Born in London to Jamaican parents, Clarke spent time as a child in Jamaica where he developed a love of reggae.
[1] In 1980 he began working on the London-based City Dread sound system as a deejay, and went on to join the Fine Style Crew.
[1] Continuing success and the that led to a contract with Columbia Records in 1994, Red becoming the first roots reggae artist signed by the label in over a decade.
[1] In 1995 he was voted top Roots and Culture Artist by the British Reggae Industry, and supported Lucky Dube in UK shows.
Danny Red has contributed vocals to recordings by other artists, including the track "Inspection" on Leftfield's Leftism album.