 |
Francis Clay:Legendary Blues Drummer
|
|
|
Male
86 years old
Heaven, California
United States
|
Mood:
peaceful
|
|
View My:
Pics
| Gifts
|
|
|
Francis Clay:Legendary Blues Drummer's Details
|
| Status: | Single | | Hometown: | Rock Island | | Zodiac Sign: | Scorpio | | Children: | Proud parent | | Occupation: | Drummer/Poet |
|
|
![]() |
Francis Clay:Legendary Blues Drummer Lived A Full Life 1923 - 2008 9:22 PM Feb 7, 2008
view more
|
|
Francis Clay:Legendary Blues Drummer's Latest Blog Entry
[Subscribe to this Blog]
|
| [View All Blog Entries] |
|
Francis Clay:Legendary Blues Drummer's Blurbs |
About me:
FRANCIS POTTER CLAY Biography
Drummer Francis Clay was born in Rock Island, IL, on November 16, 1923. Learning music from his family, Clay was playing some guitar and entering amateur contests at the age of five. But it was drums that fascinated him and he would create his own drum set from things around the house. He turned professional when he was 15 years old. In 1941 Clay formed his first band -- Francis Clay and His Syncopated Rhythm playing behind acts like Gypsy Rose Lee, in circuses, on riverboats, etc. This lasted until around 1944. He returned to his home in 1946 and ran a booking office, recording studio, and taught drums. Around 1947 Clay was playing with George "Harmonica" Smith in Chicago. In the early '50s he toured with jazz organist Jack McDuff.
In 1957, Clay took a fill-in job with Muddy Waters and, since he had only played jazz, had no idea how to play the blues. Muddy Waters taught him and in several days they had the thing together. Waters asked him to stay on and Clay was there for the next four years.
In 1962, Clay left Muddy Waters and formed a band with James Cotton, which lasted about a year. Clay then worked with Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Bobby Fields, and others. In 1965, Clay rejoined Muddy Waters for a stint of almost two years.
In the late '60s, Clay worked and recorded with a number of artists including James Cotton, Muddy Waters, Lightnin' Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Big Mama Thornton, Victoria Spivey, George "Harmonica" Smith, Shakey Jake Harris, Sunnyland Slim and others. Due to knee problems, Clay has not done much playing in recent years. Francis Clay has been called "the definitive Muddy Waters drummer." He resides in San Francisco. ~ Michael Erlewine, All Music Guide
|
Who I'd like to meet:
|
|
| Francis Clay:Legendary Blues Drummer's Friend Space (Top 9) |
|
Francis Clay:Legendary Blues Drummer has 16 friends.
|
|
|
|
|
![]()
|
|
