Today’s classic song of the day is about a boy tasked with leading his impoverished family after the death of his father. The song is “Patches” and it was a big hit for blind blues singer Clarence Carter.
“Patches” was written by General Johnson, the lead singer of the group Chairmen of the Board, and Ron Dunbar, of Invictus Records (Chairmen of the Board’s record label). The song was originally recorded by Chairmen of the Board and included on their self-named debut album for Invictus; it was also the B-side of the group’s 1970 hit single, “Everything’s Tuesday.”
Clarence Carter recorded his version of “Patches” at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Backing musicians on the track included Junior Lowe on guitar, Jesse Boyce on bass, and Freeman Brown on drums.
Carter’s single was released in July of 1970 and went all the way to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, #1 on the Cash Box Top 100, and #2 on Billboard’s R&B chart. The recording won a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Song for writers Johnson and Dunbar.
Despite what some might think, “Patches” was not autobiographical, at least not for Clarence Carter. While he came from a poor family, he wasn’t raised on a farm and his father didn’t pass away when he was young. Here’s how he remembers choosing the song:
“I heard it on the Chairmen of the Board LP and liked it, but I had my own ideas about how it should be sung. It was my idea to make the song sound real natural—I guess I tried a little too hard for some people!”
However it came about, “Patches” is a tremendous song and Clarence Carter gives a powerful performance. It’s a true classic.
