Remembering Detroit Steeler Billy Clark

[Allan Jirik]

Billy Clark was the steel player with his family band, Casey Clark and the Lazy Ranch Boys based in the Detroit area. The core of the band was father Casey ("The Fat Man and his Fiddle"), Billy, and his sister "little" Evelyn on drums. They were awesome!

I met Billy in 1971 after a Porter & Dolly concert where Billy played with the opening act. I learned that he was giving lessons at (Freeman) Cowgar's Music and I signed right up. Billy had a beautiful Sho-Bud and operated his pedals with his right foot (and volume pedal with his left) due to a physical impairment. He was friendly, an excellent teacher and an accomplished steel guitarist. Billy was also a huge baseball fan, particularly interested in the Detroit Tigers and their new pitching sensation, Mark "The Bird" Fidrych.

I followed the band from gig to gig until I went away to college. After that I lost track of Billy, but by chance I saw his obituary (sometime in the 80s, I think). Billy once said he admired me for getting an education, that he couldn't "do anything but play steel." Maybe so, but boy could he play steel!!!

I just wanted to say: Billy, you are remembered. You shared your gift with students and fans alike, providing joy and inspiration to many!

[Charlie St Denis]

Allan thanks for posting this. Casey Clarke and
his family could sure put out a sound. Casey
was very proud of his Kids and I lost track of
how long Billy's been gone. I use to play twin
fiddles with Casey before he passed away.

Thanks for remembering Billy.
Charlie