clarence wheeler

Biography

Clarence Wheeler was a Chicago-based tenor saxophonist and bandleader best known for his work with the jazz-funk group Clarence Wheeler & The Enforcers in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Despite being a relatively obscure figure, Wheeler's contributions to the soul jazz and funk jazz genres are notable, particularly through his group's energetic and innovative recordings. The Enforcers, formed in Chicago, featured Wheeler alongside trumpeter Sonny Covington, organist Sonny Burke, and drummer George Hughes. Their debut album, 'Doin’ What We Wanna,' recorded in November 1969 and released by Atlantic Records in 1970, is widely regarded as a classic of the genre, blending New Orleans funk with the robust jazz traditions of Chicago’s South Side.[1][2][4][5]

Wheeler’s career was marked by collaborations with prominent organists such as Jack McDuff and Don Patterson, which helped shape his soulful, groove-oriented approach to jazz. The Enforcers' sound was further enriched by the contributions of vocalists like Cissy Houston, Judy Clay, and Jackie Verdell, and the group went on to release two more albums on Atlantic: 'The Love I’ve Been Looking For' (1971) and 'New Chicago Blues' (1973). Wheeler was recognized for his clever arrangements and ability to fuse funk, modern jazz, and soul into a cohesive and uplifting musical experience. His work, though not widely known during his lifetime, has since been rediscovered and celebrated by jazz and funk enthusiasts.[1][2][4][5]

Clarence Wheeler passed away at age 72, leaving behind a legacy as a passionate musician who brought together some of the finest talents in Chicago’s jazz scene. His recordings with The Enforcers continue to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners, standing as vibrant examples of the creative possibilities within jazz-funk and soul jazz.[6]

Fun Facts

• Clarence Wheeler & The Enforcers’ debut album was recorded in a single day at Universal Studios, Chicago, on November 18, 1969.[1][2]
• Wheeler approached a local DJ to announce his young wife's funeral, which indirectly led to The Enforcers being signed by Atlantic Records.[1][2]
• The Enforcers’ music features a unique blend of New Orleans funk and Chicago soul jazz, with arrangements that highlight both groove and improvisation.[1][2]
• Despite their influence, Clarence Wheeler & The Enforcers remain an enigmatic and under-documented group, with most information about them coming from album liner notes and a handful of dedicated jazz writers.[4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jack McDuff - Wheeler was formerly associated with organist Jack McDuff, whose groove-based jazz style influenced Wheeler's approach. (Collaborative performances (no specific albums cited)) [1960s]
• Don Patterson - Wheeler worked with organist Don Patterson, absorbing elements of soul jazz and improvisational techniques. (Collaborative performances (no specific albums cited)) [1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Sonny Covington - Trumpeter and core member of The Enforcers. (Doin’ What We Wanna (1970), The Love I’ve Been Looking For (1971), New Chicago Blues (1973)) [1969–1973]
• Sonny Burke - Organist and core member of The Enforcers. (Doin’ What We Wanna (1970), The Love I’ve Been Looking For (1971), New Chicago Blues (1973)) [1969–1973]
• George Hughes - Drummer and core member of The Enforcers. (Doin’ What We Wanna (1970), The Love I’ve Been Looking For (1971), New Chicago Blues (1973)) [1969–1973]
• Cissy Houston - Provided vocals on select tracks with The Enforcers. (Doin’ What We Wanna (1970)) [1969]
• Judy Clay - Provided vocals on select tracks with The Enforcers. (Doin’ What We Wanna (1970)) [1969]
• Jackie Verdell - Provided vocals on select tracks with The Enforcers. (Doin’ What We Wanna (1970)) [1969]

Artists Influenced

• Modern jazz-funk and soul jazz musicians - Wheeler’s recordings, especially with The Enforcers, have been rediscovered and sampled by later generations of jazz, funk, and hip-hop artists. (Doin’ What We Wanna (1970) and subsequent albums) [1990s–present (posthumous influence)]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Right On (Doin' What We Wanna)
2. Hey Jude (Doin' What We Wanna)
3. Sham Time (Doin' What We Wanna)
4. Right On (Deep in the World of Breaks & Beats)
5. Doin' What I Wanna (Doin' What We Wanna)
6. Theme from Electric Surfboard (Doin' What We Wanna)
7. Dream Bossa Nova (Doin' What We Wanna)
8. Broasted or Fried (The Love I've Been Looking For)
9. Hey Jude (GLASS ONION: SONGS OF THE BEATLES)
10. Don't Go to Strangers (The New Chicago Blues)

External Links

• Spotify