Blowfly (musician)

Clarence Reid (February 9, 1939 – January 17, 2016), most famously known by his stage name Blowfly, was an American musician, singer, songwriter, producer, and comedian. He was a pioneer of shock value comedy and sexually explicit party records.

Reid started his career as a successful R&B songwriter and producer, penning hits for artists like Betty Wright ("Clean Up Woman") and Gwen McCrae ("Rockin' Chair"). He also released several R&B albums under his own name.

In the early 1970s, Reid created the Blowfly persona, a character known for outrageous lyrics and comedic takes on popular songs and current events. Blowfly's music was often considered controversial and was rarely played on mainstream radio, but he gained a cult following through underground distribution and live performances. His performances often involved elaborate costumes and stage antics.

While Blowfly's work was often perceived as obscene, he argued it was satire and a commentary on social issues. He released numerous albums throughout his career, many of which were self-produced and distributed. His work influenced later generations of comedians and musicians who embraced shock value in their art.

Beyond his work as Blowfly, Reid continued to write and produce for other artists. He remained active in the music industry until his death from liver cancer in 2016. His legacy as a provocative and boundary-pushing artist continues to be debated and discussed.