Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Clark.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
JEFF CLARK
Jeff Clark has been performing with bands since the 7th Grade, with the highlight of his career playing with the iconic Austin band, Too Smooth from 1974 to 1980. He was a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist for Too Smooth, featuring all original music from its inception. They were a concert headliner and opening act for many major artists, making the Armadillo World Headquarters home base for Too Smooth.
Before the onset of Parkinson’s Disease in 2013, Jeff was joined for multiple reunion shows with Brian Wooten, Danny Swinney and Tommy Holden, the original Too Smooth members. At his swan song performance in September of 2015, he was also joined by Christopher Cross, Eric Johnson, Van Wilks, Tommy Taylor, Mark Miller, Chris Skiles, Danny Swinney, Greg Stegall, Tom Holden, Cole Newbury, Jimmy Umstaddt, Darin Murphy and Randall Maxwell.
Jeff Clark has been performing with bands since the 7th Grade, with the highlight of his career playing with the iconic Austin band, Too Smooth from 1974 to1980. He was a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist for Too Smooth, featuring all original music from its inception. They were a concert headliner and opening act for many major artists, making the Armadillo World Headquarters home base for Too Smooth.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As the years go by, my challenges of aging become more visible—not just in our bodies, but in the circle of friends we’ve made through music. My group of musical associates grows smaller month by month, and each passing feels like a verse lost.
Yet even as friendships fade, the songs we’ve written and shared remain timeless. The music carries our spirit forward, echoing long after we are gone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Jeff Clark is a veteran songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist whose career began in the 7th grade and rose to prominence with Austin’s legendary band Too Smooth (1974–1980). A dynamic performer and composer, Clark later released his solo album Just Visiting (2012) and is the creative force behind the rock opera A Man of Fortune. His work, marked by originality and collaboration, reflects a lifelong dedication to music and storytelling.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
This is what I loved-
The music I was writing and creating in the early 1970’s became an integral part of Austin’s vibrant live scene. With Too Smooth, we earned a reputation as the best house band ever at the legendary Armadillo World Headquarters, delivering original songs that matched the energy of the times. Night after night, our music connected with audiences, setting the stage for unforgettable concerts and cementing our place in Austin’s musical history
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amanoffortune.com
- Facebook: amanoffortune
- Youtube: A Man of Fortune Rock opera
