Meet Clyde Childress

We were lucky to catch up with Clyde Childress recently and have shared our conversation below.

Clyde, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Music has been a big part of my life as far back as I can remember. My older brother James, and sister Janie, brought music to me in different ways. My brother, who was the eldest of the family, brought home one day a record player. Being the youngest of four, I remember parking my head by the speakers and taking it all in. I was grateful for all the different genres that he brought home. I soaked up pop, R&B, jazz, and in particular, Bossa Nova by composer, Antonio Carlos Jobim. At the time, I had a liking to a particular girl in my 3rd or 4th grade class, and besides all the other great music going on in the mid to late sixties, this Bossa Nova music seemed to me to be the best romantic soundtrack for me and this classmate who, of course, didn’t know my feelings, and me being shy barely spoke to her in real life. From my oldest sister Janie, I remember a upright piano arriving at our very modest house, in the “projects, and my sister began taking classical lessons and performing recitals in our community. Later she would play Gospel music eventually for the church we attended and I also remember her playing that and popular movie sound tracks of the day as I daydreamed looking out the kitchen window. I remember. I didn’t realize at this time how much music I was listening to, and appreciating and loving how it made me feel. My father bought me my first guitar (Sears & Roebuck) cheap acoustic guitar. when I was about 12. it was difficult to play string were very high on the neck, but I played that guitar for about 2 years and gained somewhat of a small following in school.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My musical career encompasses freelance guitar services, contributions to various artists and groups in the Bay Area and New Orleans, along with live performances. As a Musician – Counselor, I have provided music therapy and entertainment in prisons, institutions, and treatment centers, utilizing music as an exercise in promoting relaxation and well-being. Throughout my musical journey, I have traveled globally with other artists. My close friend, Albert Hobson, originally from my hometown of Seattle, is a key member of our original project, “Doc Al and Mista Clyde.” Our music is available on YouTube and our website.
Albert has been a lifelong friend, and we met in our hometown of Seattle when I was in my early twenties and Albert in his late teens. Albert has become an exceptional bassist musician, and after living in different states, my friend ended up in California about 15 minutes apart. Since 2001, he has been my co-writer in writing original music project, which has been gratifying in satisfying our collective creative spirit of writing music from the heart. Music has been a lifelong blessing, and I feel fortunate to possess this gift and still able to maintain my passion for it and the guitar.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

TThroughout my life, music has been an unwavering source of inspiration. Reflecting on my five-decade journey as a guitarist, I can trace my fascination with music back to my childhood. My initial skill was listening, and my two eldest siblings, James and Janie, introduced me to a diverse range of genres, including classical, jazz, bossa nova, pop, Gospel, and movie soundtracks. I listened attentively to these genres, assimilating their melodies and structures into my mind long before acquiring an instrument.

When I finally picked up the guitar at the age of 13 or 14, I could already perceive and execute simple melodies and construct chord structures based on the extensive musical repertoire I had in my mind. Initially, I sought occasional lessons, but I relied heavily on my auditory perception to navigate musical situations and draw upon my extensive musical library. Listening has also proven invaluable in my work as a counselor, a skill that is transferable to other aspects of life.

Another pivotal quality that has been instrumental in my journey is unwavering commitment. Music has been a lifelong pursuit, and the unshakable dedication to improvement has sustained me for so long. I have been studying with a guitar coach for the past two years, and identifying the appropriate instructor was challenging. Nevertheless, having someone to guide me through deciphering my vast musical library has rejuvenated my energy and motivation.

As I have matured, I have come to recognize the significance of self-reflection. I have had to define what success in music entails for me and what I genuinely desire from it. Through experience and introspection, I have comprehended that the business of music often diverges from the passion of music itself. When I commenced playing at a young age, I was driven by the pursuit of financial gain and fame. However, I now recognize that I derive immense pleasure from music for its intrinsic value. I aspire to delve deeper into my musical knowledge, expand my repertoire of music, and continue my artistic growth by educating myself and sharing my musical experiences with others.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Hello,

Albert and I have been attempting to assemble a musical ensemble for an original project. We are seeking potential members for the trumpet, keyboard, and drumming sections. However, we have encountered challenges in coordinating their schedules for rehearsals.

Additionally, we have encountered musicians who are unwilling to commit to rehearsals and are primarily interested in performing short gigs for modest compensation. While we appreciate their enthusiasm, we aspire to collaborate with other artists and musicians on a more ambitious project.

Albert and Clyde can be reached at the following email addresses:

* [email protected]
* [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Other: You can conduct an internet search using the keywords “Doc Al” and “Mista Clyde,” and you will find websites that are indexed under the same title.

  Website: Docta Al and Mista Clyde