Clem Curtis

Born in Trinidad as Curtis Clements, he arrived in England at the age of fifteen and later found employment as an interior decorator. He entered boxing and won most of his fights as a professional boxer. His mother was a popular singer in Trinidad and Curtis claims that this contributed to his ear for music.

As a teenager he experienced racism when he and two white friends were charged with theft. As it turned out, Curtis was the only one of the three that had a custodial sentence.The Sydney Morning Herald, March 31, 2017 — [https://www.smh.com.au/national/clem-curtis-original-singer-with-the-foundations-20170331-gvaj6z.html Clem Curtis, original singer with the Foundations]

Curtis also took up wrestling and weightlifting for his hobbies.Disc and Music Echo, November 4, 1967 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Disc/1967/DISC-&-Music-Echo-1967-11-04.pdf Page 11 Eight faces that laid the FOUNDATIONS of a hit!, * Clem Curtis]

Curtis later reformed a version of the Foundations. Over the years, Curtis fronted various line-ups of the Foundations, as well as appearing on his own as a solo artist. He recorded and released records on various record labels, including EMI, Opium, Pye Records, RCA Records, Riverdale, and others.

Between 1966 and 1967 Curtis joined the Ramong Sound. He joined the group after hearing from his uncle that Ramong, Raymond Morrison, the lead singer of the group, was looking for backing singers. Curtis initially had very limited singing experience, only singing with his uncle when he came around the house with the guitar.{{cite web|author=Cherry Butler |url=http://www.50connect.co.uk/entertainment/music/artist_focus/a_chat_with_the_foundations_clem_curtis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081018192232/http://www.50connect.co.uk/entertainment/music/artist_focus/a_chat_with_the_foundations_clem_curtis |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-10-18 |title=50connect : A Chat With The Foundations' Clem Curtis |date=2008-10-18 |access-date=2017-03-27}}

After the Ramong Sound lost their original lead singer, the band took on board Arthur Brown temporarily, and went through a few name changes before they became the Foundations{{cite web|url=http://www.alan-warner.com/10102/info.php?p=4&pno=0 |title=Guitarist/Composer |publisher=Alan Warner |access-date=1 December 2012}} Arthur Brown stated in an interview that in his time with the group, he enjoyed singing with Curtis. They both sang separately as well as doing some duets.{{cite web|last=Breznikar|first=Klemen|author-link=Klemen Breznikar |date=January 22, 2012|title=Arthur Brown interview about Crazy World & Kingdom Come|url=https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2012/01/arthur-brown-interview-about-crazy.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224012841/http://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2012/01/arthur-brown-interview-about-crazy.html|archive-date=February 24, 2017|access-date=May 6, 2017|website=It's Psychedelic Baby! Magazine}}

Decades later, Arthur Brown had a recollection of when he walked into the Westbourne Grove bar for an audition, he saw Curtis holding a spear to the throat of the drummer who was bent backwards over the bar.Louder, January 15, 2004 - [https://www.loudersound.com/features/arthur-brown-fire-starter Arthur Brown: Fire Starter by Hugh Fielder]

At some stage, Rod Stewart had sat in with the band for a night but he had other plans.It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine, 22 July 2011 - [https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2011/07/pluto-interview-with-paul-gardner-alan.html Pluto interview with Paul Gardner & Alan Warner, You were in The Foundations and recorded four albums]

During the time of the band's evolving from the Ramong Sound to the Foundations, Curtis was tied up by a protection racket gang with someone holding a knife to his throat. As a result, they had to move out with all their belongings to the derelict Mini Cab office above the old premises. This is where they were discovered by Ron Fairway.Alan Warner website - [http://www.alan-warner.com/index.php/the_foundations-the_foundations/?k=36826:6:: The Foundations]Cherry Red Records, June 13, 2022 - [https://www.cherryred.co.uk/the-foundations-discover-the-pye-recordings-of-the-foundations-in-this-new-collection-am-i-groovin-you/ THE FOUNDATIONS| Discover the 'Pye' recordings of The Foundations in this new collection – 'Am I Groovin' You']

