Biography
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Born
19 March 1937
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Born In
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
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Died
7 April 2024 (aged 87)
Clarence "Frogman" Henry (born Clarence Henry II in New Orleans, LA on 19 March 1937; died 7 April 2024) was an American rhythm and blues singer and pianist remembered for his hits "Ain't Got No Home" (1956) and "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do" (1961). In April 2007, he was honored for his contributions to Louisiana music with induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
Fats Domino & Professor Longhair were young Henry's main influences, whilst growing up. When playing in talent shows, he dressed like Longhair and wore a wig with braids on both sides. His 'trademark' croak - utilized manifestly, on his 1956 début hit Ain't Got No Home - earned his nickname & jump-started a career that endures, to this day. You Always Hurt the One You Love & (I Don't Know Why) But I Do (both 1961), were also big hits.
Henry opened eighteen concerts for The Beatles across the US & Canada (1964) - However, his main source of income was from the Bourbon St strip (New Orleans), where he played for nineteen years. His name could still draw hordes of tourists, long after his hit-making days had ended. "Ain't Got No Home", achieved fresh notoriety in the 1990s - through its use, for a time, as the "Homeless Update" theme music, on The Rush Limbaugh Show.
Henry's pioneering contribution to the genre was recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Mark Sandman (lead singer / bass player, of the rock band Morphine) - during a home-studio interview - cited Frogman as an important influence.
In April 2007, Henry was honored for his contributions to Louisiana music with induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
He continued to perform into his last years and was scheduled to appear at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival later in the month that he died.
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