Yodelin' Slim Clark

Raymond S. "Yodelin' Slim" Clark was born in Petersham, Mass. on December 11, 1917, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clark. Slim completed two years of high school, at which time he became a professional musician at the age of 15 in 1931. Raymond Clark was performing at grange halls and fairs as early as 1930.

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His early days included performances at WHAI in Greenfield, MA and WKNE in Keene, NH. In 1936 he went on the air as "Wyoming Buck" and a few months later the radio station manager re-named him "Yodeling Slim Clark" - which was his trademark throughout his career. His performances at WKNE startin in 1938 included a memorable weekly show with legendary Keene announcer, Ozzie Wade. Later, he moved to Maine, where he starred in the 1960s on the Bangor radio program, "RFD Dinnerbell."

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Primarily known as a single act, Slim's bands included the "Red River Rangers", "The Trailriders" and "The Trailsmen." Country music favorites Kenny Roberts and the late Dick Curless were members of the Red River Rangers (Roberts), and the Trailriders (Curless). In 1946 Slim signed with Continental Records in New York City, at the urging of the late yodeling immortal Elton Britt. Clark stayed with the label until 1957, followed by associations with several independent labels including Wheeling and Arc.

Related Topics:
Continental Records - New York City - Elton Britt - 1957

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Two of the biggest influences on Slim's music and career were Jimmie Rogers and Wilf Carter (Montana Slim). In 1945, Slim began spending his summers in Maine and in 1952 he became a resident of Maine. One of Slim's first bands featured a young kid by the name of Dick Curless, the Tumbleweed Kid - and a member of the Trailriders.

Related Topics:
Jimmie Rogers - Wilf Carter - Dick Curless

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During his very active career, Slim has recorded over 50 78's, 40 45's and over 25 albums. All of his old 78's are in the Library at the Hall of Fame in Nashville, and have become collector's items. Slim also appeared coast-to-coast on both the NBC network and the ABC network on different jamborees. He was featured on Folk Music USA. Slim performed western music for 70 years. He gained popularity throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe with only a handful of appearances outside his life-long New England base.

Related Topics:
NBC - ABC

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During his younger days, Slim played pro-baseball as a pitcher for the Blackstone Valley League in Mass. He later tried out to be a pitcher of the Boston Braves. He was an avid sports fan, following baseball, football, basketball and golf. For over 17 years Slim was a Registered Guide in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. He maintained a lifelong interest in hunting and fishing, as well as farming.

Related Topics:
Blackstone Valley League - Boston Braves

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Slim had two children -- a son, Wilf, and a daughter, Jewell. Wilf Clark still performs - and is a recognized yodeler.

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After a partial retirement in the early 1970's, he recorded for Palomino Records, and played many festivals during the summertime. Most of his time, however, was spent painting. He became recognized for his lifelike paintings of outdoors scenes -- one of his most popular paintings being that of a Lombard Log hauler.

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Slim died on July 5, 2000 in St. Alban's, Maine.

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Slim won the World Yodeling Championship in 1947 and was inducted into the Yodeler's Hall of Fame, along with Jimmie Rogers, Elton Britt, and Wilf Carter. In November of 2000, he was posthumously inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Related Topics:
Yodeler's Hall of Fame - Jimmie Rogers - Elton Britt - Wilf Carter - Cowboy Hall of Fame

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