Born as Clarence Beeks in Oakdale, Tennessee,[1] he moved to New York City in the mid-1940s working as a bartender and became a fan of bebop music.
King Pleasure first gained attention by singing the Eddie Jefferson vocalese classic "Moody's Mood For Love", based on a 1949 James Moody saxophone solo to "I'm In The Mood For Love".
[1] Pleasure's 1952 recording, his first after signing a contract with the Prestige label, is considered a jazz classic; the female vocalist featured is Blossom Dearie.
Pleasure has been cited as a significant influence by Van Morrison, especially on his album Astral Weeks.
[3] Genya Ravan, drawing big inspiration for her singing from King Pleasure, recorded "Moody's Mood For Love" with James Moody on her 1972 CBS album Genya Ravan.