The release of his 1980 album, The Chief, on the Rooster Blues label, made him known on the Chicago blues scene. Two encores for Rooster Blues, Help Yourself (1992) and Mean Case of the Blues (1996), cemented Clearwater's reputation.
His 1980 album, The Chief, on the Rooster Blues label, brought him recognition in the Chicago blues scene. Two additional albums for Rooster Blues, Help Yourself (1992) and Mean Case of the Blues (1996), further established Clearwater's reputation.