Smokey Wilson, William Clarke and Hollywood Fats

William Clarke-Harmonica
Hollywood Fats-Guitar
Richard Innes-Drums
Fred Kaplan-Piano
Jerry Smith-Bass

[@timwysocki6837]

88th and Vermont the pioneer club.. 1979..I’m the only white boy in the club..Smokey came over and said son you got a home..then he tore the roof off..one of my fondest music memories

[@KarlCurtisZeuch]

Totally cool

[@robertmurray5758]

I recorded Smokey's 88th Street Blues album on my Murray Bros Records Label in the 80's. He was a great man, nice as they come and a true bluesman. He could imitate the sound of numerous greats as was demonstrated on the 88th Street Blues release (now available on Blind Pig Records). When the record was released, sales were huge in Mississippi and other southern states where I was told by a distributor fans went crazy for his sound. Hollywood Fats was/is my favorite blues guitarists bar none, what a shame he passed so young. He too could imitate other major blues guitarists, but played a better version than did themselves. I saw him live many times and recorded him on other albums, no one could build and climax a solo like him. William Clarke also passed way too young was one of the top harp players of the day, great tone and chops. Nice to see this video, reminds me of many great times I had back in the day with fond memories of those who have passed...

[@roncoghlan8196]

I saw him play the Belly Up Tavern in the mid 80's. Hollywood Fats was backing him up. Fats came on first and played an incredible blues set. I got a chance to talk with Smokey a bit. He was the nicest guy.

[@AndrewVOdom]

That “88th St, Blues “ record is a total classic. I discovered it when reissued. Met Smokey and he was a class act. Thanks for posting the clip and for the memories.

[@newenglandguitarman3345]

Murray Bros records was THE West Coast sound !

[@johnnyford9074]

I played with Smokey in the 90's when he did a stint in San Francisco. He was the most generous man with his stage. He called me his grandson the whole weekend. I've played with dozens of legends, including William(RIP), John Lee, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, to humbly brag about a few, but Smokey, essentially, invited me to take over his stage. I'll never forget it. He gave me one of my fondest memories. He truly was a great player and an incredibly nice man. I'll never forget him. RIP Smokey.

[@dutchomatic]

Had them same kind of experiences with folks Mr. Ford. Well understood. I remember meeting James Cotton back '95. Funny story I was telling just the other day. I never met Fats, but sure love hearing that cat play. Dude was a monster on guitar and a major influence on my playing. Here in this vid it's like he'd Godzilla restrained. He'd have single handedly set that stage on fire. And with William Clark? Holy hell.....it'd have been like Mount Olympus with Zeus chuckin' lightning bolts.

[@JanErikCallne]

I know, Hollywood Fat together with William Clarke would have had Belly Up smokin'!

[@harmonica212]

Stevie Ray Vaughan Said That Hollywood Fats was one of the Best players He Had Ever seen play a Guitar. one of my Friends Bull Dog Hung out with Hollywood Fats.Back in the Day. His Dad was in a Band with Hollywood in the Canned Heat. His name is Ronnie Barron the Piano player. He Gave my Friend the name Bull Dog and Buddy Guy and Junior Wells Gave Michael Mann the name Hollywood Fats. 2 Friends of Mine knew William Clarke. They Said He was the nicest Man. very Humble. when I First Heard William Clarke play I Thought who is This Guy. the way He plays was Smokin. He was the only one I Heard Do a Trill on a Harmonica Besides Stevie Wonder. He is That Good.

[@stephancoleman-prest2224]

i consider myself to be a blues nut and this is about as good as it gets lots of soul

[@TheOleowl]

I used to play for Phillip walker. I was invited to play with Smokey on a gig in Coeur d'alene , Idaho. He was a great guy and a fine player. Sure wish he was still around. RIP Smokey . RIP Phillip Walker.

[@michaellassley30]

Smokey came to Anchorage a few years ago and played with us at Bllues Central. My daughter and I were happy happy to provide some transportation while he was here. One Great Bluesman

[@matthewmiriammcmahonortega9579]

Murray Bro Records!!! Great music from the brothers. Thank you for your great contribution to Southern California Blues music!! Your recorded music will keep future generations aware of the Talent of the So Cal Blues scene!!

[@TomBarradas]

Smokey's tone could rip your face off. So glad I got to see and meet him in Ottawa before he passed. Nice to see fellow West Coast legends William Clarke and Hollywood Fats in support as well. RIP fellas. You just know these guys are rippin' it upstairs!

[@Jummolarry]

Takes me back to Blues Society events and Sundays at the Music Machine in the eighties some bad cats playing that nasty boogie music. So glad I was in LA during those years.

[@dealsbetweenfriends]

how about the Harmonica blowout at the Blue Bird at lax! have the poster still 1985 i believe..!

[@Steve_Fdor]

The Music Machine had great blues shows in the 80s. I attended many of them and played there with John Lee Hooker, Bo Diddley, Snooky Pryor, Lazy Lester, Joe Turner, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Percy Mayfield, William Clarke, Charlie Musselwhite, Bonnie Raitt, the Blasters and others. It had previously been an "urban cowboy" joint and was the "Top Hat" in the 60s. It's no longer a club.

