Clarence 'Frogman' Henry: Algiers' Gift to the World

Frogman from New Orleans

Clarence "Frogman" Henry was born on March 19, 1937, in Algiers, Louisiana — the neighborhood on the West Bank of the Mississippi that is technically part of New Orleans but has always maintained its own identity. He got the nickname "Frogman" from his novelty hit "Ain't Got No Home" in 1956, where he sang in three different voices: a normal voice, a girl's falsetto, and a deep, croaking frog voice. The song reached number twenty on the pop chart and established Henry as one of the most entertaining performers in New Orleans R&B.

I Don't Know Why, But I Do

Henry's biggest hit came in 1961 with "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do," a smooth, romantic ballad that reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It was followed by "You Always Hurt the One You Love," which hit number twelve. Both were produced by the great Allen Toussaint, who recognized that Henry could sing straight love songs as effectively as novelty numbers. The combination of Toussaint's arrangements and Henry's warm, versatile voice produced some of the most charming records of the early 1960s.

Henry toured with the Beatles during their first American tour in 1964 — proof of his international appeal and the respect he commanded among British Invasion artists who had grown up listening to New Orleans R&B.

Algiers' Gift to the World

Clarence "Frogman" Henry continued performing in New Orleans for decades, becoming one of the city's most beloved live performers. He played Bourbon Street clubs, Jazz Fest, and private events with the same energy and showmanship that had made him a star in the 1950s. The Frogman from Algiers brought joy to everyone who heard him, and in a city full of performers, that's the highest compliment there is.