Clarence "Frogman" Henry

Affectionately named `Frogman' for his trademark croak, Clarence Henry is a legendary singer and pianist who pioneered the New Orleans rhythm and blues scene in the 1950s. Initially influenced by the likes of Fats Domino and Professor Longhair, Henry began playing the piano as a child and entered talent shows from an early age dressing like the latter. He joined Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers in 1952 and played piano and trombone for them until 1955 before moving onto saxophonist Eddie Smith's band. After improvising 'Ain't Got No Home' live on stage, he received a rapturous reception from the audience and was picked up by Chess Records who released the single in 1956. Henry's now-famous `Frogman' moniker was christened by DJ Poppa Stoppa after he played the single on a local radio station. The singer found success hard to come by in the years that followed until the legendary Allen Toussaint passed on an updated arrangement of '(I Don't Know Why) But I Do' which Henry turned into a hit in 1961. Success continued into the 60s where Clarence Henry established himself as a household name, mainly performing New Orleans-influenced standards and touring with The Beatles across the USA and Canada. Henry still performs live to this day, after over six decades in the music business, and is often found at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, with his famous croak still intact.

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