Farewell to Clarence

TODAY August 3rd is the birth anniversary of a man who lived and carved a name for himself as a maestro in the field of music of this country.

Clarence was born in far away Haputale to a middle class family. His parents wanted their son to be a superintendent of an estate someday. But his interest were elsewhere and fate decided that he should become a musician instead.

My association with Clarence who became a close friend subsequently, started in the early seventies when I was living at Mt. Lavinia. He was the leader of the group Golden Chimes then and I volunteered to give my premises for their band practices.

Music was never in my blood and I was never inclined musically. By listening to Clarence a mood of happiness and satisfaction descended upon me and then it engulfed me completely. This newfound keenness led me to come across so many celebrated people in the field of music.

Clarence was indeed the pioneer of the modern Sri Lankan pop music. He was the first to release a non-stop cassette in the country. Furthermore, he was the first to introduce the electric guitar to Sinhala pop groups and these are few firsts that go to his credit.

According to the sentiments expressed by most Sinhala music lovers, Clarence was simply unique and incomparable not only in his singing but also as a composer, lyricist, music director and gular player.

It is believed that Clarence composed more than 1,000 songs with Moonstones, Golden Chimes, Super Golden Chimes and subsequently as a solo artiste. I do not think that there will be anyone who could surpass this unique record in this country.

It is not an exaggeration to record here that a number of prominent singers in the current music scene were given the initial push by Clarence. He was a willing friend to all who sought his assistance to rise in the field of music.

Though he lived and worked in the city he had a special place for the village where he was born and grew up and in his songs he always sang about rustic charm.

Songs like Sudu Manike, Kiri Muhuda, Surangana Wes wala, Deleepa podi puthu, Kimada nave, Malata bambareku se, Sihina lowak, Muthumanike, Randunu ke mala se, Kanda suriduni, are all time favourites and bear eloquent testimony to his greatness as a multifaceted musician.

Though he entertained millions of people, his musical genius was never given due recognition by the state or its organs. It was the private sector that recognised his talents and rewarded them.

It is pathetic to mention that when Clarence was ailing, few months before his death there was hardly a friend who visited him or inquired about him. Such was the gratitude shown by the locals whom Clarence helped in numerous ways.

But some of his friends living in America sent one of his televised performances given in 1990 in California in DVD form to his wife Sheila as a tribute to her late husband. It will be shortly available to his fans.

Clarence's daughter Amila is presently in Australia having just completed her studies. His wife Sheila is very much disappointed with the damage done to her late husband's musical creations by some unscrupulous elements.

They have not only pirated his songs but also have mixed his music with trash and created something called new music which is completely incompatible with Clarence's style of music. It is time for us to take some firm action to prevent this disastrous trend.

Finally let me wish you 'a Happy Birthday My Dear Clarence'.

- Siri Hettiarachchi