;1960s

{{Main|The Foundations}}

The group emerged in early 1967 with Curtis as their lead singer. The Foundations would go on to have worldwide hits with "Baby Now That I've Found You" and "Build Me Up Buttercup". Curtis is the lead voice on their hits "Baby Now That I've Found You", "Back on My Feet Again", and "Any Old Time (You're Lonely and Sad)".Billboard, 03/28/2017 - [https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/foundations-singer-clem-curtis-dies-at-76-7743344/Rock, Foundations Singer Clem Curtis Dies at 76 By Andrew Unterberger]

Curtis was the guest reviewer for the Blind Date Section of the October 28, 1967 issue of Melody Maker. He reviewed singles by Stevie Wonder, The Kinks, John Walker, Lee Dorsey, Madeline Hell, Chris Barber's Band, Brian Auger and the Trinity, Arthur Conley, The Creation, Mille Small and Astrud Gilberto.Melody Maker, October 28, 1967 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Melody-Maker/60s/67/Melody-Maker-1967-1028.pdf Page 14 BLIND DATE, CLEM CURTIS OF THE FOUNDATIONS]

An article "Foundations find a few problems in the States" by Bob Dawbarn in the 29 June 1968 issue of Melody Maker told of incident in the United States where Curtis lost his temper with a policeman. Curtis and Peter MacBeth were driving through San Francisco to Los Angeles. They were stopped by the police. The policeman took MacBeth's license and went around the back of the car possibly to check the number plate. Curtis turned around to look and the policeman started shouting at him "Have you got anything to say" and told him to sit down. Curtis lost his temper telling him, "You may talk to your American spades like that but I'm British". He also said "Don't you dare speak to me like that", and he would have his badge off of him as well. Apparently the policeman looked amazed.Melody Maker, June 29, 1968 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Melody-Maker/60s/68/Melody-Maker-1968-0629.pdf Page 7 Foundations find a few problems in the States - Bob Dawbarn]

After having found success with The Foundations, two hit singles and releasing two albums, some problems started with their songwriter producer Tony Macaulay as well within the group. Curtis felt that after their hit a couple of The Foundations members were taking things a little too easy thinking that they did not need to work so hard now that they had scored a hit.{{Citation needed|date=January 2011}} After being disillusioned with the band, he along with another member, Mike Elliott, left The Foundations in 1968 just after recording a version of "It's All Right", a song that they had been playing live for some time.Baby Now That I've Found You CD, Sequel Records NEECD 300, Notes by Roger Dopson He stuck around long enough to help the band audition a replacement. One of the singers auditioning was Warren Davis of the Warren Davis Monday Band. His replacement turned out to be Joey Young (Colin Young).Melody Maker, October 5, 1968 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Melody-Maker/60s/68/Melody-Maker-1968-1005.pdf JOEY REPLACES CURTIS]

