Louisiana-born jazz and blues musician Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown passed away on Saturday in Texas. He had been suffering from lung cancer and heart disease.
Nicknamed "Gatemouth" for his distinctive, deep voice, Brown hit his musical peak in the 1940s. Brown played a variety of instruments including guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and harmonica.
The musician also had a home in Sidell, Louisiana, that was destroyed by hurricane Katrina. He was devastated by the loss. Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown was 81.