Background
He was born Clarence Joseph Garlow in Welsh, Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, United States, although he relocated to Beaumont, Texas with his family whilst still a child.
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Clarence Garlow
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One commentator noted the track as, "a rhythm and blues laced-zydeco song that helped introduce the Louisiana music form to a national audience."
After learning the rudiments of fiddle playing as a youngster, in his teenage years Garlow learned to play both the guitar and accordion. His guitar playing was influenced by T-Bone Walker. Initially working in several factories, Garlow first recorded for the small record label, Macy"s in Houston, Texas, in 1949.
His debut release was "She"s So Fine" b/w "Blues As You Like lieutenant", issued in January 1950.
"The song featured some of the same kind of broken Cajun-isms as Hank Williams"s "Jambalaya". lieutenant became a hit in 1950, reaching #7 in the United States Billboard Rhythm & Blues chart.
The success of the single led to Garlow touring Texas and Louisiana. Lyric Records issued two further singles in 1951, but none charted.
Garlow returned to Beaumont in late 1954, and toured with Clifton Chenier, billed as the "Two Crazy Frenchmen".
Garlow also undertook further recordings and had records released by Feature, Folk Star, and Goldband Records over the next few years. By this stage Garlow had ceased performing and recording, although his radio work, both in Beaumont and later in Orange, Texas, continued until the early 1970s. He supplemented his income by working as a mailman.
Garlow played infrequently on a local basis in the early 1980s, and appeared at the 1984 San Francisco Blues Festival.
Garlow died in July 1986 in Beaumont, aged 75. His music has appeared on various compilation albums over the years.