In 1969, a self-titled album, The Foundations was released on the Marble Arch label (cat MALS 1157). It was among the selection of lower priced records listed in the 18 October 1969 issue of New Musical Express.New Musical Express, October 18, 1969 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/New-Musical-Express/1969/New-Musical-Express-1969-10-18-OCR.pdf Page 12 UNDER A£] It featured stereo re-recordings of songs previously recorded by The Foundations.Last Dodo - [https://www.lastdodo.com/en/items/424719-the-foundations The Foundations 1970 LP: MALS 1157]The Foundations, Baby Now That I've Found You CD Sequel Records – NEECD 300 Notes by Roger Dopson The songs "Any Old Time (You're Lonely and Sad)", "Back on My Feet Again", "Harlem Shuffle", "Tomorrow" and "We Are Happy People" had appeared on the Rocking the Foundations album released the previous year.Popsike - [https://www.popsike.com/Foundations-The-Foundations-Marble-Arch-Records-MAL1157-Mono-Vinyl-LP-Album/283952859317.html Foundations The Foundations Marble Arch Records MAL1157 Mono Vinyl LP Album]Popsike - [https://www.popsike.com/Foundations-Rocking-The-Foundations-UK-vinyl-LP-album-record-NPL18227-PYE-1968/291430520097.html Foundations Rocking The Foundations UK vinyl LP album record NPL18227 PYE 1968] "Baby Now That I've Found You" with Colin Young on vocals from the Marble Arch LPThe Second Disc, August 24, 2022 - [https://theseconddisc.com/2022/08/24/build-me-up-buttercup-cherry-red-collects-the-foundations-on-am-i-groovin-you/ NEWS, Build Me Up, Buttercup: Cherry Red Collects The Foundations on "Am I Groovin' You", CD2 Plus:, 16. Baby, Now That I've Found You (Colin Young Vocal/Stereo) (from The Foundations, Marble Arch LP MALS 1157, 1969)] has the same backing track as the original version by Clem Curtis.The Foundations channel, Jan 4, 2023 - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ1KaQW5rG8 The Foundations - Baby Now That I've Found You (Stereo) (Colin Young Version) (Official Audio)]The Foundations channel, Dec 22, 2022 - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNFj9IdpMQM The Foundations - Baby Now That I've Found You (Mono) (Official Audio)] The new version of "Tomorrow" when referred to years later, gets referred to as the alternate version. This version has Colin Young on vocals instead of Clem Curtis' vocals which appeared on the live version. They too have the same backing track. However, the Colin Young re-recording is a longer edit.The Foundations channel, Jan 4, 2023 - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMw3WlvkOJ8 The Foundations - Tomorrow (Alternate Version) (Official Audio)]The Foundations Channel, Jul 21, 2021 - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B13-cSWmGVM Tomorrow (Live)] "Tomorrow" was originally on the Rocking the Foundations albumAmazon - [https://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Rocking-Records-NSPL-18227/dp/B00U1OEJEI The Foundations - Rocking The Foundations - Pye Records - NSPL 18227 NM/NM LP] which was a mixture of actual live and studio tracks.It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine, July 22, 2011 - [https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2011/07/pluto-interview-with-paul-gardner-alan.html Pluto interview with Paul Gardner & Alan Warner, The Foundations Albums:] It's likely that there were some recordings with Clem Curtis on lead vocals in existence, but his vocals were replaced with those by Colin Young.{{Citation needed|reason=Reference needed for this|date=December 2024}}

;1970s

During the 1970s, the group was called Clem Curtis & the Foundations but sometimes used the Foundations name.The Stage, Thursday 14 December 1972 - [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/search/results/1970-01-01/1979-12-31?basicsearch=%22clem%20curtis%20and%20the%20foundations%22&exactsearch=false&place=london%2c%20london%2c%20england&retrievecountrycounts=false&mostspecificlocation=london%2c%20london%2c%20england&sortorder=score SEASONAL SNIPPETS FROM WALES--DEREK WAYLAND]Getty Images - [https://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/english-pop-group-foundations-arrived-in-sydney-to-start-a-news-photo/1079427238 English Pop Group Foundations arrived in Sydney to start a month long tour of Australia]

Curtis and his Foundations toured Australia in 1975. Unfortunately, the tour was marred with a trumped up assault charge which resulted in Curtis being taken off of a Jet by the New South Wales police, put into handcuffs and put into a police cell.

In 1977, Clem Curtis and the Foundations nearly got into the Eurovision final with "Where Were You When I Needed Your Love",[http://www.nul-points.net/wide2.htm]{{dead link|date=August 2013}} a John Macleod and Dave Meyers composition.{{cite web |date=9 March 1977 |title=A Song For Europe 1976 1977 |url=http://www.songs4europe.com/20.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213133301/http://www.songs4europe.com/20.html |archive-date=13 February 2012 |access-date=11 August 2013 |publisher=Songs4europe.com |df=dmy-all}} They came third in the heats, and were picked as a favourite to win, but an electricians' strike ruined their chances, and "Rock Bottom" by Lynsey de Paul and Mike Moran was the winner.{{cite book |last=Dopson |first=Roger |title=Baby Now That I've Found You, Sequel Records NEECD 300 |publisher=Sequel Records |edition=1st |location=UK}}

Curtis and Alan Warner worked on a project to re-cut the original Foundations hits. The result was the Greatest Hits CD album that was released on Double Play GRF176 in or around 1994. The recordings were produced and arranged by Keith Bateman and in addition to Warner on guitar and Curtis on lead vocals, the recordings featured Andy Bennett on Drums and Vince Cross on keyboards.Discogs - [https://www.discogs.com/release/5329298-The-Foundations-Greatest-Hits The Foundations – Greatest Hits]Television, July 1994 Vol. 44, No. 9, Issue 525 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Practical-Television/90s/Television-1994-07.pdf Page 4 CD GRF176]

;1960s

Curtis went on to pursue a solo career in the United States. This was probably helped along by the encouragement of his friend Sammy Davis Jr.

