R.I.P.: Clarence 'Frogman' Henry, Frog-Like Croaky Voiced Singer

Clarence 'Frogman' Henry (1937-2024)

Clarence “Frogman” Henry, a New Orleans rhythm-and-blues singer who recorded his best-known song at age 19 with the hit “Ain’t Got No Home,” died April 7 at 87.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation announced the death but provided no other details. He had been scheduled to perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival later this month.

Henry first came to musical attention when he sang with a frog-like croaky voice on the 1956 recording of “Ain’t Got No Home.” After that release, which hit No. 20 on the U.S. pop charts and No. 3 on the R&B charts, Mr. Henry saw his popularity wax and wane. He had a minor hit in the early 1960s with “(I Don’t Know Why) But I Do” by Paul Gayten and Cajun songwriter Bobby Charles.

With Bill Black’s Combo and the Jive Five, Henry opened for the Beatles for 18 dates in 1964 during their first U.S. trip and toured extensively. He remained a popular entertainer at New Orleans clubs along Bourbon Street until 1981, when he retired from the grueling club circuit. He continued to be a crowd-pleaser at the Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Henry was born in New Orleans on March 19, 1937. He started playing the piano at 8, taking up lessons his sister had disliked. He played the trombone and piano in his high school band and later joined the Toppers, traveling around southern Louisiana before finding success as a solo performer.