Blowfly, American singer-songwriter and producer (d. 2016)

Clarence Henry Reid (February 14, 1939 – January 17, 2016) was a remarkable and multifaceted American musical talent, widely celebrated for his groundbreaking dual career. He excelled as a highly respected songwriter and producer operating under his birth name, while simultaneously establishing himself as the outrageous, often explicit, and satirically brilliant artist known by his iconic stage persona, Blowfly. Born in Cochran, Georgia, Reid's profound influence and significant contributions to music were predominantly forged within the vibrant music scene of Miami, Florida, particularly through his association with the influential TK Records label, a powerhouse for soul, R&B, and disco in the 1970s.

Clarence Reid: The Visionary Songwriter and Producer Behind the Hits

As Clarence Reid, he meticulously built a formidable reputation as an in-demand and prolific songwriter and producer. His work profoundly shaped the sound of numerous rhythm and blues (R&B) and soul hits throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Reid possessed an uncanny ability to craft catchy melodies and poignant lyrics, demonstrating a deep intuitive understanding of popular music trends and the emotional core of the genres he worked within. His contributions went far beyond mere performance; he was a strategic architect behind the scenes, elevating the careers of many artists.

Key Songwriting and Production Milestones:

Through his work as Clarence Reid, he exemplified a serious, skilled, and versatile craftsman, significantly contributing to the mainstream success of a diverse array of artists and cementing his status as a formidable and respected figure within the music industry.

Blowfly: The Uninhibited Persona and Pioneer of "Dirty Rap"

In a striking departure from his more conventional, behind-the-scenes work, Clarence Reid unleashed his outrageous and uninhibited alter ego, Blowfly, in the early 1970s. This persona quickly became synonymous with explicit, often comedic, and sexually charged lyrical content, making him a pioneering figure in a distinctive subgenre widely recognized as the precursor to "dirty rap" or "porno rap."

As Blowfly, Reid masterfully transformed popular songs into hilariously R-rated parodies, delivering them with a distinctive, often gravelly vocal style and audacious, unashamed humor. His debut album as Blowfly, "The Weird World of Blowfly," released in 1971, marked the beginning of a prolific and often controversial career that spanned several decades and captivated a niche yet dedicated audience.

Throughout his career as Blowfly, he released an astonishing total of over 25 parody albums, consistently pushing lyrical and thematic boundaries with his unfiltered narratives and satirical takes on society, sexuality, and everyday life. These albums were more than just shock value; they frequently featured clever wordplay, intricate rhymes, and biting social commentary, all skillfully cloaked in his characteristic crude humor and explicit language.

Lasting Legacy and Profound Influence on Music

Clarence Henry Reid's impact on the landscape of modern music is undeniably multifaceted and profound. As Clarence Reid, he stands as a foundational figure in the development of R&B and soul, a masterful presence behind the studio console, and a gifted, insightful lyricist. As Blowfly, he courageously broke new ground, blazing a trail for future generations of artists who dared to explore explicit, comedic, and socially transgressive themes in their music, particularly within hip-hop.

His influence is widely acknowledged and revered by prominent figures across the hip-hop genre, including:

Clarence Henry Reid passed away at the age of 76 on January 17, 2016, due to complications arising from organ failure, specifically congestive heart failure and kidney failure. His death marked the end of an extraordinary era for a true original whose incredibly diverse musical contributions continue to resonate deeply and inspire artists across various genres.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clarence Henry Reid and Blowfly

Who was Clarence Henry Reid?
Clarence Henry Reid was an American musician, songwriter, and producer, born in 1939. He lived a dual musical life, achieving success under his given name while also gaining significant notoriety as his explicit and comedic alter ego, Blowfly. He made profound contributions to both mainstream R&B/soul and pioneering explicit comedy music.
What made Blowfly famous?
Blowfly became famous for his explicit and humorous parody albums. He took popular songs and reworked their lyrics with sexually charged, often satirical, and comedic themes. He is widely celebrated as a pioneer of "dirty rap" or "porno rap," influencing many subsequent artists with his fearless lyrical content.
How many albums did Clarence Reid release under each persona?
Clarence Henry Reid released over 25 parody albums as Blowfly, cementing his legacy in the world of explicit comedy music. Additionally, he released three albums under his own name, Clarence Reid, showcasing his more traditional R&B and soul work.
What were Clarence Reid's significant contributions as a songwriter and producer?
As Clarence Reid, he was a highly respected and prolific songwriter and producer, particularly known for his extensive work in R&B and soul. He wrote hits such as the iconic "Clean Up Woman" for Betty Wright and also contributed significantly to the success of other notable artists like Sam & Dave, Gwen McCrae, and Jimmy "Bo" Horne.
Did Blowfly influence the development of hip-hop music?
Absolutely. Blowfly's influence on hip-hop music is widely acknowledged and significant. He is frequently cited as the "godfather of dirty rap" due to his early and pioneering use of explicit, comedic, and often controversial themes in his music, which predated and directly influenced many well-known hip-hop artists and subgenres.