According to the October 12, 1968 issue of Melody Maker, Curtis' first solo disc was to be "Just for Tonight" which was a Tony Macaulay composition. He was also rehearsing his backing group in preparation for a some one-nighters in about a fortnight time.Melody Maker, October 12, 1968 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Melody-Maker/60s/68/Melody-Maker-1968-1012.pdf Page 3 CLEM'S SOLO DISC] It appears that Tony Macaulay had David Essex record it instead.Jazz Rock Soul - [https://jazzrocksoul.com/artists/david-essex/ David Essex] It was announced in 7 December 1968 issue of Melody Maker that Curtis' debut single would be the Tony Macaulay composition, "Marie Take a Chance and it would be released by United Artists on 9 January.Melody Maker, December 7, 1968 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Melody-Maker/60s/68/Melody-Maker-1968-1207.pdf Page 3 CLEM'S SINGLE DEBUT] In 1969, he was signed to Cowsills Productions and had debuted with "Marie Take a Chance".Billboard - [https://books.google.com/books?id=eSgEAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22Clem+Curtis%22Billboard&pg=PA4 Curtis Nicely Signings Mark Cowsills' Management Entry - Billboard page 4 April 19, 1969] The Tony Macaulay and John Macleod composition was arranged by Des Champ.New Musical Express, January 18, 1969 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/New-Musical-Express/1969/New-Musical-Express-1969-01-18-OCR.pdf Page 6 TOP SINGLES REVIEWED BY DEREK JOHNSON, CLEM CURTIS: Marie Take a Chance (United Artists).] The single was reviewed by Stu Ginsburg in the 31 January issue of GO YMCA. Making note of the fact that this was Curtis' first release since leaving The Foundations, Ginsberg said that the song was "rhythmically lyrical, and could be his first big one".GO YMCA, Number 150 January 31. 1969 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Station-Odds-and-Ends/GO-WMCA-Fanzine.pdf Page 8 : Stu Ginsburg reviews the NEW singles..., MARIE TAKE A CHANCE (UA) Clem Curtis] The single was reviewed in the January 18, 1969 issue of New Musical Express. Reviewer Derek Johnson said that it was "a busy, bouncy extremely exhilarating number" and that it sounded that Clem was back with his former group. He said that he wasn't sure if the song was strong enough.New Musical Express, January 18, 1969 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/New-Musical-Express/1969/New-Musical-Express-1969-01-18-OCR.pdf Page 6 TOP SINGLES REVIEWED BY DEREK JOHNSON, CLEM CURTIS: Marie Take a Chance (United Artists).] The single was reviewed in the 19 April issue of Record World. One of the magazine's four-star picks, the reviewer said, "it rocks for real".Record World, April 19, 1969 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Record-World/60s/69/Record-World-1969-04-19.pdf Page 8 record world FOUR STAR PICKS, CLEM CURTIS-Imperial 66374] A "newcomer pick", it was also reviewed by Cash Box that week. The reviewer noted the teen appeal and said that it had hefty rhythm appeal, and it carried a fine vocal. There was also breakout potential.Cash Box, April 19, 1969 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1969/CB-1969-04-19.pdf Page 22 Cash Box Record Reviews, Newcomer Picks, CLEM CURTIS (Imperial 66374)] As shown by Record World in the 26 April issue, the single was getting played on US radio stations, KIMN, WAKY and KCPX.Record World, April 26, 1969 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Record-World/60s/69/RW-1969-04-26.pdf Page 108 Money Music (Continued from page 107), Clem Curtis on Imperial "Marie Take A Chance," KIMN, WAKY, KCPX.]

