Sanford Clark RIP

Sorry to hear of the death, from COVID, aged 85 of rockabilly singer Sanford Clark. Raised in Phoenix, Arizona, he came to fame in 1956 when Sanford and his friend Al Casey met up with Lee Hazlewood and Sanford recorded Lee's 'The Fool', which was picked up by the Dot label. It sold well in the country, R and B and pop charts, demonstrating Sanford's cross over appeal. The follow up 'The Cheat', backed by 'Usta Be My Baby', was a minor hit but Sanford was to have more success when he signed for Jamie and continued to work with Lee Hazlewood. 'Son Of A Gun' was another successful record as was 'Run Boy Run' and 'Go On Home' - all favourites of mine in the early sixties. In 1964 he recorded Lee Hazlewood's 'Houston' but this was overshadowed by Dean Martin's version. He signed for Hazlewood's LHI label and recorded an album called 'Return Of The Fool' and moved towards the country field, recording an album called 'They Call Me Country', which included a rework of 'The Fool'. He later dropped out of the music industry to work in construction. I saw Sanford perform at Hemsby in 2001 (see photo above) where he appeared with Al Casey, with Lee Hazlewood making a walk on appearance. He was a fine singer who probably should have been even more successful than he was.