Andrew Clunis
'Chiquitita' singer, Clive 'Snowball' Brown fallen on hard times.
IN 1994, HE had what was arguably the most popular song in the National Festival Song contest. Clive 'Snowball' Brown didn't win the top prize, but he placed second, earning several thousands of dollars in the process and gaining what many people thought was a new lease on life for a frustrated singer.
After the contest he was in great demand for appearances at pop events all over the country. He was truly a crowd favourite as he enlivened the hearts of children and adults with his folky song 'Chiquitita' and his ontoward appearance. Today, the 'Snowball' seems to have melted.
The Gleaner caught up with him at the first Tastee road show in this year's Popular Song Contest held at the Tastee outdoor theatre in Cross Roads.
He told The Gleaner he had fallen on hard times. His appearance reflected his tale, as he was in cut-off-pants, a dirty shirt and worn-out boots. He had the countenance of a street person, although he said he was living at a premises on Brentford Road.
'Snowball' said he had used up the money he made from the festival and the subsequent shows to pay rent and take care of his family. He told The Gleaner he had submitted entries for the festival four times since, but none had been selected.
"I want a manager and a producer. Ah write some songs since the festival, but nobody want to produce them," he said.
He complained that he had not been paid royalties for his song and said he would like a lawyer to act on his behalf in litigating the matter.
"Ah woulda give them a cut out of the money. Is a lot of money out there fe me," he said.
'Snowball' dreams of travelling to countries where his song gained popularity so he may earn some more money. And he says there have been various times when he would drive taxis for a living, but he is presently out of a job.
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