Originally from England, Clive Wilson arrived in New Orleans in 1964 and eventually settled in New Orleans, studying trumpet with some of the legends such as Kid Howard, DeDe Pierce, Punch Miller and Alvin Alcorn. He gained further experience as a member of the Young Tuxedo Brass Band and the orchestra of Papa French.

Since forming the Original Camellia Jazz Band in 1979, Clive has toured and recorded many times with the clarinetist Herb Hall and the pianist Jeanette Kimball.

In 2001, he assembled the New Orleans Serenaders with the pianist Butch Thompson, initially to celebrate the centennial of Louis Armstrong's birth. From their success at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, this band has toured in Britain, and played at many jazz festivals in Switzerland.