Biography
Gary Clark Jr., born on February 15, 1984, in Austin, Texas, emerged from the city’s storied blues scene to become one of the most acclaimed modern blues musicians of his generation. Raised in a musically rich environment, Clark began playing guitar at age twelve and quickly became a fixture in Austin’s vibrant club circuit during his teens. His early promise was recognized by Clifford Antone, owner of the legendary Antone’s nightclub, who introduced him to key figures in the Texas blues community, including Jimmie Vaughan. This mentorship helped Clark refine his craft and establish his reputation as a prodigious guitarist and performer.
Clark’s career accelerated with the release of his major-label debut, 'The Bright Lights EP' in 2011, followed by the genre-blending albums 'Blak and Blu' (2012), 'The Story of Sonny Boy Slim' (2015), and 'This Land' (2019). His music fuses traditional blues with rock, soul, and elements of hip hop, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and critical acclaim for both his studio recordings and electrifying live performances. Clark’s guitar work, emotive vocals, and songwriting have positioned him as a torchbearer for contemporary blues, while his willingness to experiment has expanded the genre’s boundaries. His most recent album, 'JPEG Raw,' was released in 2024, further cementing his legacy as a modern blues innovator.
Fun Facts
- Gary Clark Jr. made his acting debut as 'Sonny Blake' in the 2007 film 'Honeydripper.'
- He is a four-time Grammy Award winner, including Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance for 'This Land' in 2020.
- Clark is married to Australian model Nicole Trunfio, and they have three children together.
- He was featured in Jay-Z’s concert documentary film 'Made In America.'
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Clifford Antone - Austin club owner and promoter who provided early performance opportunities and guidance (Live performances at Antone's) [late 1990s–2000s]
- Jimmie Vaughan - Texas blues guitarist who mentored Clark and introduced him to the Austin blues community (Live collaborations and performances) [late 1990s–2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Alicia Keys - Studio collaborator (Recorded together on various projects) [2010s]
- Booker T. Jones - Studio collaborator (Recorded together on various projects) [2010s]
- Eric Clapton - Shared the stage at live performances and festivals (Crossroads Guitar Festival, live shows) [2010s]
- The Rolling Stones - Shared the stage as a guest performer (Live performances) [2010s]
Artists Influenced
- Marcus King - Cited Clark as an inspiration for blending blues and soul with modern sounds (The Marcus King Band albums) [2010s–2020s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Justice League (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | 2017-11-10 | Album |
| This Land | 2019-02-22 | Album |
| The Story of Sonny Boy Slim | 2015-09-11 | Album |
| Blak and Blu (Deluxe Edition) | 2012-10-22 | Album |
| The Storm | 2017-06-30 | Album |
| Gary Clark Jr. Live | 2014-09-19 | Album |
| JPEG RAW | 2024-03-22 | Album |
| Blak and Blu | 2012-10-22 | Album |
| The Atlas Underground | 2018-10-12 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Come Together
- Wild (feat. Gary Clark Jr.) (Bigger Love)
- Rock Bottom
- When I'm Gone (This Land)
- A Change Is Gonna Come
- Don't Owe You a Thang
- Our Love (The Story of Sonny Boy Slim)
- Bright Lights (Blak and Blu (Deluxe Edition))
- Ride (feat. Gary Clark Jr.)
- Low Down Rolling Stone (This Land)
External Links
Tags: #blues, #blues-rock, #contemporary-r&b
References
Heard on WWOZ
Gary Clark Jr. has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 4, 2026 | 15:26 | Ohiofrom Ohio | Homespun Americanaw/ Ol Man River | |
| Oct 9, 2025 | 22:54 | Next Door Neighbor Blues (Live)from Gary Clark Jr. Live | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady |