The Genius of Tony Clarke: TONY CLARKE SEEN IN HINDSIGHT

By Dr. Darlene Gaskins

This is an autobiography that bridges the gaps of an iconic Detroit, Motown legends’ life and demise. It opens the door on several concerns surrounding the career, life and death of Tony Clarke. It is a book of healing for the family and fans of Tony Clarke. There are no accusations or finger pointing, only pieces of information, allowing

• Language: English
• Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
• Release date: Jul 31, 2019
• ISBN: 9781643676821

Dr. Darlene Gaskins

Dr. Gaskins is a regular army Veteran, married to a Retired Disabled Veteran, and a mother of four. She grew up on the streets of Detroit's Northwest side. She graduated from Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan. She is a doctoral prepared registered nurse of 30 plus years of service. She graduated from Baker University with a Master of Science in Management, an MBA without all the stats, and received her Educational Doctorate from Argosy University.

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The Genius of Tony Clarke

Copyright © 2019 by Dr. Darlene Gaskins. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of URLink Print and Media.

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Published in the United States of America

ISBN 978-1-64367-683-8 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64367-682-1 (Digital)

15.07.19

Acknowledgement

This book is a tribute of respect to Tony The Entertainer Clarke, an iconic legend. This book was possible through the collaboration of the cousins: Geno, Toi, and Darlene. Thank you, Geno and Toi, for your help and trust. The power of three accomplished this dream.

Dedication

The work undertaken to bring this book to completion was executed with love in order to make things right, and move our families forward. It was written in honor of family, those who we are descended from: Clarke, Campbell, Castelow, Farmer, Gaskins, Gibbs, Hatcher, Heath, Ison, Parks, Phillips, Robinson, and Smith. Those that who are undocumented, such as, Dodge, Delorean, Giglio, and Kennedy are honored too.

Contents

Preface

Introduction

Clarkes’ Family Tree

The House Of Clarke

Tony Clarke The Legend

Second Chances

Tony Clarke The Man

The Quest In Pursuit Of Succcess

True Love And Joyce Elaine

Special Reflections from Family & and Friends

Special Reflections from Geno Clarke Sr.

Lost a Dad to Tragedy

Special Reflections from Toi Dionne Dawn Clarke

Special Reflections from Cassandra Williams

Special Reflections from James Amos

Special Reflections from Melvin Davis

Special Reflections from Charles Buddy Smith

Special Reflections from Yvonne Vernee Allen

Special Reflections from Saundra Ruffin

Picture Gallery

The Tragic Death of a Legend

Giving Up the Ghost

Opening A Door

Recognition of an Icon Just Rewards

Saying Good – Bye

This One Is for Tony Clarke Geno Clarke Sr.

This One Is for Tony Clarke Toi Dionne Dawn Clarke

This One Is for Tony Clarke Dr. Darlene Phillips Gaskins

Acknowledgement Of Thanks

Appendix

References

About The Author

Permissions

Preface

Tony Clarke, is Detroit’s own legend. He may have been born in New York, but his career was made in Detroit, and almost erased in Detroit. Tony’s heritage was hidden, and memories taken for reasons undisclosed. In spite of those obstacles, he was determined to leave a legacy, and he did. He was sometimes known as the Madd Entertainer. His creative focus could bring to mind someone who has fallen down the rabbit hole. Often, over the years, he was referred to by his son, Geno Clarke Sr., as the Jinx.

Have you ever been to Washington, D.C, and visited the statue of Albert Einstein? Were you to do so after reading Tony Clarke’s story, you would better understand the reference to his life, as one that who has fallen down the rabbit hole. While researching Tony Clarke’s story, I did visit Einstein’s statue. During my research, I felt the need to visit Washington, D.C. around the fourth of July, Independence Day. While out sight-seeing, I found myself at the base of this huge statue. When I looked up at the statue, I recognized who the statue was. I stepped back and read the name plate. It was the statue of Albert Einstein. Suddenly, all of the pieces of Tony’s’ life fell into place. Think of Tony Clarke as a young boy with humble beginnings from New York, with the talent, focus, and instincts of those with royal bloodlines.

Tony Clarke’s story makes you think of genius and pathways. It also makes you think of G-men (government) and M-men, and I don’t mean mama’s boys, that M is for Military. Tony Clarke was a genuine music genius. He was the real McCoy. Be forewarned, the B word is used in this book: as B for believe. Tony Clarke’s career, and demise continues to be the subject of various conspiracy theories, as the creed of