Doctor Clayton
Doctor Clayton (actually Peter Joe Clayton ; born April 19, 1898 in Georgia , † January 7, 1947 in Chicago , Illinois ) was an American blues singer and songwriter.
Life
Clayton was probably born in Georgia in 1898, although he himself claimed to have come from Africa with his parents. Clayton married in St. Louis and had four children. In 1937 his entire family was killed in a fire. After that he became addicted to alcohol and led an unsettled life. He went to Chicago with Robert Lockwood to make music there.
Doctor Clayton died in 1947 of complications from pneumonia. Big Bill Broonzy reported that there were only 10 people in attendance at the funeral, including himself and Tampa Red .
Career
Doctor Clayton's first recordings were made in 1935. He appeared exclusively as a singer and successfully wrote songs. His best known pieces include 41 Blues , Pearl Harbor Blues , Cheating And Lying Blues , Hold That Train Conductor , Gotta Find My Baby , Root Doctor , Angels in Harlem , On The Killing Floor and I Need My Baby . Some of Clayton's pieces were later re-recorded by BB King .
Discography
- Doctor Clayton: Complete Recorded Works 1935-42 (1994, Document DOCD-5179)
- Doctor Clayton & His Buddies: Complete Recorded Works - 1946-47 (1994, Old Tramp OTCD-005)
Web links
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Clayton, Doctor |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Clayton, Peter Joe (real name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American blues singer and songwriter |
| DATE OF BIRTH | April 19, 1898 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Georgia |
| DATE OF DEATH | January 7, 1947 |
| Place of death | Chicago , Illinois |