About Michael Clarke (musician)
Michael Clarke (born Michael James Dick; June 3, 1946 – December 19, 1993) was an American musician, best known as the drummer for rock group the Byrds from 1964 to 1968. Clarke was later an original for country rock group The Flying Burrito Brothers (1969–1971) and rock group Firefall (1974–1980). Clarke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Byrds in 1991. He died in 1993, aged 47, from liver failure—a direct result of more than three decades of heavy alcohol consumption. == Early life == Clarke was born in New York City. His father was a pipefitter and his mother was an amateur musician. Clarke left home when he was 17 years old and hitchhiked to California to become a musician. == Career == === The Byrds === Clarke was nineteen years old and a jazz drummer when he met David Crosby while he was hitchhiking in California. Clarke then joined Crosby's group which became The Byrds. Clarke was not an accomplished musician prior to joining the Byrds but he had played the drums in his younger years.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.