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Clarence Bekker

Clarence Bekker

Clarence comes from Suriname, and moved to Amsterdam at the age of 6. He started his singing career with legendary Dutch band, Swing Soul Machine, where he was the youngest singer in 20 years. He grew into a dance music artist called CB Milton where he made three albums in the 1990s. Currently, Clarence is living in Barcelona, Spain, collaborating with bands like 08001 and local DJs like Taito Tikaro.

While filming Pierre Minetti performing his original song, "Don't Worry," in Barcelona, he recommended we meet his friend Clarence Bekker; Pierre thought Clarence would be a good addition to "Don't Worry," and "Stand By Me." That turned out to be one of the best connections we ever explored! In a friend of Pierre's garden, Clarence's spirited voice and passionate soul blew us all away. He is now one of the main voices representing Playing for Change.

Related Episodes

72.

A Better Place

We realize that true change for the good of everyone always comes from the hearts of the people, and with music we can unite together to make the world A Better Place

66.

PFC Day 2012

Support global music education by celebrating Playing For Change Day on 22 September 2012!

63.

A Change Is Gonna Come - Live at Folsom

The PFC Band performs Sam Cooke's classic, live at Folsom, CA in the spring of 2012

60.

Blind Man

Listen in as Grandpa Elliott tells a story from his soul live from Folsom, CA

59.

I'd Rather Go Blind

The PFC Band rehearses their version of this classic made famous by the late, great Etta James

57.

Don't Worry - Live

The PFC Band performs "Don't Worry" live in Vancouver, British Colombia during their 2009 International Tour.

56.

Feliz Navidad

The PFC Band + special guests send holiday greetings from Sao Paulo

55.

Stand By Me - Japan

The PFC Band performs "Stand by Me" in honor of all the people of Japan who were affected by the tsunami in the spring of 2011

52.

Higher Ground

Clarence Bekker, Titi Tsira, and Toumani Diabate are joined by members of Tinariwen and many more musicians on a soulful journey around the world

51.

Playing For Change Day 2011

Join us for the first annual Playing For Change Day on September 17, 2011, a global event to benefit children's music programs around the world!

45.

PFC 2 Trailer

Check the trailer for PFC 2, our new CD/DVD that will be released May 31!

41.

Don't Beat Me Around the Bush

This is an original composition by Clarence Bekker, sung from the streets of Barcelona.

38.

Imagine

John Lennon's "Imagine" performed around the world to benefit the Playing For Change Foundation

37.

Imidiwan Afrik Tendam

The PFC Band with special guests Tinariwen, the Omagh Community Youth Choir, and Vusi Mahlasela perform at Glastonbury Festival in 2009

35.

I've Got Dreams To Remember

The Playing For Change Band performs "I've Got Dreams To Remember" with Toots Hibbert live from Los Angeles' Club Nokia on November 13th, 2009.

32.

One Love - Live From Madrid

The Playing For Change Band closed out its epic 2009 International Tour in Madrid with this amazing performance of "One Love."

30.

"Back To Your Roots" Live

Check out "Back To Your Roots" performed live by the Playing For Change Band during their International Tour in the Fall of 2009!

29.

Playing For Change Band Live Trailer

Trailer from the PFC Band's new live performance film, featuring special guests Ziggy Marley and Toots Hibbert (of Toots and the Maytals)

28.

Sugar Sweet | Grandpa Elliott

Sugar Sweet, an album from Grandpa Elliott, was recorded throughout the 2009 Playing For Change Band North American Tour.

22.

Felangaye

This live performance is from the Playing For Change Band's show on November 13th, 2009 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, CA.

20.

Another Cup for Grandpa

A fun glimpse inside the 'backstage' life of the PFC Band.

17.

Pemba Laka

A historic, timeless rhyme from Angola, featuring Hugo Soars, is celebrated throughout Africa and resonates around the globe.

15.

2009 Tour Highlights

In the spring of 2009, musicians from all over the world came together on stages across America to share their messages and inspire audiences with their musical collaborations.

14.

Fannie Mae: Live in Los Angeles

The Playing For Change Band, featuring Grandpa Elliott, recorded this amazing version of Buster Brown's original, Fannie Mae, live at the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles in the Spring of 2009.

4.

Don't Worry

The first original Song Around The World, this track speaks to the similarities we all share as a human race.

2.

Stand By Me

This song transformed Playing For Change from a small group of individuals into a global movement for peace and understanding.

Information

URL: Clarence on Wikipedia

Instruments: vocals, acoustic guitar

Location