I must pay tribute to this Black man
Who stood tall with pride and with good reason.

As a young man of 17, he left the family farm in Missouri.
He played music, sang, and called barn dances.

He felt there must be more to life and set out by bus, train,
or when money was low -- freight cars.

He had hidden in his shoe for insurance a $20 gold piece.
He didn't trust much to luck.

He ended up in Rock Island, Illinois on the Mississippi River.
Money was scarce so he took a job as a waiter while going to Barber school at night.

Soon he was promoted to Head Waiter.
He was told if he were not a Black man, he could have been manager.
He stayed for 65 years in this private club.

This man knew his worth, was strong on principles and the "trues" of life.
His teachings are still the strongest influence on my life.
Like a gentle giant, he sacrificed for his children and for my life as a musician.

I deeply loved this man.
Townspeople called him, "Mr. Clay"
I proudly called him "Papa."

Francis Clay's work is well known to those who have studied Chicago Blues. If you've listened to Muddy Waters, you've heard Francis. He was Muddy's drummer on and off for about 15 years starting in 1957. Francis was in the thick of things during the heyday of Chicago blues and played with all the greats. His highly original and immensely propulsive drumming drives numerous recordings by Muddy Waters and others. You can find his name on some of the classics of Chicago blues, including the much-acclaimed album "Muddy Waters At Newport." He has toured and recorded with Little Walter, Otis Spann, Clifton Chenier, John Lee Hooker, Big Mama Thornton, Lightnin' Hopkins and Jimmy Reed (to name a few) and was a founding member of the James Cotton Blues Band. Francis Clay is truly one of the all-time masters of blues drumming.

More of Francis Clay's writings are available at bluespower.com

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