Gary Clark Jr.: The Electrifying Blues Rock Icon & Super Bowl Commercial Star
- Gary Clark Jr. is a Grammy-winning rock and blues artist renowned for his genre-blending sound.
- He captivated audiences in Workday’s Super Bowl LVII commercial, appearing alongside legendary rock figures.
- A dedicated family man, he shares three children with his wife, supermodel Nicole Trunfio.
- Clark Jr. has performed on *Saturday Night Live* and has made significant contributions to film and television soundtracks.
The Super Bowl commercial slot is one of the most coveted platforms for any artist, a true mark of mainstream recognition and cultural impact. For blues rock virtuoso Gary Clark Jr., landing a spot in Workday’s first-ever Super Bowl commercial alongside rock royalty like Joan Jett, Ozzy Osbourne, and Billy Idol, was a testament to his undeniable “rockstar” status. The advertisement playfully explored the misuse of the phrase “You’re a rockstar!” by corporate America, with these genuine legends setting the record straight. Clark Jr.’s inclusion in this elite lineup underscores his unique position in modern music, bridging the gap between traditional blues and contemporary rock with his raw talent and electrifying presence.
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Gary Clark Jr. burst onto the national scene with his 2011 debut EP, *Bright Lights*. This EP made history by becoming the first ever to receive a leading review in the prestigious *Rolling Stone* magazine, signaling the arrival of a major new talent. His sound is a masterful fusion of blues, rock, soul, and R&B, delivered with a captivating intensity that has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated global fanbase. Through his powerful guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and genre-defying compositions, Clark Jr. has not only modernized the blues but also carved out a distinctive niche in the broader music landscape.
His 2012 album, *Blak and Blu*, further solidified his reputation, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the standout track “Please Come Home.” Beyond commercial success, Clark Jr. has consistently used his platform to address important social and political issues, most notably with his critically acclaimed 2019 album, *This Land*. This album, deeply influenced by personal experiences and the political climate, demonstrated his courage as an artist and his commitment to authentic expression. As we delve deeper, let’s explore more about the journey and achievements of this truly impressive musician.
1. Gary Clark Jr.’s Impactful *Saturday Night Live* Debut
The stage of *Saturday Night Live* has hosted countless legendary musical performances, and Gary Clark Jr.’s debut on February 16, 2019, was no exception. He delivered a searing performance of his single “This Land,” a powerful anthem that served as a precursor to the release of his album of the same name. The song and album were deeply personal and politically charged, reflecting the turbulent social and political landscape of the time.
In a February 2019 interview with *Billboard*, Clark Jr. opened up about the profound influence of the 2016 presidential election on his creative process. He explained, “At the time when I was writing this album, it was right around the election, so late 2016. It makes sense for me to pay attention to what kind of world is going on around me so I can tell my [two young] children what’s happening in it so we can figure out how to maneuver through this thing and make it the best that we can.” His desire to educate his children and navigate a complex world fueled the album’s urgent themes.
Adding another layer of personal context, Clark Jr. revealed in an interview with *NPR* that a racist incident with a neighbor “right in the middle of Trump country” directly inspired aspects of *This Land*. He recounted how this neighbor refused to believe he owned his own home, repeatedly demanding to speak to the “owner.” The alleged comment, “There’s no way you can live here,” highlighted the systemic prejudices he faced, transforming personal pain into a universal message through his art. His *SNL* performance brought this crucial message to a massive audience, further cementing his role as an artist unafraid to speak truth to power.
2. Collaborations with Music’s Biggest Legends
Throughout his career, Gary Clark Jr. has had the extraordinary privilege of sharing stages with some of the most iconic figures in music history. His collaborations and performances alongside legends such as Eric Clapton, B. B. King, and the Rolling Stones are a testament to his immense talent and the respect he commands from his peers. These experiences have not only shaped his musical journey but also fulfilled a childhood dream.
In a candid 2017 interview with *UPROXX*, Clark Jr. vividly recalled a pivotal moment from his youth: “22 years ago, I was sitting watching TV. It was Austin City Limits with Eric Clapton and Jimmie Vaughan, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, doing a tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan. I was sitting there with my guitar and I was like ‘I want to do that one day.’” For Clark Jr. to later find himself on stage with Clapton and Vaughan, the very musicians who inspired him, was a profound full-circle experience. He reflected, “To be here right where I’m at, playing these shows with [Eric] and Jimmie, I feel like this sense of accomplishment, but I also feel like I’m just getting started. For them to be so cool and welcome me in is like, I feel like the new kid so I’m trying to be cool and not say anything stupid.” This humility, combined with his raw skill, has made him a favorite collaborator among seasoned artists.
When asked about playing alongside Eric Clapton, the legendary English rock and blues artist, Clark Jr. humbly admitted that he prefers to follow Clapton’s lead. “Honestly, I just kind of, I just fall back and I let him take control. He’s the captain, you know what I mean?” This deference speaks volumes about his respect for his mentors while also highlighting his ability to seamlessly blend his unique style within the framework of a legend’s performance.
