Dougherty Arts Center
Antone: Our Gift From the Coast
RECEIVED Mon., June 19, 2006
Dear Editor,
Every good person has a Clifford Antone story. I call Clifford Antone "the gift from our Texas coast." His musical grace and independence for the blues and other good sounds secured our city for future generations. There is only one Clifford Antone, and there is only one KUT Radio. Mine goes way back through happy and sad times. I did not allow many to know me after that bad divorce publicized much. "It’ll get better, Cleo, go on and dance," he'd say.
I could dance like a maniac "many a night, for years to come" and go home alone. Clifford's embrace carried me. With the most respect I continue to mourn him. We made the headlines with our troubles. I had a very angry ex-husband who had some political strength. Fourteen years later God totally intervened.
The last 10 years I have been very sick, but I have had a vision from Clifford to live, sing, dance, laugh and re-enjoy my children even though they are grown now. My friends kept telling me to go to the club, and I did not. I am having such a hard time saying goodbye. It is so hard to see his picture without crying and wishing I had done what he asked me to do since the Seventies. I dreamed about Clifford and could not make sense of it. I returned from my cardiologist appointment to find out my beautiful friend had died. It just cannot be. And you know it just cannot be. I can barely walk. I went to the record store. I sat and looked across the street. I am truly blessed to have known his love and character. Clifford Antone gave me strength to live, as has George Lopez.
I went to see him at Güero's with my longtime boyfriend Keith. That hug is so special. He said I smelled good. I said that Cliff was back, and he said, "And Cleo’s back – still waiting for those songs." We also laughed about mozzarella cheese. What I have learned is do not hide your feelings no matter what.
Tears on my pillow probably forever.
Every good person has a Clifford Antone story. I call Clifford Antone "the gift from our Texas coast." His musical grace and independence for the blues and other good sounds secured our city for future generations. There is only one Clifford Antone, and there is only one KUT Radio. Mine goes way back through happy and sad times. I did not allow many to know me after that bad divorce publicized much. "It’ll get better, Cleo, go on and dance," he'd say.
I could dance like a maniac "many a night, for years to come" and go home alone. Clifford's embrace carried me. With the most respect I continue to mourn him. We made the headlines with our troubles. I had a very angry ex-husband who had some political strength. Fourteen years later God totally intervened.
The last 10 years I have been very sick, but I have had a vision from Clifford to live, sing, dance, laugh and re-enjoy my children even though they are grown now. My friends kept telling me to go to the club, and I did not. I am having such a hard time saying goodbye. It is so hard to see his picture without crying and wishing I had done what he asked me to do since the Seventies. I dreamed about Clifford and could not make sense of it. I returned from my cardiologist appointment to find out my beautiful friend had died. It just cannot be. And you know it just cannot be. I can barely walk. I went to the record store. I sat and looked across the street. I am truly blessed to have known his love and character. Clifford Antone gave me strength to live, as has George Lopez.
I went to see him at Güero's with my longtime boyfriend Keith. That hug is so special. He said I smelled good. I said that Cliff was back, and he said, "And Cleo’s back – still waiting for those songs." We also laughed about mozzarella cheese. What I have learned is do not hide your feelings no matter what.
Tears on my pillow probably forever.
Clotilde Cleopatra Jacobs Sofikitis
