David Clayton-Thomas began as a tough bar brawling homeless Toronto street kid and developed into one of Canada's most recognizable singer/songwriters … to date selling over 40 million records.
Scrappin' his way to the top of the early 1960s Ontario nightclub scene, in between his share of prison terms, Clayton-Thomas just didn't one day decide to be a powerful 3 octave blues singer, he earned it.
"Got no money, and ya got no home, spinnin' wheel all alone..." aren't mere lyrics conceived with friends around some plush parlor's finely tuned Steinway.
No, David's dysfunctional formative years drive every note, punctuate every line... a true artist isn't conjured up on some prime-time reality talent show... a true artist starts out coal under the right amount of pressure... time and pressure... blood, sweat & tears... polish and luck...
David's Diamonds:
- 1968 BS&T's self-titled album sold 10 million copies, topped and charted Billboard's charts for over 109 weeks, won five Grammy Awards including "Album of the Year" and "Best Performance by a Male Vocalist," with hit singles, "You've made me so very happy," "And when I die," "Spinning Wheel," and a rich rendition of Billy Holliday's "God bless the child."
- In the following years David's creative high-points continued with "Lucretia MacEvil," "Go down gamblin'," and Carole King's "Hi-De-Ho."
- Canadian Music Hall of Famer (1996)
- Canadian Songwriter's Hall of Famer (2007)
- Grammy Hall of Famer (2002)
- Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Famer (2008)
- ... and he's still going!
David now has a 10-piece band under his own name and lives back in Toronto, not far from the streets of his boyhood, it's where he feels most at home.
...coal under pressure.... polish and luck... David's 40 year career hasn't turned out too shabby after all...
When Mr. David Clayton-Thomas asks, "Whatcha - gonna - do?" you may want to sit there, crank it up, keep your mouth shut, and listen to what he has to say... especially if you happen to be named Lucy! (c'mon, press play with the volume full blast, I double dare ya...)
cool (Posted by happy, 31 December, 1969 18:59:59)
A classic 70s band was Bad Company, and they made a big resurgence in 94 with a new 'album'! HOW ABOUT THAT?
Last night, when the moon was new, I couldnt sleep, I was thinkin of you,
And how much I need ya, how about that.
I act like Im tougher than steel,
With a heart like a stone, but you know it aint real,
I need you baby, how about that....
Classic 70s mega hit 'Can't Get Enough of Your Love' was a biggie on my turntable, now I have an IPOD in my ear and boy technology changes things. Gone are the days of sneaking into the drive-in to see 'Mondo Topless' --it's at your finger tips now boys! Ahh, drather be sneakin--it made it more worthwhile! The 70s, great memories!
(Posted by Sweet Songstress, 31 December, 1969 18:59:59)
Hey RB, since so many are interested in your Lucretia column, you might think about featuring a different artist each week, some heavy hitters like Rod Stewart, The Stones, The Jackson 5, you know the 70s icons, and let the people add their two cents on what they think of your icons. Was Thomas your fave? Why? BST did have a cult following as I recall, but so many other greats to speak of, it could cause a blogging frenzy!!! I think the warm temps are rising! (Posted by Busty LaRue, 31 December, 1969 18:59:59)
Canadian crooner Neil Young was a direct competitor for Thomas in the early 70s and beyond. His over-played 'Heart of Gold' was a fave of mine...'keeps me searchin for a heart of gold, and I'm gettin old'. He enjoyed much fame in 'Comes A Time' too, and our small town media selection ruled and played him to death--luckily I liked his voice! (Posted by Peaceful Hippie in the Chilly Air, 31 December, 1969 18:59:59)
The Stones still are huge icons today, but in the 70s they enjoyed a 'special fame'. My favorite for many reasons 'Angie'....
But Angie, I still love you, baby,
Ev'rywhere I look I see your eyes,
There ain't a woman that comes close to you,
Come on Baby, dry your eyes.....oh the dreams we held so close, seemed to all go up in smoke, let me whisper in your ear.....
I wonder if these guys were high writing this one?
And what about QUEEN???...power-housing against the Stones---mega talents out of the UK in those years. Gotta love 'Fat Bottomed Girls' and 'Your My Best Friend'.... Could anyone rival Mick or Freddie's magic?
(Posted by Stones Fan, 31 December, 1969 18:59:59)
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(Posted by happy, 31 December, 1969 18:59:59)