Clement Anthony Bozewski, professionally known as Clem Burke, was born on November 24, 1954, in Bayonne, New Jersey. His entry into the rock music scene began in the mid-1970s, following his encounter with guitarist Steve Jones at various rock hangouts in London, England. This pivotal meeting ultimately led to Burke's membership in the iconic New Wave rock group Blondie, which he joined in 1975 and remained a part of until the band's initial breakup in the early 1980s.
Later, Burke played a crucial role in the late 1990s reunion of Blondie, a testament to his enduring connection with the band. In addition to his work with Blondie, Burke was the drummer for the group Chequered Past from 1982 to 1984, during which time he honed his skills and expanded his musical repertoire.
One of the most notable aspects of Burke's career is his extensive work with the Eurythmics, for whom he served as drummer throughout the 1980s. He is featured on three of the band's albums and made a memorable appearance at the Free Nelson Mandela concert in 1988. His collaborations with other prominent music artists are equally impressive, including Pete Townsend, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, the Romantics, Wanda Jackson, Johnny Thunders, the Plimsouls, and Dramarama.
In 1987, Burke had the opportunity to play two concert gigs with the Ramones, a testament to his versatility and ability to adapt to a wide range of musical styles. In the following years, he toured and recorded with Nancy Sinatra from 2004 to 2005, and also played drums on Kathy Valentine's debut solo album "Light Years" in 2005.
In 2006, Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the rest of Blondie, a recognition of his significant contributions to the music industry. More recently, he has played drums for the groups Slinky Vagabond, Magic Christian, and the Hugh Cornwell Band, demonstrating his continued dedication to his craft and his ability to thrive in a variety of musical settings.