[@Jummolarry]

@@Steve_Fdor It was good times marathon boogie, fun!

[@EricCirca6566]

What a dream blues band!

[@teiltje]

And at last Hollywood Fats got a chance to show his skills at Smokey's party.

[@jamesa.rodriguez8598]

I cut my teeth in Hanford, Ca. with Smoky. The scheduled Harp player couldn't make the gig. After a brief interview, Smoky cut me loose. I believe the year was 1988 or 89. Mississippi Red and Lady GG were there.

[@gymiemac]

This was Broadcast on PBS as "Three Generations of The Blues" from the Belly Up In Solana Beach , Ca This was segment 2 , 1st was Robert Cray "the Young Blod . The 3rd was John Lee Hooker. I have it recorded on VHS Tape from that original broadcast

[@bensch8604]

please post it sir

[@daawedge9324]

Bill Clarke was at his best always, but especially when he did the little back upp harp licks , that just were great.... si or no ??? GO , ' THE DIRTY LOW DOWN BLUES !!! YEAH !!!

[@TallBob2k]

so nice I listened twice

[@jeromehenen8256]

terrific music, timeless

[@timwitwer6911]

RIP Richard Innes

[@19522752]

Great showman! Smokey sure knew how to work the band ( lovin it! )

[@juke1208]

Great Stuff thanks Jeannette!

[@techmiker]

this is awesome thank you!

[@mountainwoodie9816]

On one stage.Three no four no five , six of the greatest West Coast Blues gave the world. You can't replace Fats, Clarke and Smokey though.........

[@gabrieln3613]

Very Cool to see the Belly Up Tavern, does anyone know what year this was? I was in the first electric band to ever play there, starting in 1977 and the first pro harmonica player to be there. We would play 2-3 nights per week about once a month and really got the place hoping.....filled with listeners but, also the two-step honk-tonk style country dance folks.

[@bluesdoggmusicrediker4614]

west coasts finest!!!

[@Vodichka9]

Thank you, Jeannette!

[@keijotoivonen3988]

Gooooöd!

[@harmonica212]

What Great Music. William Clarke is Smokin with Such a Great Lineup of Players. Does Anyone Have the Song List. This is so Cool.

[@sandmonjones8004]

Thru Blind Joe Hill & the outta sighters I was privileged to Jam with all 3 at one time or another.

[@dealsbetweenfriends]

William.. i still have that poster when you played at the Blue Bird hotel at lax on the Harmonica Blowout Hmm! 1985 ish.

[@whuseman1881]

Smokey's lead tone is absolute 🔥

[@beezzzzbuuzzzz]

Gotta wonder about the two people who gave this "thumbs down"...

[@flatgone]

Fats could play circles around Smokey. He was showboatin' and didn't let Fats cut loose because he would have "Smoked" Smokey. Fats was a classy guy and just laid back as it was Smokey's band and his show. He really should have let Fats stretch out and tear it up!

[@martyspaulding4712]

maybe. depends on what you're after. Smokey was a helluva showman and crowd pleaser. To a lot of blues fans, that accounts for more than a guitar solo.

[@LizardLoungeRadio]

Quite right, Fats could have really let rip and showed Smokey what being smoked is all about.

[@KarlCurtisZeuch]

1984? What's the date of this show?

[@keijotoivonen3988]

Gooooööööd!

[@JanErikCallne]

Strange lineup but I'm sure it was a fun gig to be at. Hollywood Fats didn't get much play on this video.

[@musicofanatic]

Fats DID play much, a lesson on how to be a supportive, professional player on stage

[@52Ricoman]

What year and place did this awsome performance take place?

[@MickBrownFishingTV]

Solana Beach, California.

[@52Ricoman]

MickBrownFishingTV Yeah. Saw that on intro after my comment. But thank you!

[@MickBrownFishingTV]

lol! Like you said, an awesome performance. I'll be jamming to this all week !

[@snorchy1]

Another lost archives classic

[@josekuykendall5592]

Yes he was very nice guy me and my ex-wife knew him down to earth person

[@nacienlos70]

Anybody knows what's the name of this song? I mean of the first song

[@AndrewVOdom]

“Just A Little Bit” en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_a_Little_Bit_(Rosco_Gordon_song)

[@nacienlos70]

@@AndrewVOdom Thanks 👍

[@ireneruthfox]

He would not let Fats shine.....Smokey knew he would get smoked.

[@mmowoa]

@Worldwide Ghosts Fats is doing respect to the masters, which it makes Fats a 100% better musician

[@AndrewVOdom]

Blues is not a competition. Smokey was the lead act here. Perfect band.

[@martyspaulding4712]

maybe. depends on what you're after. Smokey was a helluva showman and crowd pleaser. To a lot of blues fans, that accounts for more than a guitar solo.

[@teiltje]

Smokey was on an ego trip unfortunately.