Clyde T. McPhatter, Jr.

Clyde T. McPhatter, Jr., known as “Nippy” to his family and friends was born on April 13, 1961. He was the first born of two children of Doris and Clyde T. McPhatter, Sr., in the Staten Island Army Hospital. 

            Clyde, received his High School Diploma in 1979 via GED.  He began his musical career when he was eight years old after receiving a guitar from his father as a Christmas gift, and never put it down.  Clyde formed his first band at the age of 15, Magic Funk Express and later studied jazz guitar at Five Towns Conservatory College in Long Island, New York.   His repertoire represents a wide variety of styles and influences including Gospel, Blues, Swing, Bebop and Contemporary Jazz.  He was influenced by Wes Montgomery, George Benson, B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix; and Clyde incorporated them in his own way to create the unique and outstanding sound, with which he delighted his audiences.

Clyde moved to Miami in 1984 where he shared the stage with numerous exceptional jazz musicians, such George Tandy, Tom Toyama, Mongo Stant Maria, Roberto Perera, Melton S. Mustafa and Nancy Wilson.  Performing at major festivals including Latin Meets Jazz, Jazz Heritage and The Pace All Star, to name a few.  In light of Clyde’s exceptional guitar playing, he collaborated with the ingenious keyboardist, Clifford Mitchell and along with a few terrific musicians created “Insight Productions.”   Clyde has played with musical groups such as, Blue Magic, Ray, Goodman and Brown, CeCe Peniston, Vesta Williams, Wilson Pickett, Mike Urbaniak/The Urbanators, and Stanley Turrentine.

Clyde T. McPhatter, Jr., departed this world on Saturday, October 29. 2022 and leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved Mother Doris, Sister Darlene, Brother in Law, Anthony, Nephew Kelvin; 4 children: Hagii, Yathniel, Yithream and Yerusha;  10 beautiful grandchildren, his special friend Evelyn and a host of cousins, family and friends.

Clyde was proceeded in death by his wife Lydia McPhatter, grandparents, Hulsey and Inez Patton, Grandmother Evelyn Martin, father, Clyde T. McPhatter, Sr., and beloved Aunt Clara Boutte.

 Clyde will always be remembered as one of the most talented guitar players, with the ability to hear a song one time and play it, for his willingness to teach others this craft, and his wonderful smile.

SERVICES: a visitation will be held at 3pm on Saturday, November 13, 2022 at St. Albans Gospel Assembly Church, 200 - 25 Liden Blvd., Queens, NY 11412, followed by a Funeral Service at 4pm.

The Family would like to invite you to share photos and memories of Nippy here on his Memorial page. Please submit your photos to AmbrusterChapel@yahoo.com.

To view shared photos, please click on the following link: Photo album

To view memorial video, please click on the following link: Video