Funk Legend Clarence "Blowfly" Reid Is Terminally Ill, Sharing Last Album Next Month
Sad news out of the Sunshine State this morning, folks. Clarence "Blowfly" Reid, a provocative, yet immensely influential funk artist, has reportedly been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and, according to a note on his Facebook page, has entered hospice care in Florida.
Beginning his career as a songwriter, Reid wrote standout cuts for Betty Wright, Sam & Dave, Bobby Byrd and a number of soul greats throughout the tail-end of the 60s, transforming into the luchador-mask-donning filth and funk specialist, Blowfly, by the top of the next decade. From there on, he enjoyed a 30-plus year career in recording, notching 26 albums to his belt and laying down, what some to believe to be the very first raps on wax.
Next month, Reid will release his final ode to the vices of the world in 77 Rusty Trombones, which will cap off an eccentric, controversial and frankly, prolific legacy. Fans are encouraged to send their notes, thoughts and prayers to The Florida Medical Center, the full address for which is just below. Reid may not have been the most acclaimed funksman on the globe in his day, but the vestiges of his hold-no-punch zaniness are still very much us. Those looking to brush up on Blowlfy should peep the 2010 documentary, The Weird World of Blowfly for a quick lesson.
Florida Medical Center
ATTN: Patient Clarence Reid Room 355.
5000 Oakland Park Boulevard
Lauderdale Lakes, Florida 33133
