John Clayton
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Oral History Information
Interview Date
Job Title
Musician, Bassist
John Clayton loves music! Since the age of 16, the future Grammy winner enjoyed being able to express himself with his music. He studied with Ray Brown before becoming the bassist for Henry Mancini while he was still a teenager. He toured with the Monty Alexander Trio and the Count Basie Orchestra before taking the position of principal bass in the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra in Amsterdam, Netherlands. After returning to the United States he helped form the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra with his saxophonist brother Jeff and drummer Jeff Hamilton. John has also recorded and toured with Diana Krall, Whitney Houston, and Dee Dee Bridgewater as well as providing private teaching sessions.