Cliff Whyte Eulogy
“It is with a heavy heart I am writing today….. Two days ago we lost a member of the Bluesfest family, our beloved friend and associate Cliff Whyte.
Cliff was a giant of a man, literally, yet one of the most gentle, soft spoken, beautiful people you could ever meet.
He worked with us as a Tour Manager, and did this for us for the tours of Angelique Kidjo, Larry Graham & Graham Central Station, Shuggie Otis, Shawn Colvin, Beth Hart, Maceo Parker, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band, George Clinton/ Parliament Funkadelic and more.
In addition Cliff worked as an international TM for De La Soul, Public Enemy, Ice Cube, Coolio and Snoop Dogg to name a few.
Cliff was also a great FOH (front of house) mixer.
He also worked as a manager, including the Beat Boxer from Logan City Joel Turner Cliff Whyte was born in England, of Caribbean parentage, he came into the industry there, and met His bride to be Kylie, who worked as a publicist at Bluesfest, they married, Cliff moved to Australia, and they had two children, Levi and Isabella.
Cliff was in South Africa working, when he became unwell, came home and passed 10 days later. Those in our company who knew and loved Cliff are in shock, as of course is his family.
You will see at Bluesfest 2017 various fundraising activities for Cliff’s family. Please be involved.
There is also a fundraising page here: http://peoplepledge.com.au/clifton-whyte2016/
If you knew Cliff, or want to give, I know his family will be grateful. They need assistance to pay for his hospital bills, and other associated costs, and ongoing living expenses whilst they go through this harrowing time.
Cliff Whyte was a legend in our industry.
Please take a moment to think about him, one of the unsung heroes, who whilst well known in our industry, was not more widely known to the general public.
Without people like Cliff the stars don’t get to shine on stage.
Vale Cliff Whyte, a friend and a brother.
Both I and your friends at Bluesfest, as well as those in our industry will miss you!”
Peter Noble OAM
Bluesfest Festival Director
