Clarence “Frogman” Henry, who had three top 40 Billboard hits during his career, has reportedly died at the age of 87. Henry saw success in the 1950s, breaking into the charts with his 1956 hit “Ain’t Got No Home.”
A native of New Orleans, Henry’s music had undeniable Louisiana roots. He is a legend in the area, and his passing will undoubtedly break hearts around New Orleans.
At the time, America was still a segregated Nation. Henry battled racism throughout his career, and in the face of evil, still saw tremendous success. Audacy.com reports on his death,
A legendary New Orleans musician has died.
WWL TV reports family members have confirmed that Clarence “Frogman” Henry died last night at the age of 87.
Henry had three top 40 hits.
In 1956, he broke onto the US pop chart with “Ain’t Got No Home.” It went to number 20. The song also hit number three on the US R&B chart.
Five years later in 1961, he got his first top ten single with 1961’s “(I Don’t Know Why) But I Do.” It went to fourth on the pop charts and ninth on the R&B chart.
“You Always Hurt the One You Love” made it to number 12 pop and eleven R&B that same year.
Audacy
A short bio of Henry reads,
He used his trademark croak to improvise the song “Ain’t Got No Home” one night in 1955. Chess Records‘ A&R man Paul Gayten heard the song, and had Henry record it in Cosimo Matassa‘s studio in September 1956. Initially promoted by local DJ Poppa Stoppa, the song eventually rose to number 3 on the national R&B chart and number 20 on the US pop chart.[3] The gimmick earned Henry his nickname of ‘Frogman’ and jump-started a career that endures to this day.[1]
He toured nationally with a six-piece band until 1958, and continued to record.[2] A cover of Bobby Charles‘ hit “(I Don’t Know Why) But I Do“, and “You Always Hurt the One You Love“, both from 1961, were his other big hits.[4]
Wikipedia
Rest in peace to the legendary Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry!
