Cripple Clarence Lofton

Born Clarence Clemens in Burns, Tennessee on March 28, 1887, 1896 or 1897, the boogie-woogie pianist and vocalist was better known by his stage name Cripple Clarence Lofton. He earned his nickname because he walked with a limp, and initially began his career as a tap dancer. Once he caught the boogie-woogie bug, he moved to Chicago, Illinois to perform. He was an immediate hit thanks to his live performance which would feature his unique piano playing, dancing, whistling and singing. His first recording was made in April 1935 and featured guitar accompaniment by Big Bill Broonzy. Cripple Clarence Lofton served as a sideman on a few sides for Red Nelson in 1935 and 1936. Lofton continued to record and perform throughout the 1940s, but retired at the end of the decade. Cripple Clarence Lofton died on January 9, 1957 of a blood clot in his brain. Some of his recordings were gathered together on a 1979 compilation entitled Clarence’s Blues.

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