|
Composer, singer, bandleader, rhythm guitarist and harmonica player. |
|
Clarence Noren worked as a technologist for the Alberta Department of Highways and Transport branch for over 30 years earning him the nickname "The Highway Man". His lifelong passion for Country and Western music drove to him actively compose, perform and record in Alberta during the 60s and 70s. With or without his band the Prime Minstrals, Clarence was a familiar site after hours in Edmonton and nearby areas. Born in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, Clarence was raised in the Peace River Country and made his first stage appearance at age 6. Clarence purchased his first guitar at age 12. In 1957, he discovered the Gibson J-45 and like other "boy meets guitar" stories, it is still his main axe today. I have played this guitar. It is well worn from countless traveling and performances, however still sounds warm and full like it a J-45 should. |
|
A Pictorial History of The Highwayman |
|
Clarence's first single was a 45 RPM record that featured My Alberta Home on the A side and Bubble Gum on side B. This record received a lot of air play on the Peace River Country AM radio waves. |
|
Clarence released His Songs for You in 1976. This record featured a number of his previous singles re-recorded with a full band plus some new songs. All songs were original compositions. |
|
The reverse side of His Songs for You. |
|
A rare 8-track recording of His Songs for You from Clarence's archives. |
|
Clarence playing his J-45 in September 2006. |
|
The well-worn banner made by June Noren used to identify Clarence's band at performances and dances. |
|
This single had Changeable on Side 1 and Energy Crisis on the flip side. |
|
Clarence jamming with his son Carl. |
|
Carl in his long underwear and "papa" Clarence. Note the sketch above the fridge. This was drawn in 1974 and appears of the cover of His Songs for You. |
|
Clarence plays for his family. |
|
Clarence and his son Craig. |
|
Clarence wrote and sent this letter to register his band name; the Prime Minstrels. |
|
Clarence on stage in 1994 in Lumby, BC on the occasion of his son Craig's wedding. |
|
Clarence's son John at the wedding in 1994. A musical family! |
|
The groom Carl plays at his wedding reception. |
|
Craig singing and playing at Carl's 1994 wedding. |
|
Clarence and Art Johnson on guitar in 1953. Clarence Junior, who is 15 months old, is playing the drum. |
|
Clarence and June in 1952 holding their first-born son Clarence Junior (age 1 month). |
|
Clarence holding Carl (who is approximately 6 months old) and John trying to play dads guitar. Circa-Jan, 1967. Photograph taken and developed by Clarence Junior in photography class at school when he was 14 years old. |
|
Christmas 1982. |
|
Craig, Clarence and John on guitar at Christmas time in 1982. Daughter Cheryl can also be seen. |
|
John and son. |
|
Clarence and Craig playing it sweet. |
|
Clarence with sons with daughter Cheryl and her husband Arnie. |
|
Clarence playing his J-45 in 1981. |
|
Clarence has burned a CD containing His Songs for You plus a few of his singles as well. |