We’re featuring songs about rain all week long and today’s classic rain-themed song of the day is “Raindrops” by Dee Clark. Released in April of 1961, this single went all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on Billboard’s R&B chart.
“Raindrops” was written by Dee Clark, recorded at Chicago’s Universal Recording studio, and released on the Chicago-based Vee-Jay Records label. Backing musicians included Phil Upchurch on acoustic guitar, Earl Skarritt on electric guitar, Quinn Wilson on bass, and Al Duncan on drums. It’s definitely an early-60s Chicago soul production.
Dee Clark was born in Arkansas but moved to Chicago when he was just three years old. His mother was a gospel singer, so singing came naturally to him. He made his first recording when he was 14 years old, as part of the Hambone Kids. A year later, he joined the Goldentones (later the Kool Gents), who were signed onto the Vee-Jay label. Mr. Clark embarked on a solo career in 1957 (aged 19) and had a few moderate hits, including “Hey Little Girl” and “Nobody But You.” “Raindrops” was his biggest record—and his last to hit the charts. Subsequent releases tanked and he was quickly relegated to performing on the oldies circuit. He passed away from a heart attack in 1990, age 52.
For today’s daily bonus track of the day, here’s another one of Dee Clark’s hits, “Hey Little Girl.” It charted at #20 in 1959.
