November 2009

Reprise: Cliff Crofford & Billy Mize: Tell Him No - 1959

Weirdo Video Exclusive BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Cliff Crofford, a renowned songwriter and entertainer with a local connection, died Sunday. A private family viewing will be held Friday in Ontario, according to Draper Mortuary. Crofford was one of the pioneers of the Bakersfield Sound. He was a prolific songwriter and versatile musician who hosted both radio and television shows and wrote a number of songs for movies. Born in 1929 in Rochester, Texas, Crofford found his way to Bakersfield while on a vacation to Reno in 1949. Crofford stopped in Bakersfield after a friend suggested he meet fellow musician Bill Woods, according to Crofford's long-time friend Jiles Beam. Crofford decided to move to Bakersfield and joined Bill Woods' band, playing at Café 99 in McFarland. They also had a radio show that ran five days a week on KAFY 500 AM. Throughout his career, Crofford played in three bands, the Orange Blossom Playboys with Bill Woods, the Jimmy Thomason Band and the Beardsley Ball Room. He also appeared at several clubs in Bakersfield, including the Blackboard, the Clover Club and the Lucky Spot. Crofford spent time playing clubs in the Los Angeles area and even toured with Johnny Cash through the Midwest. Crofford made several TV appearances on the "Afternoon Show" and the "Jimmy Thomason Show." He also co-hosted "The Chuck Wagon Gang" in the mid 1950s. Some of his greatest fame came from his work in movies, that included not only his songs, but appearance in Clint Eastwood's film "Every Which Way But Loose" and Burt Reynold's "Smokey and the Bandit II." Crofford was 79.