Career
Radcliff was raised in Bethesda, Maryland, where he played in blues clubs after picking up the guitar at the age of 12. He also visited Chicago several times, where he met musicians such as Magic Sam. In 1977, he relocated to New York, where he took a job in a bookstore and played local clubs at night.
In 1987 he began recording and performing full-time.
His first studio recording was in 1985, and from 1989-1998 he recorded with Black Top Records. Radcliff underwent hand and arm surgery in the late 1990s making minimal live appearances.
In 2004 he released "Natural Ball" (Rollo Records) and made a return to international performing. In 2011, he recorded "Freaking Maine Out" (Krellno Records) which was his first all originals Civil Defense. This Civil Defense also features Radcliff"s original artwork (on the front cover and inside).
Radcliff remains active as a bandleader and in demand guitarist.
He has recently guested with: First Rate (at Lloyd's) Copley"s Roomful of Blues Reunion Band, The Nighthawks, Bob Margolin"s All Star Band, Jimmy "Fast Fingers" Dawkins, Mark Hummel & Rusty Zinn, and Bruce Ewan.