Sanford Clark
A memorial service for Sanford Clark was held at The Dirty Drummer in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2021. He passed away earlier that year, on July 4th, at the age of 80.
Sanford's first single, "The Fool", written and produced by Lee Hazlewood, was the first big hit to come out of a Phoenix recording studio, cracking the Top 10 in 1956. I've loved his entire catalog for some time, and was actually fortunate enough to conduct a delightful hour-long phone interview with him in 2009. It was really great to meet his family at the memorial, including his wife, and let them know how much he means to the musical community in Phoenix and beyond, and to me, personally.
At his memorial I was scheduled to play a couple of songs along with a few other acts including Tucson's Al Perry, recording artist Ted Newman (1957's "Plaything"), and a trio led by Mario Moreno. Little did I know that day that I'd be backing up Sanford's daughter, Michelle, on his big hit! That was truly quite an honor.
Joe Baker and Sanford’s daughter, Michelle, performing “The Fool”
John "Johnny D" Dixon organized the event and did a great job DJing, playing Sanford's 45rpm singles synced up with some great visuals, as well as announcing bits of history and trivia. Two big stars from that same era were also in attendance, Jimmy Dell and Jimmy Spellman. Like Sanford, these guys were some of the earliest artists that Lee Hazlewood produced. It was such a pleasure to meet them, and it was unbelievable getting to perform in front of them. A big thanks to Johnny D and Dana Armstrong at The Dirty Drummer for hosting this event.
Al Perry played Sanford’s “Son Of A Gun”
Ted Newman playing tribute to Sanford Clark
Ted Newman, Jimmy Dell, and Jimmy Spellman
