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Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater is a versatile, flamboyant Chicago blues rocker who can perform good-natured party music and original, deep, melancholy blues with equal finesse. "It's country and blues and rock 'n' roll combined…high energy music," Clearwater says of his trademark sound. Born in 1935 in Macon, Mississippi, Eddy Clearwater (birth name: Eddie Harrington) grew up listening to the sounds of his homeland, delta blues and country. After his family moved to Birmingham, Alabama, the young Eddy started his musical career at the age of 13 by playing alongside several gospel groups- the most famous being The Five Blind Boys of Alabama. In 1950, at the age of 15, Clearwater moved to Chicago's West Side where he was exposed to the heavy blues scene in that part of town. Eddy was in awe of the styling's of the blues musicians of the neighborhood including Magic Sam and Luther Allison, father of another Briggs Farm's performer, Bernard Allison. After befriending Magic Sam, Eddy let go of his gospel roots and transformed himself into a full out blues musician by 1953. Going by the name "Guitar Eddy", he quickly became known throughout the taverns and blues clubs around the Windy City. In 1957, he happened upon another of his major stylistic influences after hearing Chuck Berry's "Oh Baby Doll" blasting from his car radio. Eddy perfected his signature style and developed a reputation by incorporating Chuck Berry-style rock with the West Side blues of Chicago and giving dramatic stage performances with his left-handed/upside down guitar playing. His nickname "The Chief" was given to him by blues drummer/agent Jump Jackson for wearing a full Indian head dress that was given to him as a good luck charm. For 20 years, Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater became one of Chicago's hidden treasures until his music gained popularity in Europe in the late 70's. His 1980 U.S. debut album titled "The Chief" after his infamous nickname was the first release on Chicago's fledgling Rooster Blues label. His next album, recorded for England's Red Lightnin' label, won a W.C. Handy Award for "Best Import Blues Album." In 1997, Clearwater's first album for Bullseye Blues titled "Mean Case of the Blues" received a W. C. Handy Award nomination for "Blues Song Of The Year". In 1998, Clearwater made yet another critically acclaimed album, "Cool Blues Walk", where he collaborated with guitarist/producer, Duke Robillard. On his latest album from 2000 called "RESERVATION BLUES" Clearwater continued to collaborate with Robillard. The Chicago Tribune proudly declares him "Chicago's premier blues showman" and after nearly 60 years of the blues, Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater has become a critically acclaimed success with his music gaining worldwide fame across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and South America. Eddy truly is "The Chief" of the blues and still performs over 200 shows a year. Eddy Clearwater lives up to his reputation with his blend of rock and Chicago blues and delivering high energy performances. CONTACT: LYNN ORMAN, ORMAN MUSIC & MEDIA GROUP, Phone: (847) 452-6469 www.EddyClearwater.com
Booking: Piedmont Talent - Steve Hecht Artist's Web site: www.EddyClearwater.com  847-452-6469  | | | |||||||
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