Clarence "Frogman" Henry, photo by Kim Welsh

Clarence “Frogman” Henry continues to live in home severely damaged by Hurricane Ida

Hurricane Ida destroyed or severely damaged thousands of homes in south Louisiana after the category 4 storm roared ashore on August 29. WWL-TV in New Orleans reports that among those whose homes have been made all but unlivable is New Orleans R&B singer Clarence “Frogman” Henry. His residence in Algiers suffered extensive roof damage which has led to collapsed ceilings and a mold outbreak, yet the music icon continues to live amid the damage while he awaits his insurance claim.

WWL reports, “Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry’s Algiers home is a treasure trove of his decades in the limelight. Along with hundreds of frog collectibles, there are pictures with Jimmy Buffet, Dr. John, Fats Domino, Ivana Trump, Allen Toussaint and the Beatles.” Henry toured with the Fab Four for 21 days as the opening act of their 1964 US tour.

Hurricane Katrina dealt the property a heavy blow  in 2005, damaging Henry’s first piano, and now the 84-year-old must rebuild again. WWL reports, “His bedroom is unlivable after Ida’s rainwater poured into the shredded roof. His closet is a mold and mildew debris pile.” His vinyl record collection was destroyed along with all of his clothes.

Henry rode out the storm at the home of his daughter, Cathy Henry, but returned to his damaged dwelling where he has remained since, shutting the doors to the most damaged rooms and sleeping on a spare twin bed or a sofa.

The singer who made the song “Ain’t Got No Home” his first hit in 1956 has yet to receive any payout from insurance and the deductible weighs heavily on his mind.

“It’s been over a month. I should have received something,” Henry said to WWL.

Watch the television report here.