I posted this in the music board but fuck it...you'll see it here too:
If you don't know who he is, you should.
An Austin icon, Antone was the owner of Antone's, "The Home Of The Blues." But to say that he was just a club owner would be to say Muddy Waters was just some guy who liked to carry around a guitar. Clifford was a friend to all and had it not been for him, Austin would never have been pegged, "The Live Music Capitol Of The World." He befriended many a bluesman in the 1970's when they were sadly passed by in favor of other, more "modern" music. He'd bring Muddy Waters, Albert Collins, Pinetop Perkins, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and countless others to Austin and give them a gig for a week at the original Antone's on 6th Street.
He'd feed them. He'd take care of them. Recently, he made arrangements for Pinetop Perkins to move to Austin so that he could be among friends, fans and receive proper medical care. Not to mention a good roof over his head.
I fell in love many times in his club. Had my heart broken just as many times. Clifford WAS Austin. He is responsible for feeding the blues loving heart of a homeless 18 year old and giving me a job all at the same time. My only surprise birthday party was courtesy of him. I know few people in town and in the blues community worldwide who didn't know him or want to know him.
You will be missed, Clifford
If you don't know who he is, you should.
An Austin icon, Antone was the owner of Antone's, "The Home Of The Blues." But to say that he was just a club owner would be to say Muddy Waters was just some guy who liked to carry around a guitar. Clifford was a friend to all and had it not been for him, Austin would never have been pegged, "The Live Music Capitol Of The World." He befriended many a bluesman in the 1970's when they were sadly passed by in favor of other, more "modern" music. He'd bring Muddy Waters, Albert Collins, Pinetop Perkins, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and countless others to Austin and give them a gig for a week at the original Antone's on 6th Street.
He'd feed them. He'd take care of them. Recently, he made arrangements for Pinetop Perkins to move to Austin so that he could be among friends, fans and receive proper medical care. Not to mention a good roof over his head.
I fell in love many times in his club. Had my heart broken just as many times. Clifford WAS Austin. He is responsible for feeding the blues loving heart of a homeless 18 year old and giving me a job all at the same time. My only surprise birthday party was courtesy of him. I know few people in town and in the blues community worldwide who didn't know him or want to know him.
You will be missed, Clifford
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Many times hanging out at SXSW talking blues........
He was a giant, I am pretty crushed and I am in Salt lake right now moseying down that way.
It seems all of the albums I have listened to on the way down cannot ease the pain.
I have talked with Kim WIlson and Jimmy Vaughn all of whom are making it in one way or the other.
He gace alot of us a spotlight and alot of us a chance when there were none......
To Quote Mississippi John Hurt:
"Rest easy old friend for the lights in the sky tonight shine for you.."
I know alot of folks are coming home to say good bye.......Me included.
continue to repeat this to yourself. you'll be fine!