Lofton, Cripple Clarence (Albert Clemens)

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Lofton, Cripple Clarence (Albert Clemens)

Lofton, Cripple Clarence (Albert Clemens), boogie-woogie pianist, singer; b. Kingsport, Term., March 28, ca. 1896; d. Chicago, 111., Jan. 9,1957. A consummate entertainer, he helped to spearhead the boogie-woogie movement in the Windy City, influencing everyone from Meade “Lux” Lewis to John Mayall in the bargain. He lived in Chicago from 1918 and worked professionally during the 1920s and early 1930s, usually as a solo pianist. He left full-time playing, then recommenced regular work until he was knocked down by a taxi in 1940. He occasionally made guest appearances during the last decade of his life.

—John Chilton, Who’s Who of Jazz /Lewis Porter

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