Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry, a renowned old-time R&B singer from New Orleans who achieved success with the hit ‘Ain't Got No Home’ at the age of 19, has passed away at 87.
His death was announced by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation on social media on April 7, although the cause was not disclosed.
Henry was set to perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival later this month.
Henry mimicked a frog's voice in ‘Ain't Got No Home.’ The 1956 hit regained popularity on the ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Mickey Blue Eyes’ soundtracks.
He attributed disc jockey Poppa Stoppa, real name Clarence Hayman, with giving him the nickname ‘Frogman,’ echoing Fats Domino's "Fatman" moniker.
Henry's popularity declined by 1958, leading him to perform in Bourbon Street nightclubs.
‘I thought the sun would shine. I thought my record would always stay out there and stay on the top, but in 1958, the rain came and bring me back to New Orleans,’ Henry told The Associated Press in 2003.
However, in 1960, Clarence Henry found new success with ‘I Don't Know Why But I Do,’ a song by Cajun songwriter Bobby Charles and arranged by Allen Toussaint.
He opened for the Beatles for 18 dates in 1964 during their first U.S. trip, alongside the Bill Black Combo and the Jive Five, and toured extensively, performing from Scotland to New Zealand.
Despite his success elsewhere, Henry remained popular in Louisiana and was one of the few black New Orleans musicians to cross over into Cajun music circles.
Born in New Orleans on March 19, 1937, Henry began playing the piano at 8, picking up lessons his sister had abandoned. He worked for his father until age 15, often without pay.
He played trombone and piano in his high school band and later joined The Toppers, touring southern Louisiana before achieving fame.
‘When I was in school, I wanted to be Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, and I would wear a wig with two plaits and call myself Professor Longhair,’ Henry said. ‘I like the Fats Domino rhythm, but I play my own chords and my own style,’ he added.
While his national fame dimmed, Henry remained popular in Louisiana. He performed regularly on Bourbon Street until 1981, when he retired from the demanding club circuit. However, he never stopped making music and continued to delight audiences at the Jazz & Heritage Festival every year.
Funeral arrangements will be taking place at the Murray Henderson Funeral Home.
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