Clarence "Frogman" Henry facts for kids

Clarence Henry II (born March 19, 1937 – died April 7, 2024), known as Clarence "Frogman" Henry, was an American rhythm and blues singer and piano player. He was famous for his hit songs "Ain't Got No Home" (from 1956) and "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do" (from 1961).

Life and Music Career

Clarence Henry was born in New Orleans on March 19, 1937. He moved to the Algiers area in 1948 and lived there for the rest of his life. He started learning to play the piano when he was a child. Two famous musicians, Fats Domino and Professor Longhair, were his biggest inspirations. When Henry performed in talent shows, he would dress like Professor Longhair.

He joined a band called Bobby Mitchell & the Toppers in 1952. He played both piano and trombone with them. After graduating in 1955, he left to join saxophonist Eddie Smith's band.

How "Frogman" Got His Name

One night in 1955, Clarence Henry used a special croaking sound to make up a song called "Ain't Got No Home". A music producer named Paul Gayten heard the song. He helped Henry record it in September 1956. The song became very popular, reaching number 3 on the national R&B music chart. It also reached number 20 on the US pop chart. This unique croaking sound gave Henry his famous nickname, 'Frogman'. It also helped start his long music career.

Later Hits and Performances

Clarence Henry traveled around the country with his band until 1958. He continued to record new music. Two more of his songs became big hits in 1961: "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do" and "You Always Hurt the One You Love".

In 1964, Henry opened eighteen concerts for the famous band the Beatles in the US and Canada. However, he earned most of his money by playing music on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. He performed there for nineteen years. He continued to perform even in his later years. He was scheduled to play at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival before he passed away. Clarence Henry died on April 7, 2024, at the age of 87.

Awards and Recognition

Clarence Henry's important work in music has been recognized. The Rockabilly Hall of Fame honored him for his early contributions to music. In April 2007, he was also welcomed into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. This honor recognized his impact on Louisiana music.

His Music in Movies and Other Songs

Clarence Henry's songs have been used in many ways over the years.

• The band The Band recorded their own version of "Ain't Got No Home" in 1973.
• This song was also used in the movie The Lost Boys.
• Henry's original song was featured in the 1982 film Diner.
• Rod Stewart used part of "Ain't Got No Home" in his 1984 song "Some Guys Have All the Luck".
• The song gained new attention in the 1990s. It was used as the theme music for a radio show called The Rush Limbaugh Show. Henry said this helped his music earn more money.
• "Ain't Got No Home" also played in the 1995 movie Casino.
• Jimmy Buffett mentioned Henry in his song "Saxophones".
• Henry made a special appearance on the TV show Treme.
• His 1961 hit, "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do", was covered by Bobby Vinton in 1972. It was also used in a 2019 commercial for Expedia.

See also

In Spanish: Clarence "Frogman" Henry para niños