William Clarke was the epitome of the post George “Harmonica” Smith West Coast harmonica style. His huge harmonica tone and unapologetic intensity made him stand out among his peers. He passed away at the young age of 45 on November 2nd, 1996. He is considered legendary for his amazing performances and great recordings. Special thanks to his widow, Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici for sharing many of the photos included on this page which also appear on the “William Clarke Remembered” Facebook fan page.
William Clarke Promo Photo
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
This flyer is from William Clarke’s last Phoenix show at The Rhythm Room in September of 1996. Bob Corritore booked William at The Rhythm Room often. This show was completely on fire!
Album Cover for The William Clarke Blues Band Rockin The Boat LP
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
William Clarke With Sweet Lovin’ Daddy & Shakey Jane
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
William Clarke’s Fender Bassman Amplifier
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
Photo Collage of William Clarke
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
Troyce Key, Steve F’Dor, Eddie Clark, Alex Schultz, Willie Brinlee, William Clarke, Mitch Kashmar
Eli’s in Oakland, CA – 1988
(Photo Courtesy of Mitch Kashmar)
William Clarke LP Cover
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
William & Jeanette Clarke on Their Wedding Day!
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
William Clarke Band Publicity Photo
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
Teacher & Student: George “Harmonica” Smith & William Clarke
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
William Clarke
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
Shakey Jane, Smokey Wilson, and William Clarke at The Pioneer Club
This photo appeared on the cover of the LP Hittin’ Heavy.
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
William Clarke With His Daughter Gina
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
William Clarke & Robert Lockwood, Jr.
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
Lazy Lester, Mojo Buford, William Clarke
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
William Clarke
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
William Clarke
(Photo Courtesy of Jeanette Clarke-Lodivici)
William Clarke at The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, Colne, 1993. Photo Gordi Brown.
Bear Family special edition LP Front Cover
Back cover with credits of Bear Family LP
Poster courtesy Gordi Brown.
Bob Corritore - Official Website 
RIP the big boss of modern blues harmonica! 19 Years ago this week we lost him.
Little Walter may be the greatest but William Clarke was the best!
Sincerely love Williams harmonica work and his vocals as well.
I worked with Bill at RC ENGINEERING in the mid-70’s up to the 80’s. I loved it when I would come over to the machine shop for whatever reason and lucky me, he would be having a break, lost in some riffs and melodies of his own right there at his work bench. No one dared go near him when he was like that….for sure not me…..much respect. We just stayed way off somewhere else in the machine shop, and watched. You could hear him no matter where you were, just fine. But the important thing was you weren’t interrupting that art he was creating by the second. 🙂 So glad I got to meet you and work with you Brother. Can’t wait to see the crowd at your show in Heaven.
Thank you, Mr. Corritore, for all you’ve done for the blues. No blues fan’s life is complete until he’s heard William Clarke, especially the song, ‘Trying To Stretch My Money’.
Just heard him for the first time on BB Kings blues channel. Liked it so much had to hear more and research. Man what a sound. Sad, much too soon to have to check out.
Every now and then I go back thru recording of his and put then on continuous play. William Clarke was the BEST.
Just heard “Work Song” on Sirius XM Bluesville. I wasn’t familiar with William Clarke. What a great tune. I added it to my playlist. Did some research as well. What a tragedy. Gone way too soon.