Toni Cloud / Clarence Darrell

Cleveland, 1974-6

Toni Cloud was a Cleveland soul singer. She was listed playing in Cleveland a few times in 1974 and 1975, as in the posted ad.

She recorded two super rare 45s, one as a Boddie custom. Both were on the TCD label, which seems to be shortened version of the TCCD productions using Toni's and Clarence's initials. The total number of copies in circulation of both records seems to be less the fingers on two hands. The first 45 seems to be the Boddie custom and has two sides of midtempo soul with Toni singing, primitive but effective. The songs are credited to C. Gillsepie, possibly Clarence "Little G" Gillespie. 

The second 45 has one song in a similar style, vocal on one side and instrumental on the other, written by Ernest Singleton. Toni and Clarence are trading verses. A handwritten note by Ernest says he wrote the lyrics and had been writing music for "several years" but the song was his first to be recorded. Both records have a unique syncopated swishing effect. 

The only mentions we could find on Toni were from the Call and Post newspaper, nothing after 1975. There was one mention of Clarence Darrell in 1987, perfromeing at the Elegance Lounge.

The Ernest Singleton note also says that Clarence was featured on a "showcase" broadcast by Cleveland's WEWS TV (channel 5) and had been a member of the Coasters. Toni had performed at Severance Hall with Tony Bennett.

Discography:
Just What I Need / The Losing End - TCD 7607 (Boddie custom)
Sweet Love is Standing By / Sweet Love is Standing By - TCD 7608, Oct 1976