Michael Clarke, a native of Spokane, Washington, embarked on a storied music career in the 1960s and 1970s, serving as the drummer for three influential bands, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
Initially, Clarke was part of the original lineup of The Byrds, a pioneering country-rock outfit, from 1965 to 1967, contributing to the band's distinctive sound and style.
Following his tenure with The Byrds, Clarke joined The Flying Burrito Brothers, another groundbreaking country-rock ensemble, from 1969 to 1972, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled drummer.
Subsequently, he became a member of Firefall, a band that flourished from 1975 to 1981, cementing his status as a versatile and accomplished musician, with a career spanning over two decades.
As Clarke's musical career continued to unfold, he simultaneously refined his artistic talents, and his breathtaking landscape paintings were subsequently showcased at numerous prestigious art galleries, serving as a testament to his multifaceted creative abilities.
Following his tenure with Firefall, Clarke embarked on a brief stint with Jerry Jeff Walker's touring band before dedicating the majority of his life to various iterations of the Tribute to The Byrds bands.
Throughout this period, Clarke had the privilege of collaborating with an array of esteemed musicians, including the renowned Gene Clark, the accomplished Rick Roberts, and the talented John York, among others, all of whom shared his passion for paying homage to the iconic band's enduring legacy.