Merry Clayton is a soul and gospel singer, whose voice has resonated through the annals of music history, carving a niche that transcends genres. Born on December 25, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Clayton's rich and emotive voice first caught public attention as a backup vocalist for some of the biggest names in the industry. She became known to a wider audience with her powerful and haunting backup vocals on the Rolling Stones' classic "Gimme Shelter" in 1969, a performance that remains one of the most iconic in rock history.

Her solo career, marked by its blend of gospel roots and soulful flair, has seen several notable releases, including the soulfully articulate album "Merry Clayton" in 1971 and the soundtrack album "Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow" in 1975, which featured her single of the same name. In addition to her work with the Rolling Stones, Clayton has lent her dynamic vocals to performances and recordings with artists such as Ray Charles, Carole King, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Despite facing personal tragedies and a severe car accident in 2014 that resulted in the amputation of both her legs, Clayton continues to inspire with releases like "Beautiful Scars" (2021) and "Touch The Hem Of His Garment", showcasing her resilience and enduring talent. Her life and career are testament to the indomitable spirit of an artist who has truly left an indelible mark on the tapestry of American music.

Genres

Classic Soul

Related Artists

Tina Turner

Aretha Franklin

Mavis Staples

Etta James

Chaka Khan

Patti LaBelle

Dusty Springfield

Dionne Warwick

Gladys Knight

Darlene Love

Otis Redding

Nina Simone

Latest Release

Beautiful Scars

Merry Clayton

Album - 10 Tracks - Released April 9, 2021