Joe Clay, born Claiborne Joseph Cheramie on September 9, 1939, and passed away on September 26, 2016, was an American rockabilly musician. Hailing from Gretna, Louisiana, Joe Clay began his musical pursuits at an early age, creating a sound that encapsulated the fervent spirit of rockabilly—a genre that combined country and rhythm and blues, and played a key role in the foundation of rock and roll. His early singles like "Ducktail" and "Sixteen Chicks" caught the attention of a young audience hungry for a fresh sound, although they failed to achieve significant commercial success at the time.

Despite his initial foray into music, Joe Clay's early career didn't gain the traction he had hoped for, leading him to eventual obscurity. Yet, the later revival of rockabilly music breathed new life into his career. During the 1980s, the rockabilly scene saw a resurgence in Europe and the United States, prompting a reevaluation of artists like Joe Clay. Taking the stage once again, his enthusiastic performances and authentic sound endeared him to new generations of fans. Albums like "The Legend Is Now" and "Rock-a-Billy Classics" served as testaments to his enduring talent. With a musical style characterised by its raw energy and unbridled enthusiasm, Joe Clay's contributions to rockabilly have assured him a revered place in the genre's history.