Clarence "Guitar" Sims

b. c.1934, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Sims was initially inspired to sing the blues on hearing Tommy McClennan’s recording of ‘Bottle Up And Go’, and later vocal influences included Nappy Brown, Fats Domino, Louis Jordan and Lloyd Price. In 1955 Sims moved to Los Angeles, where he appeared in talent shows and clubs. Two years later, he moved to San Francisco’s Fillmore district, assuming the professional name ‘Fillmore Slim’, and recorded for the Dooto, Kent, and Dore labels. In the late 60s he also appeared on disc as ‘Ron Silva’. However, Sims was imprisoned between 1980 and 1985, and it was during this time that he began to play guitar seriously. Following his release, he recorded a promising album for Troyce Keys’ label in February 1987 and continues to play around the west coast.