Clint West

Biography

Clint West, born Clinton Joseph Guillory on August 11, 1938, in Ville Platte, Louisiana, was a pioneering figure in the development of swamp pop, a genre blending Cajun, country, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. West's early musical experiences began at age 13, playing drums and singing with the Vidrine Playboys, a local Cajun band. Despite a family not particularly musical, West was drawn to music from a young age, often preferring to listen to the radio and drum along rather than participate in sports. His first professional break came when accordionist Gilbert Mayeaux invited him to join the Vidrine Playboys after noticing his innate sense of rhythm[1][2][5].

In the late 1950s, West shifted towards swamp pop, joining Red Smiley’s Vel-Tones and recording his first single, "Lover Blues/Take a Ride." He later played with the Rollercoasters in Monroe before returning to south Louisiana to join the Boogie Kings, a blue-eyed soul group that became a regional sensation. As the front man, West's soulful vocals and leadership helped the Boogie Kings achieve widespread popularity, especially with songs like "Big Blue Diamonds" and "Try To Find Another Man." After a split in 1965, West formed the Fabulous Kings and later pursued a solo career, recording for the Jin label and performing throughout Louisiana. He was twice inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Fame, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Boogie Kings. West continued performing into the 1970s and beyond, integrating more Cajun influences into his music as his career progressed[1][2][3][4].

Clint West's legacy lies in his ability to bridge traditional Cajun roots with contemporary American genres, helping to define the swamp pop sound. His enduring popularity in Louisiana and among fans of southern soul and Cajun music is a testament to his influence and versatility. West passed away on June 28, 2016, in Opelousas, Louisiana, but his recordings and contributions to Louisiana music continue to be celebrated[3][4].

Fun Facts

• Clint West's real name was Clinton Joseph Guillory, but he adopted the stage name to reflect the Americanization common among Cajun musicians of his era[6].
• He was discovered as a drummer when, at age 12, he impressed local musicians by beating time on a wall at a dance hall, leading to his first band gig[2].
• West was twice inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Fame: once as a solo vocalist, and once as a member of the Boogie Kings[1].
• Despite his success as a musician, West briefly worked as a bookkeeper, but lost his job because he couldn't stop drumming along to the radio at his desk[2].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Gilbert Mayeaux - Accordionist who recognized West's talent and invited him to join the Vidrine Playboys, providing his first professional experience. (Performances with the Vidrine Playboys) [Early 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Tommy McLain - Fellow swamp pop musician and bandmate in Red Smiley’s Vel-Tones; later recorded duets. ("Try To Find Another Man" (duet, 1965)) [Late 1950s–1960s]
• The Boogie Kings - Lead vocalist and front man, helping define the band's sound and regional success. (Albums and singles including "Big Blue Diamonds") [Early–mid 1960s]
• Red Smiley’s Vel-Tones - Band member, early swamp pop recordings. ("Lover Blues/Take a Ride") [Late 1950s]

Artists Influenced

• Subsequent generations of Louisiana swamp pop and blue-eyed soul musicians - West's blend of Cajun, soul, and rock influenced many regional artists who followed. (Numerous covers and stylistic emulations in the swamp pop genre) [1970s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Big Blue Diamonds (The Essential Collection)
2. Try Me (The Essential Collection)
3. Our Love (Swamp Gold, Vol. 1)
4. Try to Find Another Man (The Essential Collection)
5. Big Blue Diamonds (Swamp Gold, Vol. 2)
6. Another Saturday Night (Swamp Gold, Vol. 4)
7. Our Love (The Essential Collection)
8. Another Saturday Night (The Essential Collection)
9. Shelly's Winter Love (The Essential Collection)
10. I'm Sorry Pillow (Swamp Gold, Vol. 5)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia