There seem to be those who will reluctantly call William Clarke a legend. They argue that only time will give him that designation and the time since his earthly departure has been all too brief. But there is no arguing that in his all too brief musical career, he made an indelible mark on the Blues, and established a high water mark by which other harpists may be measured for years to come. A technical virtuoso on both the diatonic and chromatic harmonica, he was not content to cop licks from other artists. He borrowed from jazz influences that gave his music an undeniable personal signature, a sound unmistakably his own.
William's carrer changed when he was signed with Alligtor Records in 1991. He then began touring all over the country. He actually only toured professionally for 5 years prior to his death. In this short time William received 4 WC HANDY Awards.
I still have unreleased music on this great musician and I will continue to release music on William. I promised him that. My late husband is missed by many but sometimes I feel as if he is right here. I can picture him playing on stage and yelling out "MERCY ME"!!!!!!! written by
Dave King (Cross Harp Cronicles ) and Jeannette Clarke-Lodovici
Hey Sista! Loved your com! What a great honeymoon!!! I didn´t know it was Buddy who gave Fats his name, wow! I am recovering fine, taking eye drops for the next three weeks. I am sooo glad too it´s over! And Harry is glad too, ha ha! Sending you an old pic of our truck, the Volvo Laplander, with Durty Dawg. That Volvo is a Swedish army truck. We once drove Bill to a gig and back in that "Batty". Love you much! Little Micu (Bill gave me that name!)
Heyyy my sweet Sista! Aahhh what a great new video clip!!! Thank you sooo much for posting this!!! Added it on my site. Much love, kisses, your sista Micu in Helsinki
I think I should mention it, cause maybe Im not the only one on this case: After more than 20 years hooked on guitar, and some ten years down with the piano too, I begun to seriously dig that harp from some 6 six months on, and no way of thinking if one is playing "right" or needs more practique. The question is that this is a whole new, amazing experience for anyone who loves the music from the heart. You can get high on music with a guitar, piano or any other instrument, yes, but that little thing with the ten holes is definitively "some more", like reaching new soul levels on yourself if you want, anytime. Well, I blame three people for this: Big Walter Horton, Louis Armstrong and William Clarke.
Thank you, Jeannette, for keeping alive that masterful amazing legacy.
Hey Jeannette, Ran into Jack at my release party. He's your second biggest fan...I'm first :) Anyway, I wanted to give you a heads-up that I'll be sending you another old cover of Bill's that I did many moons ago. You may get a kick out of it...hopefully not a headache though. Best regards, Sandy
Jeannette,..I didn't know the man,..though watchin him play on your video's he was the best !! We lost a great Blues Man ,.will remember him always,.. Your doing a great job,.All the best to ya ,. Rharley
I think of you guys all the time. I first met you at the Starboard Attitude in like 1992 and you & Bill were so kind to let me sit at your table and hang out. Bill was such a tremendous mentor to me and taught me so much about my playing and leading the band. I owe a lot to Bill and you too - for keeping Bill's music alive. Please give my regards to Joe and your beautiful family.
Hi there my sweet little sista! Thank you for the cute com, and thinkin of me. I have been slightly down, the op went fine though. Now the left eye needs an op, haven´t made an appointment yet. I just lost two friends, famous Finnish musicians, a drummer and a bass player, and two dear Myspace friends have left me also. I am sure I feel better when I go out, you know I haven´t been outdoors at all for about 2 months! Sending you biiig hugs and 10 000 kisses! Much love, your sista Micu in Helsinki
Buster's Eyes look almost human to me. Thanks for sharing his picture. He looks like he wants a hug or maybe a treat. I'd enjoy giving him BOTH a hug and a treat, he looks like a real sweetheart.
Thanks for really listening and for taking the time to let me know what you think.Once again,your attention and kind words are much appreciated. After living most of my life in Chicago,I've been living in Brazil, and playing all over Latin America. Let me know if you are ever coming to South America.It would be great to meet you sometime! All the best to you, Donny Nichilo
Heyyy sweet Jeannette! Tomi & West having a gig, and I couldn..t go... ;((( I know a lot of friends will attend, it will be a great show I..m sure. Wishing you guys a wonderful weekend! Hugs, kisses, love, Micu
Hi there Jeannette! Thanx for the com again! I posted two bulletins today....not sure if you knew that Laura died last Saturday. She was 89. Harry and I will always remember the first time we met her, Bill introduced us to her. After that we visited Babe..s and Ricky..s Inn many times. She was such a great sweet person, will be missed. Wishing you a wonderful time w. Gina and the girls, pls tell Harry and I said "Hi!" Thank you also for the cute pic of your younger grandchild. Yes! I love those boots! smiles It is getting reel cold here, brrrr..... Much love, Micu