;1970s

After some well-received club appearances and hanging out with artists such as Wilson Pickett, and staying with the Cowsills, he did not receive enough work and decided to return to England in the early 1970s.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}} He did some work with Donnie Elbert and Johnny Johnson and the Bandwagon.Soul & Jazz & Funk, MARCH 28, 2017 - [https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/clem-curtis-dies/ NEWS > CLEM CURTIS DIES....]

Working with producer John Macleod in 1971, Curtis recorded the Macleod / Mike Redway composition, "Mountain Over the Hill" which was released on Pye 7N 45070.Popsike - [https://www.popsike.com/CLEM-CURTIS-FOUNDATIONS-RARE-DEMO-MOUNTAIN-OVER-THE-HILL-SOUL-STOMPER-NM/110861065022.html CLEM CURTIS, (FOUNDATIONS), RARE DEMO, MOUNTAIN OVER THE HILL, SOUL STOMPER, NM]Catalogue of Copyright Entries Third Series, Volume 25, Part 5, Number I, Section I
Music
Current and Renewal Registrations, January - June 1971 - [https://www.google.com/books/edition/Catalog_of_Copyright_Entries/HkMhAQAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22John+Macleod%22Mike+Redway%22Mountain+over+the+Hill%22&pg=PA521&printsec=frontcover Page 521 Current Registrations, MOUNTAIN OVER THE HILL]

Working again with producer John Macleod,Popsike - [https://www.popsike.com/Clem-Curtis-Ive-Never-Found-A-Girl-1972-UK-Pye-Demo-Northern-Soul-FOUNDATIONS/361072526370.html Clem Curtis I've Never Found A Girl 1972 UK Pye Demo Northern Soul FOUNDATIONS] Curtis recorded "I've Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)". Backed with "Point of No Return", it was released on Pye 45150 in 1972.Record Mirror, June 24, 1972 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/70s/72/Record-Mirror-1972-06-24-S-OCR.pdf Page 21 Mirrorpick, PETER JONES ON THE NEW SINGLES, CLEM CURTIS: I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)]Popsike - [https://www.popsike.com/NORTHERN-SOUL-CLEM-CURTIS-POINT-OF-NO-RETURN-UK-PYE-DEMO-7/180958719233.html NORTHERN SOUL-- CLEM CURTIS -- POINT OF NO RETURN -- UK PYE DEMO 7] "Point of No Return" had earlier been recorded by Pickettywitch and was the B side of their single, " Number Wonderful" (cat# Pye 7N.45126) which was produced by Mcleod.Amazon - [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Number-Wonderful-Pickettywitch/dp/B095KRTCL2 Number Wonderful, 45 rpm/m Pickettywitch (Artist)]The Second Disc, November 22, 2016 - [https://theseconddisc.com/2016/11/22/that-same-old-feeling-rpm-collects-pickettywitch-polly-brown-on-new-anthology/ That Same Old Feeling: RPM Collects Pickettywitch, Polly Brown On New Anthology By Joe Marchese] Curtis' single was reviewed by Peter Jones in the June 24, 1972 issue of Record Mirror. Jones said that it had a good off-beat that would lead to hand clapping and foot stomping. He couldn't elaborate on the lazy feeling of the song but said that it was a good production and that Clem had the feel and that it was a chart chance.Record Mirror, June 24, 1972 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/70s/72/Record-Mirror-1972-06-24-S-OCR.pdf Page 21 Mirrorpick, PETER JONES ON THE NEW SINGLES, CLEM CURTIS: I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)] It was also reviewed by Melody Maker. The reviewer said that it was a nice record that could do well in discos and there was a chart possibility.The History of Rock 1972 - [https://www.scribd.com/document/335343372/The-History-of-Rock-08-1972 Page 69 Singles, Clem Curtis I’ve Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do) ]PDF Coffee - [https://pdfcoffee.com/the-history-of-rock-08-1972-pdf-free.html The History of Rock #08 - 1972, SINGLES, Clem Curtis I’ve Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do) ]

