Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

CLARK, Dee

(b Delectus Clark, 7 Nov. '38, Blytheville AR; d 7 Dec. '90, Smyrna GA) Singer. To Chicago as a child; at 14 recording debut with the Hambone Kids (encouraged by his mother, Delecta, who sang spirituals). As member of the Goldentones (later known as the Kool Gents) won talent contest; local disc jockey Herb Kent took him to Vee-Jay label subsidiary Falcon/Abner; several top 40 hits late '50s/early '60s: "Just Keep It Up' no. 18 USA '58; biggest was atmospheric "Raindrops' '61 (with sound effects of heavy rain). After '65 no more chart hits; top 20 UK only '75 with "Ride A Wild Horse' on Chelsea label; then silence again.