Order a collector’s copy of our June 2004 issue with Frogman’s cover story!

He can sing like a girl, he can sing like a frog… and on March 19 he turns 85. OffBeat wishes happy birthday to one of the heroes of New Orleans R&B, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, who first hit in 1956 with the immortal “Ain’t Got No Home.” His use of female and frog voices made the tune a novelty smash, but further hits, “But I Do” and “You Always Hurt the One You Love,” proved he could also sing it straight. The Beatles were fans and had him open their show in 1964; OffBeat’s September 2004 [order now] issue had a look back at that historic tour. Frogman’s performances are fewer these days, but when he does hit the stage the joy in his performances is as infectious as ever.

Here’s one of our favorite Frogman nuggets: “Troubles, Troubles,” the original B-side to “Ain’t Got No Home”. Note the contrast between the woe-is-me lyric and the celebratory feel of the tune; a depression-beater if there ever was one.