Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

CLAYTON, Lee

(b 29 Oct. '42 Russelville AL) Nashville-based singer-songwriter who helped launch the '70s 'Outlaw' movement with song 'Ladies Love Outlaws' (album title song for Waylon Jennings '72). Former US Air Force jet pilot, launched recording career with acclaimed Lee Clayton album on MCA '73, songs covered by Willie Nelson, Jennings, Everly Bros; but further recordings for Capitol maintained an introspective style that pleased his cult following but failed commercially. Erotic love song "If You Can Touch Her At All' well-covered, U2's Bono describing him as a most influential country singer, and though Clayton has made several comebacks in the '80s he remained an acquired taste. Albums incl. Border Affair '78, Naked Child '79, The Dream Goes On '81, Another Night '89.