Jeff Clayton (February 16, 1954 â December 16, 2020) was an American jazz alto saxophonist and flautist.
Clayton studied oboe at California State University before dropping out to undertake a tour with Stevie Wonder. Following this, he recorded with Gladys Knight, Kenny Rogers, Michael Jackson, Patti LaBelle, and Madonna. With his brother John Clayton he founded The Clayton Brothers, in 1977, and later formed The ClaytonâÂÂHamilton Jazz Orchestra with drummer Jeff Hamilton.
He worked with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, Ethan Smith, and Lena Horne, and played in the Count Basie Orchestra while under the leadership of Thad Jones. From 1989 to 1991, he was a member of the Philip Morris Superband. He also toured with Gene Harris, Dianne Reeves, Joe Cocker, B. B. King, and Ray Charles.
Clayton died on December 16, 2020, after suffering from kidney cancer. He was 66 years old.
In December 2009, the album Brother to Brother by The Clayton Brothers received a Grammy Award nomination in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group category.
With The ClaytonâÂÂHamilton Jazz Orchestra
With The Clayton Brothers
With others