Clarence “Frogman” Henry, the New Orleans R&B singer whose 1956 hit “Ain’t Obtained No Residence” showcased a vocal vary that would soar to falsetto and plummet to the croak that offered his nickname, died Sunday. He was 87.
His demise was introduced by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Basis on social media. No explanation for demise was disclosed, however Henry reportedly had been in declining well being and lately underwent surgical procedure.
The Heritage Basis mentioned the “beloved icon of New Orleans music” was surrounded by family and friends at his passing Sunday evening.
“Frogman’s absence on the upcoming 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Pageant can be deeply felt, as he was scheduled to grace the stage on native’s Thursday with the New Orleans Basic Recording Revue,” the Basis mentioned. “Relaxation in peace, Frogman.”
The very catchy track (“I sing like a woman and I sing like a frog,” went one verse) that rocketed Henry to nationwide fame would finally safe its place among the many period’s novelty classics like “Love Potion No. 9” by the Clovers and “Alley Oop” by The Hollywood Argyles. The track can be utilized in numerous movies and TV reveals, notably Barry Levinson’s Diner (1982) and Martin Scorsese’s On line casino (1995). A model recorded by The Band was used for a notable scene in Joel Schumacher’s The Misplaced Boys (1987), with Corey Haim singing alongside whereas taking a bubble tub.
Born in New Orleans on March 19, 1937, Henry started taking part in piano as a toddler, selecting up trombone and taking part in each devices in his highschool band. He performed with native teams throughout and after highschool, and was overheard singing within the jokey croak type by a Chess Information exec who inspired Henry to report the track. Catching the eye of New Orleans DJ Poppa Stoppa, who christened Henry “Frogman,” the track rose to quantity 3 on the nationwide R&B chart and quantity 20 on the US pop chart.
Henry had an enormous follow-up hit in 1961 with “(I Don’t Know Why) However I Do” and, to a lesser extent, “You All the time Harm the One You Love,” each in 1961. He was chosen by The Beatles as a gap act for the band’s 1964 North American tour.
Whereas nationwide fame was fleeting, Henry would preserve many years of recognition in New Orleans and amongst followers of R&B and Cajun-style music. He retired from the membership circuit in 1981 however lengthy continued annual appearances on the Jazz & Heritage Pageant.
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