Clarence McDonald

Clarence "Mac" McDonald is a Los Angeles-based pianist, composer, arranger, and producer. McDonald is known for his musical diversity, enduring melodies and signature groove. His most famous composition is Silly sung by Deniece Williams in 1981 and Taral Hicks in 1997. In 2010 the song instrumental intro and bridge were sampled in Monica's seven weeklong Billboard #1 RB Grammy nominated song "Everything To Me". He has worked with a long list of entertainment icons including Ray Charles, Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, Justin Timberlake, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor, Carole King, Taral Hicks, Freddy Hubbard, Nancy Wilson, Boz Scaggs, Seals & Crofts, Bill Withers, and The Jackson 5.

Most recently McDonald performed on the all-star benefit album entitled Jazz For Japan (Avatar Records).

Born in Los Angeles, California on February 24, to Curtis and Ocie McDonald, Clarence showed an early interest in music.

Clarence McDonald started playing music at a very young age. McDonald’s first instrument was the soprano saxophone followed by the trombone, euphonium, sousaphone and piano. He chose the piano as his primary instrument because he found it to be the most challenging. Both his parents encouraged his early instincts.

Alma Julia Hightower, a prominent music teacher at the time taught Clarence to play the piano, The combination of early exposure and unconditional support launched the young man on his journey to becoming a great musician, songwriter and producer. By the age of 12, Clarence was playing the piano for Angeles Funeral Home, then located on Jefferson Boulevard and Central Avenue.

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