William Clarke (musician)
William Clarke | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Born | Inglewood, California, U.S. | March 21, 1951
Died | November 2, 1996 Fresno, California | (aged 45)
Genres | Blues |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instrument(s) |
|
Years active | 1969–1996 |
Labels | Alligator |
William Clarke (March 29, 1951 – November 2, 1996) was an American
Biography
Clarke was born in Inglewood, California, on March 29, 1951.[2] In 1967, he began playing harmonica and was soon performing in Los Angeles-area clubs.[2] He struck up an association with blues harmonica virtuoso George "Harmonica" Smith[3] and the two began playing regularly together in 1977; their partnership lasted until Smith died in 1983.[1]
In 1978, Clarke recorded his first album, Hittin' Heavy.
Clarke's lifestyle and constant touring led to health problems. After collapsing onstage in Indianapolis, Indiana, he took steps to improve his health.[3] However, he died after a performance in Fresno, California, on November 2, 1996.[2][a] Dick Shurman, a blues writer and producer, commented:
It's always especially sad when someone makes great steps to get their act/health together, then doesn't get enough time to show the world what they can do with the situation. He was one of the best harp players out there, with maybe the biggest tone, a bluesman with as much soul and swing in his music as anyone could ever ask and a real friend and family man.[3]
Discography
This section needs additional citations for verification. (June 2021) |
- Blues from Los Angeles EP (self-published, 1977) – as Cross Tracks Party Band
- Hittin' Heavy (Good Time, 1978) – with Hollywood Fats
- Blues from Los Angeles (The 1980s) (Hittin' Heavy, 1980)
- Can't You Hear Me Calling[6] (Watch Dog, 1983; re-released on Rivera; CD reissue: Watch Dog, 2011) – with Junior Watson
- Smokey Wilson & the William Clarke Band (Black Magic (Netherlands), 1986; re-released 1990; CD reissue: Black Magic, 1997)
- Tip of the Top[7] (Satch, 1987; re-released on Double Trouble (Netherlands); CD reissues: King Ace, 2000; Watch Dog, 2010)
- Rockin' the Boat[8] (Rivera, 1988; CD reissue: Watch Dog, 2011) – live album
- Blowin' Like Hell[9] (Alligator, 1990)
- Serious Intentions[10] (Alligator, 1992)
- Groove Time[11] (Alligator, 1994)
- The Hard Way'[12] (Alligator, 1996)
- Deluxe Edition (Alligator, 1999) – compilation
- Now That You're Gone (William Clarke 1951–1996) (Watch Dog, 2002)
- Live in Germany (Watch Dog, 2005) – with John Marx
- The Early Years, Volume 1: 1978–1985 (Watch Dog, 2006)
- The Early Years, Volume 2: 1985–1991 (Watch Dog, 2006)
- One More Again! (Watch Dog, 2008)
- Double Dealin' (Bluebeat, 2010) – recorded 1983 with Junior Watson
- Live Bootleg Cassette Anthology (Watch Dog, 2010)
- Blues From Los Angeles (1980–1991, Volume 1) (Watch Dog, 2012)
- Blues From Los Angeles (1980–1991, Volume 2) (Watch Dog, 2012)
- Heavy Hittin' West Coast Harp (Bear Family, 2019; limited edition of 1,000 180-gram LPs) - compilation
Footnotes
References
- ^ a b
Russell, Tony (1997). The Blues: From Robert Johnson to Robert Cray. Dubai: Carlton Books. p. 101. ISBN 1-85868-255-X.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Huey, Steve. "William Clarke – Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f Ellis, Tom; Aldrin, Katherine. "William Clarke (1951–1996) – In Memory". Blues Access. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
- ^ Char, Ham. "Rick Holmstrom – Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
- ^ a b "Award Winners and Nominees – William Clarke". The Blues Foundation. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
- ^ Koda, Cub. "William Clarke: Can't You Hear Me Calling – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
- ^ Owens, Thom. "William Clarke: Tip of the Top – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
- ^ Koda, Cub. "William Clarke: Rockin' the Boat – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
- ^ Erlewine, Michael. "William Clarke: Blowin' Like Hell – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
- ^ Erlewine, Michael. "William Clarke: Serious Intentions – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
- ^ Erlewine, Michael. "William Clarke: Groove Time – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
- ^ Erlewine, Michael. "William Clarke: The Hard Way – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved July 4, 2016.