He recorded "I Don't Care What People Say" bw "Shame on You" which was released on EMI EMI 2159 in May 1974. Both sides were composed by Biddu and Lee Vanderbilt. It was reviewed by Peter Jones in the May 25 issue of Record Mirror. Jones said that the Biddu production was good and noted the gently building performance but said that it was a hard one to assess and that it wasn't a strong enough song, almost but not quite.45Cat - [https://www.45cat.com/artist/clem-curtis Clem Curtis - Discography, UK, I Don't Care What People Say]Record Mirror, May 25, 1974 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/70s/74/Record-Mirror-1974-05-25.pdf Page 22 Singles UK Reviews Peter Jones, CLEM CURTIS: I Don't Care What People Say]

In 1979, he recorded his version of "Unchained Melody" which was released in both 7" format (RCA PB 5175) and 12" format (RCA PC 5175). It was to be available from July 16.Music Week, July 21, 1979 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1979/Music-Week-1979-07-21.pdf Page 15] His disco version of the song spent three weeks in the Record Mirror UK Disco Chart, peaking at no. 75.James Hamilton's Disco Page - [https://jameshamiltonsdiscopage.com/chart-archive/a-full-list-of-all-record-mirror-uk-disco-chart-entries-1975-1979/ A full list of all Record Mirror UK Disco Chart entries, 1975-1979, Clem Curtis Unchained Melody (RCA) — 25 August 1979: 75, 3]

;1980s

Curtis had a part as a member of the congregation in the Anton Philips production of the James Baldwin play, The Amen Corner which ran in March 1987 at the Lyric Theater in London.Theatricalia - [https://theatricalia.com/play/5g7/the-amen-corner/production/c1j The Amen Corner, Cast & Crew]

In the late 1980s, Curtis joined the line-up of the Corporation, also referred to as "the Traveling Wrinklies", which was a parody of sorts of the popular Traveling Wilburys. The Traveling Wrinklies were composed of Curtis, Mike Pender, Brian Poole, Tony Crane, and Reg Presley, former lead singer of the Troggs. They released the single "Ain't Nothing But a House Party" on the Corporation label in 1988.

;1990s - 2000s

Curtis appeared on stage as the Lion in The Wiz at the Lyric Hammersmith. His performance was singled out by a critic for The Guardian who said it was "fiercely comic and touching".The Telegraph, 30 March 2017 - [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2017/03/30/clem-curtis-lead-singer-foundations-obituary/ Clem Curtis, lead singer of the Foundations – obituary] He has also appeared on TV chat shows, the British reality television series Airport, and had a bit part in the ITV series The Bill.

In 2004, Curtis toured the UK as part of a soul package tour with Jimmy James & The Vagabonds. At the end of a show he was invited back on stage by Jimmy James who said "I don't like him and he don't like me but that's all right. Here's Clem Curtis." They then did "Love Train" together.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BwwLBaH9488C&q=%22Mike+Elliott%22Saxophone&pg=PT324 |title=1000 UK Number One Hits |author=Jon Kutner |date=2010-05-26 |access-date=2017-03-27|isbn=9780857123602 }}

With Newham Mag referring to Curtis as the Godfather of English Soul, Clem Curtis & the Foundations along with Hot Chocolate were appearing at the Under The Stars Festival on Saturday night, 15 August 2015.Newham Mag, Issue 321 Jul 30, 2015 - [https://issuu.com/newhammag/docs/nm321 Page 14 Under The Stars, Saturday 15 August]

Curtis recorded and performed until near the end of his life; he was regularly seen as part of the "soul explosion" night with former Flirtations singer Earnestine Pearce and Jimmy James at resorts such as Butlins and Warner Leisure Hotels in the United Kingdom.{{cite web |url=http://www.bookemdanno.com/clientdetail.asp?id=6 |title=Entertainment, Variety, Musical, Drama and Comedy Acts available to book |publisher=Bookemdanno.com |access-date=1 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208122200/http://www.bookemdanno.com/clientdetail.asp?id=6 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web|url=http://www.butlinsonline.co.uk/index.cfm?page=2688 |title=Butlins – Book family holidays & short breaks at UK holiday parks |publisher=Butlinsonline.co.uk |access-date=1 January 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Flirtations.html |title=The Flirtations Page |publisher=Soulwalking.co.uk |access-date=1 January 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/ |title=Weekend Breaks & Luxury Hotel Deals in England & Wales|publisher=Warnerleisurehotels.co.uk |access-date=1 January 2012}} He also appeared on cruises such as the cruise ship "Azura", which docked in Southampton.{{cite web|url=http://www.lordlarge.com/the_history_blab.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221030115/http://www.lordlarge.com/the_history_blab.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-12-21 |title=The History |date=2008-12-21 |access-date=2017-03-27}}

