Clarence Henry Frogman - But I Do: The Complete Releases 1956-62 [CD]

Clarence Henry was a rhythm & blues singer an pianist from New Orleans and an early disciple of Fats Domino and Professor Longhair, playing in the early '50s with Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers and the band of saxophonist Eddie Smith. When Chess A & R man Paul Gayten heard him sing his composition "Ain't Got No Home" with his trademark croak in his voice, he was signed to Chess and had a hit with his first release, although it was five years before his next success. In the period covered by this set, had had ten chart entries including Top 10 hits on both sides of the Atlantic with "I Don't Know Why (But I Do)" and "You Always Hurt The One You Love". This 30-track CD comprises the A and B sides of his singles during this era on the Argo label plus the tracks from his album "You Always Hurt The One You Love" album not otherwise released on singles. It features all his ten pop, R&B & UK chart entries from these years, including the Top 10 hits "Ain't Got No Home", "I Don't Know Why (But I Do)" and "You Always Hurt the One You Love". His music was very much inspired by and typical of the New Orleans R & B idiom, and his highly individual vocal style earned him the nickname "Frogman". This collection offers a comprehensive overview of this first era of his career, and an entertaining showcase for that distinctive approach.