Excellent piece, Michael. I'm glad you mentioned WC's bass playing side. First time I saw WC play was with Triple Threat Revue. Stevie was only singing on a couple of songs at that time and, to be honest, I didn't think he would progress beyond that many. Lou Ann was so sexy and such a powerful singer and presence, whenever I saw her sing I had goose bumps that lasted a week or two afterward. I can't remember what kind of bass WC was playing. I don't know why that detail bothers me, but it's bugged me for years. I know it wasn't a long scale Fender.
ACL photographer Scott Newton and I would rarely miss a WC gig in the late 80s. We really wanted more folks to come out to see him, so we hatched an idea to get him on an Austin City Limits taping by pitching it as "best of" the musicians whom WC had played with, calling it a tribute to WC on his 50th birthday. ACL really wanted to do another SRV taping, but Stevie's manager Alex Hodges was uninterested. WC called Stevie and Jimmie himself and asked if they’d play our proposed ACL taping, and they both said Yes. I picked the drummer and bass player (Barry "Frosty" Smith and Jon Blondell). Then we pitched it to ACL producer Terry Lickona, and he said OK. Helping make that event happen was one proud day for me and for Scott, but most importantly, for WC, a wonderful person who deserved more respect and love. His voice, the tone of his guitar, his smile, his willingness to help other people, he was a heavy soul. At that time it was rare that you were featured on ACL if you didn’t have a national release. He got one soon after that taping. The song featured in the clip you posted was written by Stevie and WC at rehearsal.
W. C. was my favorite Austin blues player. I saw him so much he always recognized and greeted me at his shows. He never knew my name but knew me as "Matthews friend" referring to Matt Robinson a former coworker of mine and jam buddy who played with W. C. for awhile. I'm saddened beyond words to hear of his passing. "Get it get it get it W.C.! Rest in Power
Aw Man, so sad to read this news. RIP WC! What a genuine spirit. Thanks for all the music & good times at your gigs. Somewhere, I still have a autographed bumper sticker he gave me that says "My girlfriend ran off with the WC Clark Blues Revue". His smile and laugher were infectious!
Excellent piece, Michael. I'm glad you mentioned WC's bass playing side. First time I saw WC play was with Triple Threat Revue. Stevie was only singing on a couple of songs at that time and, to be honest, I didn't think he would progress beyond that many. Lou Ann was so sexy and such a powerful singer and presence, whenever I saw her sing I had goose bumps that lasted a week or two afterward. I can't remember what kind of bass WC was playing. I don't know why that detail bothers me, but it's bugged me for years. I know it wasn't a long scale Fender.
ACL photographer Scott Newton and I would rarely miss a WC gig in the late 80s. We really wanted more folks to come out to see him, so we hatched an idea to get him on an Austin City Limits taping by pitching it as "best of" the musicians whom WC had played with, calling it a tribute to WC on his 50th birthday. ACL really wanted to do another SRV taping, but Stevie's manager Alex Hodges was uninterested. WC called Stevie and Jimmie himself and asked if they’d play our proposed ACL taping, and they both said Yes. I picked the drummer and bass player (Barry "Frosty" Smith and Jon Blondell). Then we pitched it to ACL producer Terry Lickona, and he said OK. Helping make that event happen was one proud day for me and for Scott, but most importantly, for WC, a wonderful person who deserved more respect and love. His voice, the tone of his guitar, his smile, his willingness to help other people, he was a heavy soul. At that time it was rare that you were featured on ACL if you didn’t have a national release. He got one soon after that taping. The song featured in the clip you posted was written by Stevie and WC at rehearsal.
I was wondering what song that was that opened. Great work on making this magical night happen.
W. C. was my favorite Austin blues player. I saw him so much he always recognized and greeted me at his shows. He never knew my name but knew me as "Matthews friend" referring to Matt Robinson a former coworker of mine and jam buddy who played with W. C. for awhile. I'm saddened beyond words to hear of his passing. "Get it get it get it W.C.! Rest in Power
What a thoughtful tribute Michael. Thank you. 🕊💙🎶
Aw Man, so sad to read this news. RIP WC! What a genuine spirit. Thanks for all the music & good times at your gigs. Somewhere, I still have a autographed bumper sticker he gave me that says "My girlfriend ran off with the WC Clark Blues Revue". His smile and laugher were infectious!
Thank you Michael.
Wonderful writing Michael as always. WC was a sweet soul gem. In 1986 he put out a terrific record. I had lots of fun doing that with him. https://www.wcclark.com/somethingforeverybody.html
Loved this, man. A great reminder of what Austin music has meant to so many of us. W. C. Clark forever. Rest in peace. You've gifted us so much.