Cripple Clarence Lofton, born Albert Clemens in 1887 in Kingsport, Tennessee, was a prodigious boogie-woogie pianist and singer emblematic of the early Chicago blues scene. Despite his moniker, which he acquired due to a limp from a childhood accident, Lofton was a dynamic and vigorous performer known for his forceful piano playing and lively showmanship. His style melded ragtime influences with the burgeoning sounds of jazz and blues, bringing a distinctive energy and rhythm to his music that was emblematic of the boogie-woogie craze of the 1930s and 1940s.

Lofton's music career took off when he moved to Chicago, which was a burgeoning hub for the blues at the time. While he never achieved the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries, his contributions to the genre have been celebrated by enthusiasts and have earned him a revered place in the annals of blues history. Though he would eventually leave music for a time to run a tavern, his influence persisted, carried on through recordings and the admiration of fellow musicians. Lofton's work, including songs from various sessions during the 1930s such as "Mistaken Blues" and "What's The Use Of Gettin' Sober," have been collated in compilations like "Cripple Clarence Lofton Vol. 1 (1935-1939)" and "Cripple Clarence Lofton Vol. 2 (1935-1939)", which offer a window into his vibrant contributions to the blues genre. Lofton passed away in 1957, leaving behind a legacy as a foundational figure in boogie-woogie piano playing.

Genres

Barrelhouse Piano

Boogie-woogie

Piano Blues

Traditional Blues

Latest Release

Mistaken Blues

Cripple Clarence Lofton

Album - 11 Tracks - Released October 8, 2021