Clarence “Frogman” Henry, one of New Orleans' most famous classic R&B singers who had a hit with “Ain't Got No Home” at age 19, has died. He was 87 years old.
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation announced on social media that Henry passed away Sunday night. His cause of death was not disclosed.
Henry, who was scheduled to perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival later this month, imitated the voice of a frog during “Ain't Got No Home.” The song became a hit for him in 1956 and later brought new fame to Henry when it was featured on the soundtracks of “Forest Gump” and “Mickey Blue Eyes”.
He credited disc jockey Poppa Stoppa, real name Clarence Heyman, with coming up with the nickname “Frogman”, an imitation of Fats Domino's nickname “Fatman”.
By 1958, Henry's popularity had waned and he began performing in Bourbon Street nightclubs.
“I thought the sun would shine. I thought my record would always stay there and stay at the top, but in 1958 the rain came and I was pulled back to New Orleans,” Henry said in 2003. told the Associated Press.
But in 1960, a new song, “I Don't Know Why But I Do,” written by Cajun songwriter Bobby Charles and arranged by Allen Toussaint, brought Henry new success.
Along with the Bill Black Combo and Jive Five, he was the opening act for 18 shows on the Beatles' first tour of the United States in 1964, and toured extensively from Scotland to New Zealand.
Henry remained popular in Louisiana. He was also one of the few black musicians in New Orleans to cross into the Cajun music world.
Born in New Orleans on March 19, 1937, Henry began playing the piano at the age of eight, taking lessons that his sister hated. He worked for his father until he was 15 years old, often without pay.
He played trombone and piano in his high school band and later joined The Toppers, who toured southern Louisiana with great success.
“When I was in school, I wanted to be Fats Domino, Professor Longhair. I wore a two-braid wig and called myself Professor Longhair,” Henry told The Associated Press. told. “I like Fats Domino's rhythm, but I play my own chords and my own style.”
Although Henry's national fame waned, he remained popular in Louisiana. He was a regular on Bourbon Street until 1981, when he retired from the grueling club circuit. However, he never gave up on his music and continued to please audiences at the annual Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Funeral arrangements are pending with Murray-Henderson Funeral Home.