Buzz Clifford

Buzz started his recording career in New York back in 1957-58 when he was 15 years old. He recorded two singles for Bow Records, a part of King Records. He then was signed by Mitch Miller for Columbia Records in 1960. With Columbia he had a Top Ten Hit with “Baby Sittin’ Boogie” produced by Tony Piano in 1961. “Baby Sittin’ Boogie” placed 6 with Cash Box 9 with Billboard and 3 with Music Reporter. Although the record went gold, with no follow-up hit he was classified as a “One Hit Wonder” and was dropped from Columbia in 1962.After leaving Columbia he started to write seriously. He went on to record one record for Roulette Records. “No One Loves Me Like You Do” produced by George Goldner. It charted in England’s top twenty in 1962-63. Toured in England with Dion, Del Shannon and Freddie Cannon in 1962.After returning from England, Buzz moved to California in 1964. Played with various bands, wrote and produced independent masters sold as singles for various labels. No hits. Was then hire as a writer in 1967 by Richard Delvey (producer of Wipe-Out) for MGM Records, BMI publishing company Hastings Music where he wrote “Echo Park” for Keith Barbour, recording for Epic Records in 1969. Echo Park became a Top 40 hit and because of the songs’ success Buzz was able to record his own album for Dot Records, “See Your Way Clear”. With nothing happening with the album was released from Dot Records in 1970 although the album had critical acclaim.Lost writing gig moved to Tulsa, OK, worked and recorded with some of Leon Russells’s players, and various blues groups, some who are now members of the Tractors. Back to LA.In 1974 wrote “Ain’t That I Don’t Love You”, which Freddy King, the great blues singer and guitarist recorded on his last album before he died. Produced by T-Bone Burnett and Darrell Leonard long time friends of Buzz.Back in LA in the mid-seventies, worked with one of the original Beach Boys, singer-guitarist David Marks. No hits but still learning. In late seventies went to Portland Oregon of more of the same. Back to LA in the late eighties. Recorded David Marks’ “Dave and the Marksman” CD with producer and writer Daniel Moore whose hits include “My Maria” for Brooks and Dunn and “Shambala” for Three Dog Night.Still no bites and more blues groups which include one with his sons Reese (drums) and John (bass). In 1998-99, Buzz went to Denmark and recorded his CD of “Norse Horse” with James Rasmussen who also produced “Echo Park”. In 1999 learned Beck has used “I See I Am”, from his “See Your Way Clear “ album and renamed the song “Milk and Honey” for his Midnight Vultures album. Buzz received half writer’s credit and the album went Gold.In September 2001 hooked up with Anna Montgomery, (who Buzz considers to be a great singer/songwriter) for live gigs and recordings. Astounded and pleased at how good producer Evan Frankfort is at his craft.Various artist who have recorded some of Buzz’s songs: Clyde McPhatter, Lou Rawls, The Lettermen, Morgana King, Freddie King, Keith Barbour, David Marks, Daniel Moore, Beck, Anna Montgomery.