Tony Clarke

Tony Clarke (April 13, 1940 – August 28, 1971) was an American soul singer and songwriter. His most famous tracks include "The Entertainer" and "Landslide".

Early life and career Clarke, born in New York City, was raised in Detroit by his mother, Thelma. His birthname has often been cited as either "Ralph Thomas Williams", "Ralph Ferguson", or "Ralph Clarke". His father was of Sicilian background. His next single, released three years later under the name Tony Clarke and released under the Fascination label, was "Cry" / "Love Must Be Taboo". He wrote the songs "Pushover" and "Two Sides to Every Story", hits for Etta James, with Billy Davis.

In 1963, Clarke wrote "Pushover" with Billy Davis for Etta James. He had more success with his own song, "The Entertainer", which hit No. 10 R&B and No. 31 Pop in the U.S. in 1965. His last single released before his death, "Ghetto Man" / "Love Power", was released under Chicory records in 1970. This record was released on Chicory records. Clarke's 1968 record (They Call Me) A Wrong Man / I Can't Wait Until I See My Babys Face was backed by The Monticellos. Many of Clarke's records featured other famous Detroit rhythm and blue singers. His 1988 reissue of I Had A Talk With My Man / The Entertainer, featured Mitty Collier on I Had A Talk With My Man (the original release year is unknown). His first and only Extended play, reissued posthumously in 1990, featured Chris Kenner. By the late 1960s, Clarke's relationship with his wife became unstable. He was fatally shot by his estranged wife when he broke into her house in Detroit. It was said that Clarke tried to attack her with a tire jack. The shooting was ruled to have been self-defense. A compilation album entitled "The Rare And The Rest" was posthumously released in 1997. Clarke's records are rare to come across in the modern day, and most of his records can sell for over $1,000. On October 4, 2015, Clarke was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame in Detroit, Michigan. The event was held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History.

Discography

Albums

Extended plays (EP)

Singles (Tall Tonio)

Singles (Tony Clarke)

Singles (posthumous)

Singles (release year unknown) NameLabelJeanette / LandslideChessI Had A Talk With My Man / The EntertainerCollectablesThis Heart Of Mine / The EntertainerCheckerThe Entertainer / Got My Mojo Workin''' Ripete The Entertainer / Selfish One''Eric