Cletis Carr American singer-songwriter, guitarist and record producer Date of Birth: 04.08.1959 Country: Australia

1. Early Life and Family Connections
2. Musical Roots and Early Bands
3. Sneakers and the New Wave Scene
4. Solo Career and International Success
5. Settling in Melbourne
6. Return to Nashville and Health Challenges
7. Later Career and Return to Music

Early Life and Family Connections

Cletis Carr was born on August 4, 1959, in Portland, Oregon, into a family of professional country musicians. His father, Bob Carr, toured with Ray Price's "Cherokee Cowboys," while his uncles, Joe Carr and Raleigh Cletis Carr, performed throughout the 1950s and 60s.

Musical Roots and Early Bands

Growing up in a musical family, Cletis was exposed to music from a young age. He played with various school bands before joining the local group Shaniko, named after a ghost town in eastern Oregon. In 1977, they released their debut album, "Soiled Angels."

Sneakers and the New Wave Scene

In the 1970s, Carr co-founded the Pacific Northwest new wave band Sneakers. The band's 1980 album, "Ear Cartoons," received critical acclaim and led to extensive touring. However, after a year of relentless performances, the band became disillusioned with their management and parted ways.

Solo Career and International Success

After leaving Sneakers, Carr returned to Portland and briefly played with Them Roosters. He later formed his own band, the Cletis Carr Band, and released his debut solo single in 1985. In 1986, he moved to Australia, where he joined two local bands and caught the attention of Sebastian Chase, a record label owner with connections to CBS. Carr's 1987 album, "Colourblind," was a critical and commercial success, leading to a tour with Chris Turner's Big Rock Band.

Settling in Melbourne

Carr relocated to Melbourne, Australia, in the late 1980s. He released two more solo albums, "Tales of Ordinary Madness" (1991) and "Wooden Nails" (1992). He also became a member of the country-rock band Big Whiskey.

Return to Nashville and Health Challenges

In 1994, Carr moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his songwriting career. He collaborated with notable songwriters and performed regularly. However, a heart attack in 2001 forced him to return to Sydney.

Later Career and Return to Music

Despite health challenges, Carr remained active in the Sydney music scene as a songwriter, venue owner, and label owner. In 2011, he released his sixth solo album, "Only the Gutters of Love Remain," and has since continued to perform and write music. He maintains a unique hobby as an obsessive amateur cook.