Beyond the blues and rock legends, Gary Clark Jr. has also crossed into other genres, notably performing the captivating guitar solo on Childish Gambino’s 2016 track “The Night Me and Your Mama Met” from the acclaimed album *Awaken, My Love!* In a 2017 interview with *Rolling Stone*, Clark Jr. lauded Gambino (Donald Glover) as “the most forward-thinking artist of our time,” indicating his broad appreciation for innovation across the musical spectrum. These diverse collaborations underscore Clark Jr.’s versatility and his ability to connect with artists from various backgrounds, expanding his artistic reach and influence.
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3. Gary Clark Jr.’s Admiration for Contemporary Artists
Gary Clark Jr.’s distinctive sound is a tapestry woven from various musical threads, making him an artist who not only respects the greats of the past but also keenly follows and draws inspiration from contemporary musicians across different genres. His willingness to dip his toes into various styles allows him to maintain a fresh perspective and constantly evolve his own craft.
In his interview with *UPROXX*, Clark Jr. expressed his admiration for a diverse array of hip-hop artists, highlighting their unique contributions to modern music. “I like what Big K.R.I.T. does. J. Cole. I like rapper producers. I like guys who can put the whole thing together and have a full-on vision and present that,” he stated. This appreciation for artists who possess a comprehensive creative vision—from production to lyrical storytelling—speaks to Clark Jr.’s own meticulous approach to music making.
He also declared himself a fan of Kanye West, recognizing West’s unparalleled ability to challenge conventions. “I like how he’s another one who pushes the boundaries, you know what I mean? ‘What’s that guy doing?’ The next thing you know people are like… it worked!” This observation reflects Clark Jr.’s own propensity to defy categorization and explore new sonic territories, always striving to innovate rather than conform.
Expanding on his hip-hop influences, Clark Jr. continued, “Jay-Z is just swag, you know what I mean? Just attitude. Flavor. Nas. Let’s see, Run the Jewels, of course. Kendrick [Lamar], I think whatever is going on with him, we’ve just reached the surface of what he’s going to do, not even just as a musician but as a dude.” His words paint a picture of an artist who deeply respects the cultural impact, lyrical prowess, and boundary-breaking creativity of these figures. For Clark Jr., these artists represent more than just musicians; they are cultural forces whose work resonates far beyond their individual tracks, influencing generations and pushing the very definition of artistry.
4. Gary Clark Jr.’s Ventures in Film and Television
Gary Clark Jr.’s talents extend beyond the concert stage and recording studio, making significant contributions to both film and television. His music has a cinematic quality that lends itself perfectly to visual storytelling, and he has also ventured into acting, showcasing his multifaceted artistic capabilities.
In 2010, Clark Jr. and his band made an appearance in an episode of the critically acclaimed television series *Friday Night Lights*, further exposing his raw, authentic sound to a broader audience. His songs have also been featured prominently in various major motion pictures, adding depth and atmosphere to diverse narratives. Notable examples include his music appearing in the baseball drama *Trouble with the Curve* and the intense disaster film *Deepwater Horizon*. These placements highlight the versatility of his music, proving it can evoke emotion and enhance storytelling across different genres of film.
Beyond his musical contributions to soundtracks, Clark Jr. has also demonstrated his acting chops. He starred in the 2007 film *Honeydripper*, a drama set in the 1950s about a blues club owner, where he could naturally blend his musical talent with his acting role. More recently, he took on the role of influential blues singer-songwriter Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup in Baz Luhrmann’s highly anticipated 2022 biopic, *Elvis*. This role allowed him to pay homage to a foundational figure in rock and roll history, further cementing his connection to the roots of American music. His appearances in both independent and major productions underscore his growing presence in the entertainment industry as a whole.
5. Gary Clark Jr.: A Dedicated Husband and Father
While Gary Clark Jr.’s professional life is marked by intense creativity and global recognition, his personal life is grounded in his role as a husband and father. He shares a beautiful family with his Australian-born supermodel wife, Nicole Trunfio. The couple’s journey began with a four-year courtship, culminating in a picturesque wedding in 2016 at the luxurious Colony Palms Hotel in Palm Springs, California.
At the time of their wedding, Gary and Nicole were already proud parents to their first child, a son named Zion, who was 15 months old. Their family has since expanded with the arrival of two more children: their daughter Gia “Gigi” Leblane Clark, now 5, and their youngest, daughter Ella Wolf Clark, who is 2. The couple frequently shares glimpses of their family life, often featuring their children in their posts, showcasing their joy and dedication as parents.
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Nicole beautifully announced the arrival of their third child, Ella Wolf, on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt black and white photo of her hand cradling her newborn’s. Her caption radiated joy and love: “So in love with you … 02.21.2020 … 8.1lbs of yummy … welcome to this world my baby girl … your mummy and daddy and brother and sister love you so so so so much already. You are MAGIC … Thank you @garyclarkjr for this gift …. #luckynumber3.” This intimate glimpse into their family life reveals a side of Gary Clark Jr. that complements his formidable stage persona—that of a devoted husband and loving father, balancing the demands of a rockstar career with the joys of family life.
From his Grammy wins and electrifying live performances to his poignant songwriting and memorable appearances in major cultural events like the Super Bowl, Gary Clark Jr. continues to redefine what it means to be a modern music icon. His ability to fuse disparate genres, his commitment to social commentary, and his deep respect for both the legends and innovators of music mark him as an artist of profound substance and lasting influence. As he continues his journey, his legacy as a true rockstar—in every sense of the word—is firmly secured.