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.
The release of his 1980 album, The Chief, on the Rooster Blues label, increased his presence in the Chicago blues scene. Two subsequent albums for Rooster Blues, Help Yourself (1992) and Mean Case of the Blues (1996), enhanced Clearwater's standing.