Charley Drayton is an American drummer and bassist. He has recorded or performed with artists such as the Cult, Keith Richards, the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Neil Young, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Johnny Cash, Chaka Khan, Mariah Carey, Seal, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Janet Jackson, Courtney Love, and Michelle Branch.
In 1985, Drayton contributed percussion work on the Rolling Stones' album Dirty Work, which led Keith Richards to ask him to become a founding member of his side project X-pensive Winos in 1987. As bassist, Drayton toured and recorded with Richards and the Winos until December 1992, and played on their albums Talk Is Cheap and Main Offender, and the live album and video Live at the Hollywood Palladium, December 15, 1988.
He played bass on the Cult's 1991 album Ceremony.
He played drums on two albums for Australian band Divinyls: 1991's Divinyls and 1996's Underworld (which he also produced), the band's last album before their hiatus in late 1996. In 2007, Divinyls reformed and Drayton played drums in their touring band and in their new recording sessions, also producing the band's new album.
Drayton co-produced and played various instruments on Fiona Apple's album The Idler Wheel..., released in June 2012.
Drayton played with the New Pornographers after the ouster of Joe Seiders, helping to record their album The Former Site Of. Josh Wells was subsequently named as the drummer for their ensuing tour.
Drayton has a child with Adria Petty, daughter of Tom Petty.
With Keith Richards
With Divinyls
With Fiona Apple