By Terrah Baker
40 years ago on April 7, Jed Clampit took off his suit and tie and decided to do what he loves.
“I don’t worry about it, I just take care of what I got to take care of today and then God’s power does the rest. You have to exercise that faith and you get stronger and stronger gifts,” Jed said. “It’s about doing things because you love them.”
And there isn’t much he loves more than music, besides his late “Brother” Bil Clampit who died Dec. 5, 2012 of cancer. During his life, Bil also left a stable, well-paying career as the chief supervisor for the City of Shreveport, La., to follow his passion for song-writing and guitar playing. When the two brothers were on the road, nothing could stop them, Jed said.
“We both managed to make a living and because I had a bass player as stable as Bil, we could put bands together wherever we went. We worked form New York to California. We did great private parties around the country, and it was because I had ‘Brother’ Bil there with me,” Jed said. “Bil had 29 years of just playing music and a great life.”
Now, those who loved him and his foot-stomping, front porch, yet refined music will hold a special tribute April 21 at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville. Like Bil’s life, the tempo will be high, with renditions of Fire on the Mountain and other Clampit brother favorites. Russ Hutchison who plays guitar for Joe Giles and the Homewreckers will take over on bass where Bil used to be. All proceeds from the event will help to cover Bil’s funeral expenses.
Nowadays, Jed stays close to Fayetteville — the place he calls home — hanging out with friends, playing private parties, the Pesto Café every Tuesday at 7 p.m. and plans on putting out a record “in the next two to five years,” he said, followed by a hearty laugh.
To learn more about Jed, his music, his Brother Bil and the upcoming tribute concert at George’s Majestic Lounge, visit www.jedclampit.com
