Biography
Merry Clayton, born December 25, 1948, in Gert Town, New Orleans, Louisiana, emerged from a deeply musical and spiritual upbringing—her father was Reverend A.G. Williams Clayton, Sr., and she spent her early years singing gospel at New Zion Baptist Church. After her family relocated to Los Angeles, Clayton's prodigious talent was nurtured in local church choirs and by members of the influential vocal group The Blossoms, who introduced her to the world of studio recording while she was still a teenager.
Clayton began her professional career at just 14, recording a duet with Bobby Darin and releasing the first version of 'The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss).' She soon became a sought-after session and background vocalist, most famously providing the searing duet vocals alongside Mick Jagger on The Rolling Stones' 'Gimme Shelter,' a performance now considered iconic in rock history. Her powerful, emotionally charged voice also graced recordings by Ray Charles (as a member of The Raelettes), Neil Young, Carole King, and many others, while she pursued a solo career with albums like 'Gimme Shelter' and collaborations on projects such as 'Dylan’s Gospel.'
Clayton's musical style is rooted in gospel, soul, and classic rock, characterized by her commanding vocal presence and ability to convey deep emotion. Her legacy, once largely behind the scenes, was brought to the forefront by the documentary '20 Feet From Stardom,' which celebrated the vital contributions of background singers and earned her long-overdue recognition as a foundational figure in American music.
Fun Facts
- Merry Clayton was named 'Merry' because she was born on Christmas Day.
- Her father would only allow her to see Ray Charles perform live, reflecting his protective nature and respect for Charles as a musician.
- Clayton's performance on 'Gimme Shelter' was recorded late at night while she was pregnant; the intensity of her vocals is legendary, and her voice cracked on a high note, which was kept in the final mix.
- She was nicknamed 'Little Haley' as a child because parishioners thought she sounded like a young Mahalia Jackson.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Eddie Kendrix - Taught Clayton group singing and led the Kendrix Specials, influencing her early gospel technique (Simpson Records 45 'Lord Save Me') [early 1960s]
- The Blossoms (Darlene Love, Fanita James, Jean King) - Guided Clayton into the Los Angeles studio scene and treated her as a protégé (Various early studio sessions) [early 1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Ray Charles - Clayton was a featured singer with The Raelettes, Charles' backing group (Tangerine Records LP 'Souled Out', live and studio performances) [1966–1968]
- Mick Jagger / The Rolling Stones - Duet vocalist on the iconic track 'Gimme Shelter' ('Gimme Shelter' (1969))
- Bobby Darin - Recorded her first professional duet and early singles under his mentorship ('Who Can I Count On? (When I Can't Count on You)') [1962–1963]
- Neil Young - Provided backing vocals on Young's debut album and performed with him on television (Neil Young's debut album, PBS program 'Soul') [late 1960s–1970]
- Carole King - Participated in sessions for King's landmark album ('Tapestry')
- Curtis Amy - Collaborated musically and was her husband ('Please Send Me Someone to Love' on Amy's 'Mustang' LP)
Artists Influenced
- Lisa Fischer - Inspired by Clayton's work as a powerhouse background vocalist and featured in '20 Feet From Stardom' ('20 Feet From Stardom')
- Contemporary soul and gospel singers - Cited Clayton's vocal style and career as a model for background singers seeking solo recognition (Various) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Merry Clayton | 1971-03-16 | Album |
| Gimme Shelter | 1970-03-16 | Album |
| FATHER SON | 2025-05-16 | Album |
| Sugar | 2014-01-01 | Album |
| Emotion | 1980-01-01 | Album |
| Beautiful Scars | 2021-04-09 | Album |
| Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow | 1975-03-16 | Album |
| Sugar | 2014-01-01 | Album |
| Back in the Day, Pt. 2 | 2025-08-15 | Album |
| Back in the Day | 2025-08-15 | Album |
| Beautiful Scars | 2021-04-09 | Album |
| Sugar | 2014-04-23 | Album |
| Sugar | 2014-01-01 | Album |
| Dirty Dancing - 20th Anniversary Edition | 2007-05-01 | Album |
| Ultimate Dirty Dancing | 2004-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Yes - From "Dirty Dancing" Soundtrack
- Southern Man (Merry Clayton)
- Gimme Shelter (Gimme Shelter)
- Black Coffee (feat. Merry Clayton) (Eat At Whitey's)
- Yes
- The Times They Are a Changing (Dylan's Gospel)
- Mystery of Love
- One Night Romance (Sugar)
- After All This Time (Merry Clayton)
- Grandma's Hands (Merry Clayton)
External Links
Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #soul
References
Heard on WWOZ
merry clayton has been played 16 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.