William Clarke

William Clarke (March 29, 1951 – November 2, 1996) was an American blues harmonica player and singer. He was chiefly associated with the Chicago blues style of amplified harmonica, but also incorporated elements of jump blues, swing, and soul jazz into his playing. Clarke was a master of both cross and chromatic harmonica styles and many consider him among the blues harmonica greats.

In 1978, Clarke recorded his first album, Hittin' Heavy. Other albums on small labels followed, including Blues from Los Angeles (1980) and Can't You Hear Me Calling (1983). His 1987 album Tip of the Top was nominated for a W.C. Handy Award. Several well-received albums for Alligator followed; 1996's The Hard Way received a Handy award for "Best Contemporary Blues album". However, he died after a performance in Fresno, California, on November 2, 1996. Dick Shurman, a blues writer and producer, commented:

Discography Hittin' Heavy (Good Time, 1978) – with Hollywood Fats Blues from Los Angeles (The 1980s) (Hittin' Heavy, 1980) Can't You Hear Me Calling (Watch Dog, 1983; re-released on Rivera; CD reissue: Watch Dog, 2011) – with Junior Watson Smokey Wilson & the William Clarke Band (Black Magic (Netherlands), 1986; re-released 1990; CD reissue: Black Magic, 1997) Tip of the Top (Satch, 1987; re-released on Double Trouble (Netherlands); CD reissues: King Ace, 2000; Watch Dog, 2010) Rockin' the Boat (Rivera, 1988; CD reissue: Watch Dog, 2011) – live recording Blowin' Like Hell (Alligator, 1990) Serious Intentions (Alligator, 1992) Groove Time (Alligator, 1994) The Hard Way''' (Alligator, 1996) Deluxe Edition (Alligator, 1999) – compilation Now That You're Gone (William Clarke 1951–1996) (Watch Dog, 2002) Live in Germany (Watch Dog, 2005) – with John Marx The Early Years, Volume 1: 1978–1985 (Watch Dog, 2006) The Early Years, Volume 2: 1985–1991 (Watch Dog, 2006) One More Again! (Watch Dog, 2008) Double Dealin' (Bluebeat, 2010) – recorded 1983 with Junior Watson Live Bootleg Cassette Anthology (Watch Dog, 2010) Blues From Los Angeles (1980–1991, Volume 1) (Watch Dog, 2012) Blues From Los Angeles (1980–1991, Volume 2) (Watch Dog, 2012) Heavy Hittin' West Coast Harp (Bear Family, 2019; limited edition of 1,000 180-gram vinyl LPs) – compilation L.A. Blues Party'' (Watch Dog, 202?)

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