Effective period / Period of releases: 1983 - 2006

William Clarke was an American harp player born March 29, 1951 in Inglewood, California, US. In 1987 he was nominated for a W.C. Handy Award for his record 'Tip Of The Top'. "Must Be Jelly", a song from the 'Blowin' Like Hell' album, won the Handy Award for Blues Song of the Year. In March 1996 he collapsed on stage in Indianapolis, Indiana, and subsequently took steps to improve his health. However, he died a few months later the night after a performance in Fresno, California, on November 2, 1996 at the age of 45 as a result of complications from a bleeding ulcer.