Albums

Clint West

“Swamp Pop Vocalist & Blue-Eyed Soul Pioneer”

Quick Intro

Clint West—born Clinton Joseph Guillory in Ville Platte, Louisiana (1938)—was a dynamic vocalist and bandleader who helped shape the sound of swamp pop and blue-eyed soul. A longtime recording artist with Jin Records, West is best remembered for his work with The Boogie Kings and his solo hits like “Big Blue Diamonds” and “Try to Find Another Man.”

In-Depth Profile

Raised in Ville Platte, Clint West began performing at age 13 with the Vidrine Playboys, singing Cajun and country songs while playing drums. In the late 1950s, he joined Red Smiley’s Vel-Tones alongside Tommy McLain and recorded his first single, “Lover Blues / Take a Ride,” on Jin Records in 1958.

West’s career accelerated when he joined The Boogie Kings in 1959, a blue-eyed soul group from Eunice that became one of the most popular live acts in Louisiana and East Texas. His powerful vocals on songs like “Try Me” and “Big Blue Diamonds” helped define the band’s sound and earned him a devoted following. In 1965, West left the Boogie Kings to form a rival group, The Fabulous Kings, and later performed as a solo artist.

Throughout the 1960s and ’70s, West recorded extensively for Jin Records, releasing swamp pop staples such as “Please Mr. Jeweler,” “Faded Love,” “Sweet Suzannah,” and “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin’.” He also collaborated frequently with Tommy McLain, including their duet “Try to Find Another Man,” in 1965.

West’s recordings were featured on numerous compilations including Swamp Gold, Louisiana Saturday Night, and The Later Jin Singles. His live album Live at the Purple Peacock captured the energy of his stage performances and remains a fan favorite.

Clint West’s influence runs deep—he helped popularize swamp pop beyond Louisiana and mentored younger artists in the genre. His voice combined soul, country, and Cajun phrasing into a style that was both heartfelt and electrifying. Whether fronting a band or singing solo, West brought passion and polish to every performance.

His recordings reveal a vocalist equally adept at tender ballads and high-energy dance numbers. West’s legacy lives on through his Jin Records catalog and the generations of Louisiana musicians he inspired.

He passed away on June 28, 2016, at age 77, surrounded by family in Opelousas, Louisiana.

Signature Tracks

  • “Big Blue Diamonds” — his signature swamp pop ballad, recorded for Jin Records in 1965

  • “Try to Find Another Man” — duet with Tommy McLain, a defining track in the swamp pop canon

  • “Please Mr. Jeweler” — a soulful plea that became a regional hit and fan favorite

Notable Accomplishments & Awards

  • Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee — honored twice, as a solo artist and as a member of The Boogie Kings

  • Recognized by the Cajun French Music Association for cultural contributions

  • Featured in the Swamp Pop Museum in Ville Platte