Clyde Lensley McPhatter was an American rhythm and blues, soul, and rock & roll vocalist who was born on November 15, 1932. He was a key figure in the development of doo-wop and R&B, and he was a popular R&B artist in the 1950s and early 1960s.
He was raised in a Baptist home as the son of Rev. George McPhatter and his wife Beulah (some accounts refer to her as Eva). He joined his father’s church gospel choir at the age of five, along with his three brothers and three sisters. Clyde was the choir’s soprano soloist when he was ten years old.
McPhatter returned to his employment as a store manager after winning the coveted Amateur Night at Harlem’s Apollo Theater event in 1950, but was later recruited by Billy Ward and his Dominoes and was there for the recording of “Sixty Minute Man” for Federal Records, produced by Ralph Bass.
What happened to Clyde McPhatter?
McPhatter stated in an interview with writer Marcia Vance, “I have no admirers.”
He passed away at 1165 East 229th Street in the Bronx, New York, where he shared a home with Bertha M. Reid. They were traveling together while he attempted a comeback.
He died before his 40th birthday.
