Sonny Rhodes

Sonny Rhodes
Rhodes performing in 2000
Background information
Birth nameClarence Edward Mauldin
Also known asClarence Smith
Born(1940-11-03)November 3, 1940
Smithville, Texas, U.S.
DiedDecember 14, 2021(2021-12-14) (aged 81)
GenresBlues
Occupation(s)Singer, guitarist, songwriter
Instrument(s)Lap steel guitar, electric guitar
Years active1958–2021
LabelsEvidence, Galaxy, Ichiban, Kingsnake, Rhodes-Way, Stony Plain, Greater Planet Entertainment, Need To Know Music

Clarence Smith (born Clarence Edward Mauldin; November 3, 1940 – December 14, 2021), known as Sonny Rhodes, was an American blues singer and lap steel guitar player. He recorded over two hundred songs. "I'm what you call a self-proclaimed Disciple of the Blues!" said Rhodes about his years playing and singing for fans of blues around the world. He was nominated 15 times for Blues Music Awards and won in the category 'Instrumentalist – Other' in 2011.