Caffeine Carl

Carlton “Caffeine Carl” Wagoner — often simply “Caffeine Carl” — is a self‑taught guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader whose soulful mix of blues, rock, funk, and heartfelt energy has made him a linchpin of Key West’s live music scene since the late 1990s. He electrifies audiences nightly and proudly declares, “I love you, Key West—and I ain’t ever leaving.” 

Caffeine Carl and the Buzz: This band has been led by Wagoner for nearly two decades, and he’s built a devoted following.
Double Bucci: His first band, formed in the mid‑1990s with guitarist Chris Case at Boston Billy’s, evolved into the core of his long-term collaboration with Zack Seemiller.
Partnerships: A defining musical relationship has been his 30+ year partnership with blues slide-guitar legend Bill Blue—marked by electric dueling sets at Green Parrot soundchecks and festivals.

Born and bred in Key West, Wagoner grew up surrounded by music—his father played ukulele, and by age 5 Carl was proficient on the Hammond organ. He was gifted his first guitar in 1980 via a Sears catalog, and he taught himself to play—boldly performing at age 17 in the Hemingway House’s backyard, recalling he was “scared sh*tless, but loved every minute”.
Though he briefly worked at the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, he “failed a piss test,” prompting a full-time dive into music beginning in 1998.

His nickname “Caffeine Carl”—coined by bandmate Steve Mello in the late ’90s—nods to his high-energy playing and slight stutter. On stage, Wagoner is a phenomenon: commanding the audience’s attention at venues like Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, Rick’s, Schooner Wharf Bar, and the Green Parrot, often performing six nights a week. His repertoire spans classic rock, Chicago/Texas/Delta blues, jazz, and funk, with an electrifying harmonica and guitar presence that “guarantees to thrill”.

Wagoner is open about his journey to sobriety—celebrating nearly a year free of alcohol as of late 2019. He credits sobriety with revitalizing his focus and performance quality.
A family man, he’s been with his wife Erin for over two decades and is father to two sons. He describes her as “my rock, my best pal”.
His musical influences include Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jimi Hendrix; his go-to performance piece is Warren Haynes’ “Soulshine,” but he quips he’ll “play anything for cash”.

 Carl’s performances are a cornerstone of Key West culture, drawing visitors who plan evenings around his shows. He frequently appears alongside other local notables like Nick Norman, Zach Seemiller, and Scott Kirby at venues such as Key West Theater and Margaritaville Café. Through his dynamic stage presence, decades-long collaborations, and unwavering dedication to craft, Caffeine Carl embodies the soul of Key West’s musical legacy.