previously he was a regular on Bourbon Street in New Orleans with the incomparable Bryan Lee, with whom he toured the US, Europe, South America and Canada. He also recorded several CDs with Bryan, which included work with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Frank Marino and James Cotten.

Born in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Pete became a Wisconsin resident at the tender age of 2, and has since become one of Milwaukee's favorite sons.  He is a two-time WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) award winner for the best harmonica instrumentalist.

You may have seen him at any one of your favorite blues clubs or festivals, including, but not limited to, the Montreal Jazz Fest, New Orleans Jazz Fest, Belgium Blues Fest, Wisconsin's very own Summerfest, as well as at Buddy Guy's Legends, Luther's in Madison, Absinthe Bar (formerly on Bourbon Street), and locally at the Milwaukee Ale House or The Up and Under....to name just a few!!

In addition to being a world-class musician, Pete is also a tool and die maker and an inventor.Pete holds two patents. One patent is for a product called Tuff Scuff, which is a 2-in-1 joint protector and tip scuffer for pool cues. Pete is a bit of a pool shark himself. The second patent is for Cadillac Pete's Harp Stand. You can see this product on stage every time you see Pete perform. It is a slotted tray to help organize harmonicas, with a universal mike stand adapter to fit both American and European stands. The harp stand is available in either molded plastic or solid ash. This product is fast becoming a favorite of professional harp players worldwide.

Tuffscuff and the harp stand are marketed to distributors and individuals through Cadillac Pete Enterprises, Inc.

So come on out to hear him shake the shack, the one and only original Cadillac Pete!

With Reverend Raven, "Slow Burn" (CD)

"...Cadillac Pete Rahn has a big, bad harp tone..."

Blues Revue

(PETE MADE BLUES REVUE TWICE IN THE SAME ISSUE!)

With Reverend Raven, "Slow Burn" (CD)

"...the luminescent harp work of Cadillac Pete Rahn can be breathtaking. At last, something to remember Milwaukee for besides beer, brats and...baseball..."

Blues Access

With Reverend Raven, "Slow Burn" (CD)

"...the way Cadillac Pete blows harp will have you experiencing the cold blues chill. He plays the kind of harp that sends chills down to your toes...(only) a few harp men can breathe that kind of life into that Mississippi saxophone and touch oyur soul instantly!"

Blues Harp Magazine

At a Cadillac Pete Solo Show

"...Pete BLEW the house away!!! Awesome ! Just Awesome!"

A Fan of Cadillac Pete from now on...

Cadillac Pete won the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) award for best harmonica instrumentalist in 1999 and 2001. recipients of the coveted WAMI award are selected by a voting process; ballots are cast by the general public, as well as industry members.

This shows once again what both fans and fellow musicians alike think of Cadillac Pete - he is one of the best !