Pioneering musician and producer who blended funk, soul, and electronic music to create a unique sound, known for his provocative and humorous style.
Blowfly, aka Clarence Henry Reid, was an American musician, songwriter, and producer renowned for his outrageous parody albums and alter ego, which he masterfully maintained throughout his illustrious career. This creative genius is celebrated for releasing over 25 parody albums as Blowfly and three more as Clarence Reid, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
Born on February 14, 1939, in Cochran, Georgia, Reid's early life was steeped in country music. He would often visit his grandmother in Georgia, where he'd create explicit parodies of popular country tunes, earning him the moniker "Blowfly" – a term that would become synonymous with his provocative persona. Reid drew inspiration from artists like Homer and Jethro, who he credited with pioneering the art of "soul talkin'," a precursor to modern-day rap.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Reid wrote and produced for an impressive array of artists, including Betty Wright, Sam & Dave, Gwen McCrae, Jimmy Bo Horne, Bobby Byrd, and KC & the Sunshine Band. As a recording artist, he cut numerous tracks, including "Nobody But You Babe" and the infamous "Oddballs," which would later be reworked into "Rapp Dirty."
In 1971, Reid recorded an album of explicit parodies, aptly titled "The Weird World of Blowfly," marking the official debut of his now-legendary alter ego. The album's cover art featured Reid as a low-rent supervillain, setting the tone for his subsequent work as Blowfly. Throughout the 1970s, he continued to create sexually explicit albums, consistently pushing the boundaries of what was deemed acceptable in the music industry.
Though Blowfly's work was often met with controversy, he earned a cult following and critical acclaim for his innovative approach to musical parody. His influence can be seen in later generations of musicians, including the likes of 2 Live Crew and DJ Quik, who have cited Blowfly as an inspiration.
Blowfly's unapologetic creativity and willingness to challenge the status quo have left an indelible mark on the music industry. His work continues to inspire new generations of artists, ensuring his legacy as a true original and pioneer of musical parody.
A true pioneer and provocateur, Blowfly's outrageous creativity and unbridled energy continue to captivate audiences, solidifying his place as a true legend in the world of music.
Born in 1920
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