Classic Rock

Great Unknown Songs #6 – The Kinks “Death Of a Clown”

Published on 09/22/2017

One of the most important rock and roll bands of all time, The Kinks, lead by the brothers Ray Davies and Dave Davies were responsible to make rock and roll heavier with amazing riffs like “You Really Got Me”.

But like The Beatles, they dind’t had a record without good songs. And one of them is “Death Of a Clown”.

The song was made by Dave Davies, and released as his debut solo single in 1967. The song was co-written with his brother Ray Davies, who contributed the 5-bar “La la la” hook; Ray’s first wife, Rasa, sings this phrase as well as descant in the second verse.

While Ray himself sings harmony in the refrain. Nicky Hopkins played the distinctive introduction, using fingerpicks on the strings of a piano. The single was credited to Dave Davies but the song also appeared on the Kinks’ album Something Else by The Kinks, released later in 1967.

Related Topics:CLASSIC ROCK, dave davies, Featured, ray davies, the kinks

Rafael Polcaro

I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago. Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG