King Pleasure (Clarence Beeks)
Born: Clarence Beeks, March 24, 1922 – Oakdale, Tennessee
Died: March 21, 1981
Occupation: Jazz vocalist, early pioneer of vocalese
He moved to New York in the mid-1940s, worked as a bartender, and immersed himself in the bebop scene. He gained fame with vocalese — singing lyrics fitted to famous instrumental solos.
His 1952 Prestige Records hit "Moody's Mood for Love" (based on James Moody's 1949 sax solo over "I'm in the Mood for Love") became a jazz classic and helped popularize vocalese. It featured a young Blossom Dearie on the female vocal part.
This track remains one of the most iconic and covered vocalese recordings ever.
- Vocalese version of "Red Top" with Betty Carter
- Elegiac take on Charlie Parker's "Parker's Mood" (1954, the year before Parker's death)
- "Swan Blues" (adaptation of Gene Ammons's "Hittin' the Jug", 1962)
He recorded on labels like Prestige, Aladdin, Jubilee, and United Artists. Albums include King Pleasure Sings / Annie Ross Sings (split release) and Golden Days (1960).
Although his recording career was relatively limited and he never achieved massive mainstream fame, King Pleasure influenced vocalese singers like Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross, Mark Murphy, and later generations in jazz. His smooth, expressive style and sax-like phrasing remain fresh today.
Check out "Moody's Mood for Love" — it's still a timeless jazz vocal gem!