Sanford Clark made his mark in music history with a haunting, genre-blending hit called “The Fool.” Though his career didn’t follow a traditional arc, his story offers insight into the early days of rockabilly and country music. From Phoenix honky-tonks to national charts, Clark’s path intersected with notable names like Lee Hazlewood and Waylon Jennings.
Here’s a closer look at the career of Sanford Clark—his rise, setbacks, and legacy.
| Sanford Clark – Artist Profile | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sanford Clark |
| Born | October 24, 1935 |
| Birthplace | Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA |
| Raised In | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Genres | Country, Rockabilly, Rock and Roll |
| Major Hit | “The Fool” (1956) |
| Other Songs | “A Cheat,” “Still as the Night,” “Houston” |
| Associated Acts | Lee Hazlewood, Al Casey, Waylon Jennings |
| Later Career | Founded Desert Sun Records; entered construction industry |
| Legacy | Early rockabilly pioneer; influential 1950s voice |
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Sanford Clark was born on October 24, 1935, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but he spent most of his formative years in Phoenix, Arizona. He grew up surrounded by the sound of Western swing, country, and early rhythm & blues. As a teenager, he picked up the guitar and soon began performing in local clubs.
Clark’s passion for music didn’t waver—even when he was drafted into the United States Air Force. Stationed in Hawaii during his service, he formed a band with fellow servicemen and won a talent show. That win gave him the confidence to continue pursuing music professionally after his discharge.
Meeting Lee Hazlewood
After returning to Phoenix in the early 1950s, Clark reconnected with a childhood friend, guitarist Al Casey. Casey introduced him to Lee Hazlewood, who at the time was a local disc jockey with dreams of becoming a producer and songwriter.
Hazlewood had written a song titled “The Fool” with lyrics by Naomi Ford. Clark and Casey recorded a version of the track, and the song’s raw, stripped-down feel caught attention—although not right away.
Initially released on MCI Records, “The Fool” didn’t perform well. But then Randy Wood, the head of Dot Records, heard it. Sensing potential, he bought the rights to the recording and reissued it nationally.
The Breakthrough: “The Fool”
When “The Fool” hit the airwaves again in 1956, it struck a chord with audiences. The song stood out with its echo-laden production, minimalist instrumentation, and Clark’s moody vocal delivery. It didn’t sound like anything else on the radio.
The single climbed the charts quickly:
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#7 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#14 on the Country Chart
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#5 on the R&B Chart
“The Fool” became an early example of rockabilly, blending country storytelling with the new rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. It was also one of the first hits for Lee Hazlewood as a producer.
Clark found himself touring nationally and making TV appearances. For a brief moment, he was a rising star in American music.
Struggles After Success
Despite the momentum from “The Fool,” Clark’s next single didn’t reach the same heights. His follow-up, “A Cheat”, was another Hazlewood-Ford composition, but it only reached #74 on the Hot 100 in 1957.
Behind the scenes, tensions were growing. Dot Records wanted Clark to follow a cleaner-cut image—something closer to Pat Boone, one of the label’s biggest stars. But Clark wasn’t interested in being polished or molded. His rougher style didn’t match the label’s vision.
Eventually, he parted ways with Dot and began recording for Jamie Records. During this period, he collaborated again with Al Casey and Hazlewood, as well as young guitarist Duane Eddy, who played on the track “Still as the Night.” Unfortunately, the single failed to chart.
A Missed Opportunity: “Houston”
In 1964, Clark recorded a new Hazlewood original titled “Houston.” The track had hit potential, and Clark hoped it would mark his comeback. However, before his version could gain traction, Dean Martin recorded the same song and released it through Reprise Records. Martin’s version became a major hit, leaving Clark’s version in the dust.
It was a familiar pattern—Clark would record strong material, only to be overshadowed by bigger names or held back by poor timing.
Second Attempt with “The Fool”
In 1965, Clark returned to the studio to re-record “The Fool.” This time, Waylon Jennings played guitar on the track. Hazlewood had launched his own label, LHI (Lee Hazlewood Industries), and signed Clark as one of its early artists.
Clark released an album on LHI titled “Return of the Fool.” Although it showcased Clark’s unique vocal style and offered strong material, the album failed commercially and quickly faded from view.
Leaving the Music Industry
By the early 1970s, Clark had grown tired of the constant uphill battle in the music business. Disillusioned, he left show business and started a new chapter in his life: construction. In this field, he finally found the stability and success that had eluded him as a performer.
Even after leaving the spotlight, Clark never gave up on music entirely. He founded his own independent label, Desert Sun Records, through which he occasionally released new material. Though these later recordings didn’t reach a wide audience, they allowed him to stay creatively active.
Legacy and Influence
Sanford Clark may be remembered by most for just one hit, but that hit left a lasting impression. “The Fool” helped introduce a new sound that merged country, rockabilly, and rock ‘n’ roll. It also marked the beginning of Lee Hazlewood’s remarkable production career.
Over the years, “The Fool” has been covered by a variety of artists, including Elvis Presley, Robert Gordon, and Chris Farlowe, each putting their spin on the moody classic.
Today, collectors and rockabilly fans continue to rediscover Sanford Clark’s music. His story is a reminder of the many talented artists who contributed to the birth of rock ‘n’ roll—often without receiving the recognition they deserved.