Daddy Sang Bass ... at least he did on our Pre-Record!

With this coming Sunday being Father’s Day I figured I’d post us performing “Daddy Sang Bass” from 1969. My dad couldn’t sing to save his life. So here you have him pre-recorded so he wouldn’t screw up the song. I can only imagine how many takes it took to get him to get it right!
Unfortunately, this is the only time my family sang on our own. I think there were missed opportunities over the years to put us together. Ric and I had a duet from time to time (“Up A Lazy River”, “Lollipops and Roses” and “Carol of the Bells”). I always wished I’d been able to sing “My Best Girl” from 'Mame' with mom. Just like it was portrayed in the musical. I’m actually surprised nobody ever thought of it....but this is about Father’s Day.
You should know it was really hard for my dad to live under the gigantic shadow that was my mother's. She was so much larger than life not unlike 'Auntie Mame'. She had a much more successful career than dad and there were bound to be 'comparisons'. Dad's humor was pretty 'corny' where mom was very sophisticated and hip. It was hard not to be drawn to all that she was when I was a child. But as I grew older, I had nothing but love for dad. I gained a respect for him that in the bright light that was Alyce, he was so hard to see.
Unlike her, he was never judgmental and not given to gossip. His career did not often put food on the table, but he was never above taking a 'straight' job to take care of mom and me after the family stopped performing. And that made me very proud of him.
With June also being Gay Pride month… let me just say that when I came out to my family, mother needed time to process it all. Wondering if she had failed somehow as a mother (as was often the thought back in my day). But the first thing dad said to me was, "I’m so sorry you've had to go through this all by yourself". 'Nuff said.
I miss you, Pop. I wish I had listened more to your quiet council and less to all that glitters. Until the sweet by and by, daddy...

[@theguardian928]

Very beautiful!❤️

[@Mary-ty1qj]

Your dad was one of my favorites back then when I was in grammar school. He was handsome, he had a terrific speaking voice. And recently, I saw your one-act, and when you came out to your family, you said your dad went over to you and you paused. And I had my fingers crossed because I had so loved him - he was, other than Alvino - the one father I remembered - and then you finished the sentence, and it moved me to tears. I wanted to hug you both. Lately, I've realized that as a kid, I had great taste.

[@theguardian928]

OCELOT! I SPOTTED LIQUID'S FATHER, BIG BOSS!

[@SpaceJoke]

I'm very stoned but this was awesome.

[@ez8546]

Robert Clarke was indeed an incredibly handsome and debonair man of his day in a Robert Goulet/Jack Cassidy bon vivant kind of way. Don't you agree?

[@personperson2440]

❤️❤️❤️

[@MegaMan87]

That was amazing indeed. Your dad must've been a great guy to you. Happy Fathers day in Honor for him.

[@cwbrooks5329]

These days can feel so heavy sometimes, it's really great to have moments like this that lift the spirit in such a happy, uncomplicated way. Great singing, and terrific arrangements, as always with the King Family. Thanks so much.

[@erinoneill2194]

That was adorable!

[@SuperOrgandonor]

I watch your videos with my mom when I'm home. (I live in Canada now.) She asked me if you've ever posted this song. She was born in '66, so she would have been three years old when she saw it. She remembers your having said something about being stuck singing second soprano when your mom sang tenor.

[@utahmassage]

Great arrangement of a country, gospel classic, Lex as done a fantastic job. Alyce is so beautiful and very proud of her men and little man. Cam, please let your brothers Ric know that he is in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. Big Hugs!

[@stardashstudios3488]

Wow. That's amazing. I can't wait to hear more from you 😍 By the way it's me Cheyenne.

[@curtischildress9580]

Very nice video clip of your immediate family and the others. ...Yes. Our parents ring into our lives all the many things that make us grow and think and become independent in time. My parents loved me which is something to this day that makes me feel blessed and fortunate. Your parents loved you...it's very obvious that you were also blessed. ...And mothers of that era did take it kind of personal when their sons would announce they're gay. My mother suddenly had doubts about all the things she'd always been sure about in raising me. It took time for her and we talked a lot because she was my best friend in so many ways as well as my mother. In time she knew I was OK and developed a new image of gay men in her mind. She liked the gay men I knew because they were friendly and loved to talk and make jokes and were also glad to see how well my mother was in her relationship with me. ...As for fathers? My father felt he lost me because he couldn't identify with my life as a man. It took more time and talk which was often challenging. He did his best to get his half of the bridge built to me. I knew that and sometimes wondered if I was failing him in trying to relate more. He could only be who he was and in time I understood. I knew he loved me even when the road seemed a little rough. ...Gay Pride is something we all have as men who have grown and been challenged. It's important that we share even when there are endless voices of pride in the air. We are together under the great Rainbow...and they great thing about being gay is that we welcome everybody into the Rainbow who wants to share peace and love and happiness. ...Thank you, Cam Clarke, for being a strong voice and a delightful man who is so multi-talented. You bring yourself...and that's a gift worth sharing. ...Keep on keeping on, my friend.