William Clarke (musician)
William Clarke (born March 21, 1951 in Inglewood , California , † November 3, 1996 in Fresno , California) was an American blues harmonica player .
biography
As a teenager, Clarke played guitar and drums , but switched to the harmonica in 1967 . His first influences were Big Walter Horton , James Cotton , Junior Wells and Sonny Boy Williamson II. At the age of 18 he began playing in local clubs in South-Central Los Angeles , first with Smokey Wilson and Shakey Jake Harris, with whom he also played made the first recordings. From 1977 he learned from his great role model George "Harmonica" Smith to play all the playing styles of the chromatic and diatonic harmonica, from this a friendship and cooperation arose, which lasted until the death (October 2, 1983) of George Smith.
In 1978 he recorded his first album "Hittin 'Heavy" on Good Time Records (GT 1003). In 1987 he was nominated for the WC Handy Award for his album Tip of the Top , after which he signed with Alligator Records in Chicago . Up until his death, this collaboration resulted in four albums that made him famous beyond the borders of California .
Clarke toured extensively in 1996, collapsing on stage after a concert in March. He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure (blocked heart vessels). William Clarke said in an interview that the occasion was like a wake-up call for him. He reduced his weight by following a strict diet (he had lost 27 kg by the time he died) and he restricted his alcohol consumption . On October 12th, he appeared on the Slippery Noodle stage in Indianapolis ; this concert was recorded and released as a double album in 2010. On November 2, 1996, he was on stage in Fresno and collapsed after the concert. He was admitted to a clinic where doctors found a bleeding stomach ulcer ; he died that night.
Discography
- Hittin 'Heavy (1978)
- Blues from Los Angeles (1980) **
- Can't You Hear Me Calling (1983)
- Tip of the Top (1987)
- Rockin 'the Boat (1988)
- Blowin 'Like Hell (1990)
- Serious Intentions (1992)
- Groove Time (1994)
- The Hard Way (1996)
- Deluxe Edition (1999)
- Now That Your Gone (2001)
- Live in Germany (2005) recorded on September 18th, 1988 in Bremen
- The Early Years, Vol.1 (2006)
- The Early Years, Vol.2 (2006)
- One More Again (2008)
- Live Bootleg (2010) recorded in LA in 1991 and 1996
- Live at Slippery Noodle (2010) recorded October 12, 1996 in Indianapolis
- Double Dealin (2010) with Junior Watson (guitar), recorded in 1983 at the Can't You Hear me Calling Sessions
- William Clarke & The NightOwls
Web links
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Clarke, William |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American blues accordion player |
| DATE OF BIRTH | March 21, 1951 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Inglewood , California |
| DATE OF DEATH | November 3, 1996 |
| Place of death | Fresno , California |