As the Whig Party emerged in 1832-34, Clay immediately became its dominant leader. Clay ran for president five times but was never able to win, though in expectation of his election to the presidency, a massive set of Gothic Revival bedroom furniture was commissioned by some of Clay's wealthy supporters that would fit in the White House master bedroom.

In a twist fate, the failed campaigns for presidency guided him to his true destiny. He hocked the furniture and bought a Fender and a Marshall half stack. He gathered his best Jewish friends and the rest is history.