Clyde Lensley McPhatter, born November 15, 1932, was an American rhythm and blues, soul, and rock & roll vocalist. He was a pivotal figure in the development of doo-wop and R&B, and he was one of the most imitated R&B singers of the 1950s and early 1960s.
As the son of Rev. George McPhatter and his wife Beulah, he grew raised in a Baptist home (some accounts refer to her as Eva). At the age of five, he joined his father’s church gospel choir, along with his three brothers and three sisters. When Clyde was ten years old, he was the choir’s soprano soloist.
After winning the coveted Amateur Night at Harlem’s Apollo Theater event in 1950, McPhatter returned to his job as a store manager, 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 was Clyde McPhatter cause of death?
He died in his sleep at the age of 39 from complications of alcohol-related heart, liver, and renal illness.
