Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown was born on April 18, 1924, in Vinton, Louisiana, and raised near Orange, Texas. He was a versatile American musician known for his eclectic style that encompassed blues, country, jazz, Cajun, and R&B. Brown's father, a railroad worker and local musician, taught him to play several instruments, including the fiddle, guitar, and piano, from a young age. He began his professional music career as a drummer in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 21.

Brown's career took a significant turn in 1947 when he stepped in to perform at a concert for T-Bone Walker, who had fallen ill. His impromptu performance of "Gatemouth Boogie" captivated the audience and caught the attention of Don Robey, who later founded Peacock Records to promote Brown's music. Brown's early recordings, such as "Mary Is Fine" and "Okie Dokie Stomp," showcased his innovative guitar work and became hits.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Brown expanded his musical repertoire and audience. He moved to Nashville to participate in a syndicated R&B television show and recorded country singles. He also worked as a deputy sheriff in New Mexico before gaining popularity in Europe, where he toured extensively. Brown's collaborations with artists like Roy Clark and his appearances on television shows like "Hee Haw" further solidified his reputation.

In the 1980s, Brown continued to record and perform, winning a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1983 for "Alright Again!" He was known for his high-energy performances and his refusal to be pigeonholed as merely a blues musician, preferring the label of "American musician." Brown's influence extended beyond his recordings, impacting musicians such as Frank Zappa.

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown passed away on September 10, 2005, in Orange, Texas. His legacy as a pioneering and genre-defying musician endures, with numerous awards and recognitions, including his induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1999 and the National Fiddler Hall of Fame in 2016. His music continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.