Outside of music Curtis had established a side occupation for himself, dealing in antiques.The Times, Monday April 10, 2017 - [https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/clem-curtis-503cjfw37 Obituary, Clem Curtis]

He was the father of seven children, six sons and a daughter from previous relationships.{{Cite news |title=Clem Curtis Trinidad-born lead singer of 1960s and 1970s chart-toppers The Foundations |work=pressreader (Sunday Independent (Ireland) 2 Apr 2017 |url=https://www.pressreader.com/ireland/sunday-independent-ireland/20170402/282218010633536 |access-date=20 December 2017}}{{Cite news |title=Clem Curtis - Lead singer with the Foundations, the first multiracial band to achieve a No 1 in Britain with Baby, Now That I've Found You |work=The Times April 10, 2017 |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/clem-curtis-503cjfw37 |access-date=20 December 2017}} Curtis died on 27 March 2017 at the age of 76, after a short battle with cancer.{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/the-foundations-singer-clem-curtis-dies-aged-76-after-cancer-battle-a3500416.html |title=The Foundations' singer Clem Curtis dies aged 76 after cancer battle |publisher=London Evening Standard |date=27 March 2017 |access-date=27 March 2017}}

Curtis has been referred to on various occasions, informally as "The Godfather of English Soul".{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/foundations-singer-clem-curtis-dead-76-article-1.3010446|title=The Foundations singer Clem Curtis dead at 76: report|website=NYDailyNews.com|access-date=2017-05-05}}{{Cite news|url=http://journalstar.com/entertainment/music/foundations-singer-clem-curtis-dies/article_9589da55-cbd1-5c3f-927f-63ad5fd27640.html|title=Foundations singer Clem Curtis dies|work=Lincoln Journal Star|access-date=2017-05-05}}

His brother is Hot Chocolate percussionist and backing singer Derek Lewis.{{Citation needed|reason=Reference required|date=March 2024}} Lewis was also a member of Clem Curtis & the Foundations.Getty Images - [https://www.gettyimages.no/detail/news-photo/english-pop-group-foundations-arrived-in-sydney-to-start-a-news-photo/1079427230 English Pop Group Foundations arrived in Sydney to start a month long tour of Australia]

{{Main|The Foundations#Discography}}

• "Ain't Nothing But a House Party" / "Ain't Nothing But a House Party" (1988)

• "Ain't Nothing But a House Party" (1988)

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.trilogyrock.com/downloads/118-entrevista-clem-curtis-the-foundations.php Interview with Clem Curtis]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080421115153/http://www.my-generation.org.uk/Troggs/troggdisc.htm My-generation.org.uk]
• [https://archive.today/20130129120650/http://music.msn.com/artist/?artist=16084120&menu=bio Biography at music.msn.com]
• david pinches channel, Jul 22, 2011 - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LuWLWQ9lFY Clem Curtis -I`ve Never Found a Girl & Point Of No Return (audio)]
• Ian Levine channel, Oct 22, 2022 - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmXBUO2aM4U (video)]
• Lord Large - Topic channel, Sep 11, 2016 - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbqiZo9AmWw Stuck in a Wind Up (audio)]
• Sbradyman channel, Oct 27, 2023 - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw4KdFOcJkY The Promise feat Clem Curtis - Promise (The Saxual Mix) Promo Only 1992 (audio)]
• Foz G channel, Oct 12, 2012 - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsqaoU2EaiE Clem Curtis Live Summertime (video)]

{{The Foundations}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Curtis, Clem}}

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